In those days, upriver travel was exceedingly slow, and it could take days to travel a few miles on the water because the boats were often towed by horses or oxen on the shoreline. Going by land often was not possible because roads were few, and often, the routes were very circuitous and dangerous. As a result of the new northbound traffic, settlements saw a boom in business growth, and homes and businesses sprang up. Over the years, Upper Black Eddy, PA became a favorite vacation spot for Philadelphia inhabitants seeking an escape from the humid heat. President Grover Cleveland is said to have favored this town for his vacations, as well.

Unfortunately, the original tavern and hotel, called the Black Eddy Inn, was demolished in 2010. There are still several homes and structures that date back to this time, however.

The closest large town is Easton about 16 miles north.