Fishing

Populations of fish such as shad, striped bass and catfish are increasing in the Delaware River’s healthier waters. Many of the fish in the Tidal Delaware are anadromous, meaning they spend most of their lives in salty sea water, but venture up freshwater rivers to spawn.

Grab your bait and tackle, and catch some fun along the riverfront, or from a boat – some people even fish from their kayaks. Visit PA Fish and Boat Commission to learn about local fishing opportunities, and check out the Philadelphia Angler’s Club www.fishguys.org for information about sustainable fishing in Philadelphia, tips on catching carp, discussion forums and photos, or check out Boundless Philadelphia’s web site boundlessphiladelphia.com for additional fishing opportunities in the region.

Bird watching

Although much of the region along the Tidal Delaware River is highly developed, freshwater tidal marshes located in the water trail area provide important feeding areas for migratory birds, especially red-winged blackbirds, waterfowl such as pintails, black ducks, mallards, and blue-winged teal; and wading birds.

Get your binoculars to see and open your ears to hear the birds in the region. Visit Audubon PA’s web site to learn more about the designated Important Bird Areas in the region, and how to birdwatch in a respectful way.

Other wildlife

Aquatic, wetland, and upland areas in and along the Delaware estuary also provide a rich variety of habitats for invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Wildlife spotted throughout the area includes bull frogs, green frogs, painted turtles, deer and fox.

Remember to watch out for wildlife when traveling to your boat launch locations as well.

Plants

The unique landscape along the Delaware River provides a look at aquatic, freshwater marsh and upland species. See plants such as freshwater eelgrass, spatterdock, Indian wild rice, water hemp, dogwood, red maple and swamp ash.

Picnics

Several locations along the Water Trail offer space for picnics. These include Neshaminy State Park, Palmyra Cove Nature Park and Little Tinicum Island among others. Be respectful of picnic areas by using garbage and recycling cans or pack out your garbage.

Scenery/photos

From sweeping skyline views to delicate natural wonders, the entire length of the Tidal Delaware Water trail is a photographer’s dream. Be sure to photo capture the plants and wildlife you see along the way, as well as moments you share with your friends and family. Remember to keep your camera dry!

Geocaching

Take part in the latest adventure game for GPS device users. People and organizations have set up geocache sites all over the world – including along the Tidal Delaware River. They place a geocache container somewhere and share the location of the caches so you can track them down.

Adventurers use GPS coordinates to locate the geocache container, which usually includes a log book and perhaps a prize. General geocaching rules ask that if you take something, please leave something for the next person. At the very least, check out who else has tracked down the cache and add your name to the list! Remember, don’t leave trash or food in a geocache container. Visit www.geocaching.com to check out the nearly 50 existing sites along the Delaware River and add your own.

Hiking

For your land-lubber moments, combine your water adventure with a hike! Riverfront and river accessible hikes along the Tidal Delaware include the Delaware Canal towpath (accessible near Bristol), Neshaminy State Park trails, Palmyra Cove Nature Park trails, and John Heinz Wildlife Refuge trails. Most trails are gravel surfaces but involve no gain in elevation.

Islands

Take a look at the region’s uninhabited side! Many islands along the Delaware River are private property, but still offer a look at the natural vegetation and wildlife that grows along the shore. Little Tinicum Island, southwest of the Philadelphia International Airport, and Amico Island in Delanco, NJ are accessible and offer boaters the opportunity to experience Pennsylvania’s unique river ecology.

Parks

Riverfront parks line the banks of the Delaware River. Some, like Palmyra Cove Nature Park, Neshaminy State Park and Barry Bridge Park serve as access points for boaters who want to launch into the river or access from the river. Others, like Penn Treaty Park, Pennypack Park and Gov. Printz Park, are enjoyable by sight only.

Points of Interest

Historic mansions and estates, battlefields, museums, sports stadiums, industrial sites, gardens, restaurants and ships line the Tidal Delaware Water Trail. As you travel along the river you may find yourself staring at an old power generation plant, William Penn’s country home, a Revolutionary War fort, or stadiums of some of the biggest sport teams in the nation. There are many places to see and things to do along the riverfront.