The Delaware and
Raritan Canal State Park is one of central New Jersey’s
most popular recreational corridors for canoeing, jogging,
hiking, bicycling, fishing and horseback riding. The canal
and towpath are part of the National Recreational Trail System.
The 70-mile linear park is a valuable wildlife corridor connecting
fields and forests.
With its 19th-century bridges, bridgetender
houses, past and present locks, cobblestone spillways and
hand-built stone-arched culverts, the canal is a tremendous
attraction for history lovers. The upper reach of the feeder
canal wanders through quaint New Jersey towns along the Delaware
River such as Stockton and Lambertville. The main canal passes
the Port Mercer canal house, through the charming village
of Griggstown to Blackwells Mills, ending up in New Brunswick.
Canoes can be rented at Griggstown and Princeton from private
concessionaires.
Most of the canal system remains intact
today and is a reminder of the days when the delivery of freight
depended upon a team of mules or steam tugboats. Nearly 36
miles of the main canal and 22 miles of the feeder canal still
exist, with many historic structures along the canal.
Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean
and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided
throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.
Access for Persons with Disabilities |
The towpath and recreational facilities at D&R Canal state park are partially accessible for persons with disabilities. Please contact the park office for further information regarding disability access needs. Text telephone (TT) users, call the New Jersey Relay Service at (800) 852-7899.
Prallsville Mills, Route 29,
Stockton |
This charming 19th-century
mill complex contains both grist and linseed oil mills. The
site is leased and operated by the Delaware River Mill Society,
which sponsors concerts and other programs on site. For information
about programs, call (609) 397-3586.
Griggstown, Franklin Township, Somerset County |
The wooden canal bridge, the Mule tender's
Barracks, the Bridge tender's House and station and
the site of the Griggstown Mill are situated along the canal.
Canoes can be rented at a private canoe rental concession
on the canal. The Griggstown Lock is less than a mile south
on the towpath. A short walk brings you to grassy fields with
picnic tables and grills.
Blackwells Mills, Franklin Township,
Somerset County |
The Bridge tender's House, wooden bridge
and mill site are reminders of the area's active past. Several
annual events are held at the house. Picnic tables and grills
are located around a large field with views of the river.
This historic site provides access to the canal, towpath and
river.
Griggstown and Blackwells Mills are located
between the Millstone River and the D&R Canal and can
be reached off Route 533, Millstone River Road in Hillsborough
or from Canal Road in Franklin Township. Both historic sites
provide access to the Millstone River as well as the canal
and towpath.
Trail heads for Six Mile
Run Reservoir are nearby. Horse trailer parking is
available.
Cook
Natural Area (26
acres) |
This area displays a deciduous lowland hardwood
forest adjacent to the Heathcote Brook in Kingston. A short
trail takes visitors to the forest and small ponds.
Six
Mile Run, Franklin Township, Somerset County |
The Six Mile Run Reservoir Site, is
one of Central New Jersey's most hidden recreational resources
for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The 3000 acre reservoir
site, rich in cultural and historic significance, is also
a valuable oasis of wetlands, forests, farmlands and old fields.
The Park staff offer a variety of historical and natural interpretive programs throughout the year. Contact the park office for a schedule of programs.
The towpath and multi-use trails are great for all ages and physical abilities. Both the Main Canal Trail, which runs 34 miles in length, and the Feeder Canal Trail at 31.5 miles are ADA accessible.
Picnic table and grills are located at some of the access points and near a few of the historic sites. Informal picnicking is allowed along the canal. Open fires are not permitted. Charcoal fires are restricted to the grill in the picnic areas.
The historic towpath found along the feeder and main canal is suitable for hiking, jogging and biking. Horseback riding is permitted on the main canal only. Motorized vehicles or ATV's are not permitted on trails in the park. In addition to the canal trail, patrons can access trails at the Six Mile Run Reservoir Site, Kingston greenway and Cook Natural Area Trails from the park office located in Kingston as well as one trail found within the Bull's Island Natural Area.
Fishing is permitted the entire length of
the canal. Anglers can find bass, sunfish, catfish, perch
and pickerel within the canal as well as trout, which the
Division of Fish
and Wildlife stocks the canal with each spring. Fishing
is also permitted in the Delaware River. All canal and river
fishing is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and
Wildlife regulations.
There is a boat launch at the Bull's Island
Recreation Area for the Delaware River. There are no motor
restrictions on the river, but all the New Jersey boating
regulations apply.
However, there are restrictions on boating and canoeing on
the canal. Only electric motors, car top launch, and canoes
are permitted, which, can be rented from private concessionaires
in Griggstown and Princeton.
• Bull's
Island Recreation Area
• Delaware and
Raritan Canal State Park and Canal Commission
• Delaware
Canal State Park
• D&R Greenway Land Trust
FAQ's (Frequently
Asked Questions) |
Is camping
permitted along the canal? |
No, Bull's Island
Recreation Area is the only location to camp. |
What are the park
hours? |
Park hours are sunrise to sunset.
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