We spent an awesome and super fun day rafting down the Delaware River with Indian Head Canoes.

Indian Head Canoes has three locations Barryville, Matamoras, and Sparrowbush (Knights Eddy). We arrived at the Sparrow Bush Office and checked in. Once they ascertained that our waivers were signed we crossed the street to the launching site. The friendly and professional staff fitted us each with a life jacket and made sure we all understood the safety protocol before boarding our rafts for our self-guided 6-mile trip on the river from Knights Eddy to Matamoras.

There is nothing like leisurely floating along the Delaware River through the Hawk’s Nest scenic area framed by the beautiful mountains. We especially enjoyed the thrilling whitewater rapids. The rapids gave the rafting a fun twist and bounce and added an exciting element to the ride.

The 6-mile trip we took generally takes 3-4 hours depending on the river level and how many stops or breaks you take. Once out on the river we were free to swim, wade, splash, pull over and stop at the side (as long as there was no sign marking the area as private property). We were able to take our time enjoying the trip as long as we pulled into the Matamoras docking site by 6:00 p.m.

The rafts hold a maximum of 6 people (minimum of 3 people is required). Indian Head has additional options of tubing, kayaking or canoeing for less people or if you just prefer those water activities. Take note that children must be a minimum of 30 pounds to ride in rafts, 50 pounds in canoes/kayaks, and 65 pounds in tubes.

At one point during our trip I noticed how both the adults and children in our group were enjoying the trip immensely. There were no complaints whatsoever. Everyone was just in their element having wholesome fun. That was when I realized what a successful family destination it is.

Take your river trip to the next level and stay in one of the Cabins or plan a camping trip at the Indian Head Canoes site.

Posted: August 7, 2025