Part of the East Coast Greenway, the 69-mile Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail (D&R) follows a “V-shaped” route alongside two canal systems, the Main Canal, which stretches from New Brunswick to Trenton, and the Feeder Canal, which follows the Delaware River from Trenton to Frenchtown. The canal and park are part of the National Recreation Trail System, and provide an important wildlife corridor that offers shelter for 160 species of birds and other animals. The route features charming scenery including quaint wooden bridges, 19th century structures, remnants of locks, and stone-arched culverts, as well as providing a peaceful and flat trail through historic small towns, rural countryside, and bustling urban areas. The path has a crushed stone and gravel surface that is used by cyclists with wider tires, as well as walkers and joggers.

In Lawrenceville the D&R connects to the Lawrenceville Hopewell Trail, and in Trenton it links to the Delaware & Lehigh Trail in PA via the Calhoun State Bridge Trail. In the future the D&R will also connect to the Capital to Coast Trail, which as the name suggests, will continue to the NJ shore.

After heavy rains, it is possible that sections of the DRCSPT will be impassable. Before setting out be sure to check the park website to learn of any closures or trail conditions that will impact your itinerary.

Photo: Trail Link