Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Guide
Towpaths and Tranquility: Explore the D&R Canal Guide
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life at the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, a linear park stretching 70 miles across central New Jersey. This scenic waterway offers a tranquil retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a peaceful connection with nature. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, paddle, or simply relax by the water, the D&R Canal provides a diverse range of recreational opportunities. The Delaware and Raritan Canal played a vital role in New Jersey's industrial past. Completed in 1834, the canal connected the Delaware River to the Raritan River, providing a crucial transportation route for goods and materials between Philadelphia and New York City. For nearly a century, canal boats laden with coal, iron, and other commodities traversed the waterway, fueling the state's economic growth. Today, the canal is no longer used for commercial navigation, but its legacy lives on in the preserved towpaths, locks, and aqueducts that line its banks. The D&R Canal State Park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The towpath, once used by mules to pull canal boats, is now a popular trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular options, allowing you to explore the canal from a different perspective. Fishing is permitted in designated areas, and birdwatchers will find a diverse array of avian species along the waterway. While there are no specific culinary traditions associated with the canal itself, many charming towns along its route offer a variety of restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
Transportation
Access points to the D&R Canal State Park vary depending on the section you wish to visit. In the Princeton area, you can access the canal from various points along Alexander Road and Washington Road. Check local bus routes for service to these roads, but be prepared for a walk to the towpath. Parking is available at designated access points.