Mongaup River

KCCNY’s ‘home run’, 3 miles of clean water with 15 scheduled releases per year and lots more ‘energy releases’.
A nice step up from the Lehigh for aspiring beginners with enough play and features to keep advanced paddlers entertained.

We  meet either at:

• Off season/more common meeting place: USNPS Upper Delaware River Information Kiosk and Boat Launch. 
  From Port Jervis, just after crossing the Mongaup, turn left into the large gravel parking lot.
• Or during nice weather or the Delaware is high and for most BBQs on the south side of NY 97 just west of the Mongaup – what is affectionately known as the make out take out (thanks to some long standing graffiti) . https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z1BTFWgfXeC6rEkw5   From Port Jervis, just after crossing the Mongaup, turn right (north) on 31 and then right again on the dirt road after 600 feet.

Mongaup Rio Powerhouse with 1 barrel

The put in is at 46 Power House Rd, Glen Spey, NY 12737. https://maps.app.goo.gl/tE7dFkDg2PoWYSju7

Don’t speed on the dirt road and be a good neighbor up there. We’ve had serious problems with the neighbors in the past.

Releases are 1 tube or barrel (about 500 cfs) and 2 tubes (~1000 cfs).

1. One tube requires more maneuvering but has less push making it easier for the less experienced. 1 barrel is practically our definition of a class 2. Swims are bony.
2. Two tubes covers a lot more of the rocks which gives flow, holes and power and is practically our definition of a 2+. Swims on some sections can be exciting.

Rio Whitewater Schedule.

They also publish their energy release schedule a day or 2 ahead of time. In general the hotter and wetter it is the more likely they’ll be be making power. Unfortunately power needs are lower on weekends. Hot summer afternoons with only a few on the river are something special.

For more details on the Mongaup River Whitewater section see American Whitewater.

Relicensing (which should double the # of releases). As of Spring 2025 our government is in chaos so who knows when it will be approved.

Mongaup is closed Dec. 1 – April 1 for eagle nesting. Eagles are easily scared off a nest they are establishing. (By April 1st they’ve laid eggs are less easily scared off).
We’ve all enjoyed the eagles nesting at the our favorite mid river stop below the lunch boof.This regional gem has regularly scheduled recreational releases and frequent power releases from Rio Dam.