What water level is good for paddling West Branch Delaware River — Hale Eddy to Balls Eddy?

This section is generally runnable at 150–2,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check West Branch Delaware River levels?

We read USGS gauge 01426500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is West Branch Delaware River — Hale Eddy to Balls Eddy good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle West Branch Delaware River here?

Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float West Branch Delaware River — Hale Eddy to Balls Eddy?

This reach is about 6 miles, roughly 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

West Branch Delaware River — Hale Eddy to Balls Eddy: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class I6 mi · ~3 hrWest Branch Delaware RiverNew York

Verdict · updated Oct 18, 8:45 AM UTC

Good to paddle

Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.

Estimated range

351 cfs

2.4 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 01426500

Runnable 150 – 2,500 cfs

01502,5002,970

What this means today

At 351 cfs the West Branch Delaware River is inside the runnable range but only 201 cfs above the 150 cfs floor, so it is sitting at the shallow end of what this reach runs at. A dry few days would take it under.

Over the last 24 hours it has gone from 420 cfs to 351 cfs, 16% down. Daily means over the past 7 days have run between 311 cfs and 604 cfs, 33% lower at the end of the week than the start.

Paddling Hale Eddy to Balls Eddy

West Branch Delaware River at Hale Eddy to Balls Eddy is a 6-mile Class I run in New York — easygoing moving water with light riffles and nothing technical. Most paddlers put in at Hale Eddy bridge access and take out at Balls Eddy access, a trip that runs about 3 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 150–2,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the West Branch Delaware River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 01426500 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable April–October. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class I
Length: 6 mi
Float time: ~3 hr
Best months: April–October
Put-in: Hale Eddy bridge access ↗
Take-out: Balls Eddy access

Reading USGS gauge 01426500 — WEST BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER AT HALE EDDY NY ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling West Branch Delaware River — Hale Eddy to Balls Eddy?: This section is generally runnable at 150–2,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check West Branch Delaware River levels?: We read USGS gauge 01426500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is West Branch Delaware River — Hale Eddy to Balls Eddy good for beginners?: This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle West Branch Delaware River here?: Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float West Branch Delaware River — Hale Eddy to Balls Eddy?: This reach is about 6 miles, roughly 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

No reading