Last Updated:      November 13, 2025

Length:                Main Canal Trail; Northern Terminus; 2 miles

                              Main Canal Trail; 35.5 miles   

                              Main Canal Trail; South; 3.6 miles

                              South Riverwalk; 1.3 miles

                              Feeder Canal Trail & Rail Trail; 32.9 miles 

                              East-West Greenway Walkway; 0.7 miles 

Difficulty:            Main Canal Trail; Northern Terminus; Easy. Flat, cement-paved-hard packed dirt surface.     

                              Main Canal Trail; Easy. Flat, hard packed crushed stone & gravel surface.

                              Main Canal Trail; South; Trail; Easy. Flat stone-dust and grass surface.

                              South Riverwalk; Easy. Mostly flat paved trail.

                              Feeder Canal Trail & Rail Trail; Easy. Flat stone-dust & grass towpath and rail trail.

                              East-West Greenway Walkway; Easy. Flat, stone-dust rail trail.

The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Towpath follows the path of the D&R Canal, which was built in the early 1830s as a transportation corridor between Philadelphia and New York. Along the route you'll find 19^th century bridges, Locks, cobblestone spillways, stone arched culverts and even old bridge tender houses. 

The Main Canal traveled from Bordentown on the Delaware River to New Brunswick on the Raritan River. The Feeder Canal traveled from the East Bank of the Delaware River by Bull's Island South, of Frenchtown to Trenton where it fed water to the Main Canal. The Main Canal was 44 miles long and the Feeder Canal was 22 miles long. A section of the Main Canal in Trenton has been covered over (the water still flows below) by the Trenton Freeway (U.S. Route 1). The portion of the Main Canal that provided access to the Delaware River in Bordentown is also abandoned. In Trenton it has been covered by Route 129. In New Brunswick, the Northern portion of the Main Canal was piped underground when the Elmer Boyd Parkway Extension (Route 18) was constructed in 1984.

The D&R Canal Trail is divided into 3 Sections. The Main Canal Trail travels from Trenton Northeast, to New Brunswick. The Feeder Canal Trail travels from Trenton Northwest, to Bull's Island in Stockton. From here the trail continues along the former rail bed of the Pennsylvania RR; Belvidere Division North, to Milford. In Trenton the Main & Feeder Canal Trails meet at Route 1, where the Main Canal was buried under Routes 1 & 129 as it headed South, out of the city. From Trenton the Main Canal continued South, to Bordentown. About half of the old Canal is buried along this section, although an old RR line follows it, however, as of 2025 a Gap exits South, to the Main Canal Trail; South, which follows the old Canal to Bordentown at Crosswicks Creek. From the Northern End of the Main Canal Trail; South, you can connect to the South Riverwalk, which travels North, alongside the Delaware River.

Along the Western Side of the Delaware River in Pennsylvania, is the D&L Trail: Delaware Canal Towpath . For more information visit; D&R CANAL STATE PARK .

The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Towpath is part of the EAST COAST GREENWAY , a planned biking & hiking route stretching 3,000 miles from Maine South, to Florida. When complete it will traverse 15 states with a mostly off-road path.

D&R Main Canal Trail:

Note; There is a Gap, between Boyd Park [Northern Terminus] & Landing Lane Bridge [Northern End] in New Brunswick. There is a Trail between these 2 sections that you can use, however it is narrow and not well maintained and travels just below Route 18. It also has two dangerous road crossings.

Directions:

To start from Boyd Park in New Brunswick [Northern Terminus]; From I-95 take exit 9 to Route 18 N. Cross over Route 1 and keep right for "New Brunswick Exits". Keep right again and turn right into Boyd Park. Take your first left to the parking lot.

To start from Landing Lane Bridge in New Brunswick [Northern End]; From I-95 take exit 9 to Route 18 N and follow for 3 miles. Take the Easton Ave (Route 527) exit to George St and follow to Landing Lane. Parking available on your left, to start from Landing Lane Bridge, which is on your right across the canal. Small parking area located off Landing Lane Bridge, next to the canal.

To start from the Whitehead Road parking area in Lawrence Township [Southern End]; From I-295 take exit 65B to Sloan Ave west. Cross some RR tracks where the road becomes Sweet Briar Ave. Come to Whitehead Rd and turn right, traveling underneath Route 1. Cross the Canal and the parking lot is on your left.

D&R Main Canal Trail; Northern Terminus:

Starting from Boyd Park in New Brunswick [Eastern End]; Porto-Potty. From the parking lot, follow a wide, cement trail straight, to the old D&R Main Canal Lock 1. This is the Northern Terminus of the D&R Main Canal where it entered the Raritan River.

Note; If you follow the cement trail right, Southeast, alongside the Raritan River, you'll pass by a boat house & boat launch, pavilion and playground, before the trail ends after 0.25 miles.

Heading left, North, the cement, D&R Main Canal Trail travels past Lock 1 on your right and an amphitheatre on your left through the park. Informational signs. The trail continues alongside the Canal, bringing you to a pedestrian bridge over the Canal. 

Note; This pedestrian bridge takes you over the Canal to the old hard packed dirt & grass Towpath. Right, South, leads 0.1 miles to Lock 1, where it dead ends. Left, North, you can follow the Towpath past 3 more pedestrian bridges, before ending after 0.5 miles [0.6 miles Total] at a *Tunnel underneath Raritan Ave.

Continuing through the park, pass by another pedestrian bridge over the Canal. Just past this bridge bear right, along a hard packed dirt & gravel trail that travels past the New Brunswick Landing parking lot. Follow the paved road to a gravel road that will take you back to the Canal and a *Tunnel underneath Raritan Ave after 0.6 miles. Here the Canal was piped underground when the Elmer Boyd Parkway Extension (Route 18) was constructed in 1984. 

This next section is Not recommended for kids as it is isolated and requires crossing an off-ramp with no crosswalk. A narrow, paved, isolated trail then travels Northwest, above the Raritan River on your right and below Route 18. Can become overgrown. Travel under a RR bridge, then pass by a pedestrian bridge at 1.4 miles, which crosses over Route 18 to Rutgers University. Come to an off-ramp and cross the road, where the trail continues. USE EXTREME CAUTION AS THEIR IS NO CROSSWALK. A paved trail travels underneath Route 18 up to George St. Here a crosswalk takes you to a short set of stairs up to Buccleuch Park after 2 miles. 

Note; The paved Buccleuch Park Trail Loops 1.3 miles around the park.

Note; To connect to the D&R Main Canal Trail head right, West, along the paved Buccleuch Park Trail. The trail turns South, up a slight hill, bringing you to a spur on your right that leads to the Colony House apartments road at 2.4 miles. Head right, on-road (low traffic) down to Landing Ln. Continue right, to a crosswalk over Landing Ln, where a sidewalk takes you right, across George St and over the Canal next to Landing Lane Bridge, where you'll re-join the D&R Main Canal Trail after 2.6 miles.

D&R Main Canal Trail:

Starting from Landing Lane Bridge in New Brunswick [Northern End]; Informational signs located all along he trail. The flat, hard packed crushed stone & gravel D&R Main Canal Trail crosses here, however, heading East, the Towpath dead ends after 0.25 miles at a Spillway with no bridge. Here the Canal was piped underground when the Elmer Boyd Parkway Extension (Route 18) was constructed in 1984.

[Re-Zeroing mileage] Heading Northwest, the D&R Main Canal Trail follows the old Towpath between the Raritan River on your right and Canal on your left. I haven't checked out this next section. Pass by a pedestrian bridge over the Canal at 2 miles, which leads to the Demott Lane parking area and the Meadows. Travel underneath I-287 before coming to the 5 Mile Lock parking lot at 3.6 miles. Pass an old bridge over the Canal, before crossing the Queens Bridge and coming to the South Bound Brook Lock parking lot at 5.4 miles. Lock 11. I've checked out this next section. Here the trail turns Southwest, crossing a Spillway, before traveling underneath I-287 at 6.2 miles. Pass a pedestrian bridge over the Canal, then look right to spot a dam on the river. Here the Raritan River turns West, while the Millstone River parallels the Canal. Quickly pass by Lock 10 at 7.8 miles. Cross Chapel Dr, followed by Manville Causeway at 8.9 miles. Parking lot across the road. Here the trail becomes more isolated. I haven't checked out this next section. Another pedestrian bridge at 10.5 miles leads to Colonial Park. Amwell Road parking lot at 11.1 miles and Blackwell Mills Rd at 13.2 miles. The Blackwells Mill Canal House is located left, across the Canal. The Blackwell Mills Road parking lot is right, down the road on your left. 

Note; Left across the Canal, then right down Canal Rd brings you to the Six Mile Run Reservoir Site (contains over 3,000 acres and offers hiking, biking, horseback riding and bird watching). 

I've checked out this next section. Continuing South, cross a cobblestone spillway over  Six Mile Run, before coming to the Griggstown Causeway at 16.7 miles. A path to the right takes you to a parking lot. Pass the Griggstown Lock at 17.4 miles, followed by another Spillway. Pass a bridge over the Canal at 18.7 miles, before crossing Washington Street at 19.7 miles where you'll find a parking lot. 

Note; Across the Canal you'll find an old stone foundation. Here, the narrow stone-dust Kingston Branch Loop Trail travels South, along the Eastern Bank of the Canal, past the Rocky Hill parking lot, to the John Flemer Preserve parking lot off of Main St after 1.9 miles. 

Continuing South, you'll travel underneath Main St (Route 27) to the Kingston Lock parking lot at 21.7 miles. Lock 8 located here, along with the Lock Tenders house. 

Note; If you cross the Lock, a hard packed Trail follows the Eastern Bank of the Canal South, for 1.1 miles, bringing you to Mapleton Rd, where you may connect to the paved trails that Loop around the James Forrestal Campus of Princeton University. 

I haven't checked out this next section. Continuing South, pass by a dam on the Millstone River and follow alongside Carnegie Lake. Come to a pedestrian bridge over the Canal at 23.9 miles. 

Note; This pedestrian bridge leads to a narrow, hard packed dirt & grass Trail that travels West, 1 mile along the Southern Side of the Canal to Washington Rd.

 Note; From the pedestrian bridge, if you stay straight, out to Mapleton Rd, it leads to a series of paved trails that Loop around the James Forrestal Campus of Princeton University. 

Continuing Southwest, you'll cross over the Millstone Aqueduct (where the Millstone River travels underneath the Canal). Cross Lower Harrison St, followed by Washington Rd at 24.9 miles. Here Stony Brook parallels the Canal.

Note; Heading right, across the Canal will bring you to Princeton University. 

Next, travel underneath a RR trestle, before crossing Alexander St at 25.5 miles.

Note; Heading right, leads to Turning Basin Park parking lot.

Trail travels between the Canal and Quaker Rd, bringing you to the Quaker Road parking area at 28.1 miles. Across the bridge is the Port Mercer Canal House. Travel underneath I-295, before crossing a pedestrian bridge over Route 1 and coming to a parking lot at 30.2 miles. Next, come to Bakers Basin Rd, where the trail crosses the Canal and now follows the Eastern Side of the Canal until you hit Carnegie Rd at 31.2 miles.

Note; I believe the trail continues across the road, however, I'm not sure if it takes you all the way out to Whitehead Road (Route 616).

Instead, cross back over to the Western Side of the Canal, where you'll travel parallel to Route 1. Travel underneath Route 1 and come to Whitehead Road (Route 616) after 33 miles. CAUTION for some reason there is NO CROSSWALK. Cross Whitehead Rd and pass through a parking area. As you travel alongside the Canal, iron girders cover parts of the Canal. Come to Mulberry St in East Trenton (Here the Canal has been buried by Route 1) and head left, on-road (sidewalk available) underneath Route 1, returning to the trail on your right at 34 miles. Here the trail is paved as it continues Southeast, between Route 1 and some RR tracks, utilizing an old rail bed. Another set of old RR tracks parallels the trail. Travel underneath N Olden Ave and Southard St, before coming to an **Intersection after 35.3 miles and the end of the D&R Main Canal Trail. The old rail bed split here. Here the Canal has been buried as it headed South, out of the city to Bordentown. 

Note; From the **Intersection, straight, an old RR bridge crosses Route 1 to connect to the D&R Feeder Canal Trail. See Below.

Note; From the **Intersection, left, South, the old rail bed continues, with the RR tracks still embedded. The old D&R Main Canal has been buried below the old rail bed and Route 1.

D&R Feeder Canal Trail:

Directions:

To start from Frenchtown [Northern End]; From the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge over the Delaware River. From Bridge St & River Rd in Frenchtown. 

• South, along River Road, parking located alongside the trail. 
• Travel east, along Bridge St to Harrison St and head left. Just before you leave town turn left, along 12th Street. Parking at end of road.
• Continuing north, along Harrison St for 1.4 miles and turn left, down a gravel road. Trailhead located at the end of road.

To start from the Prallsville Mills parking lot in Stockton [Northern Section]; From Route 29 & Main St in Stockton follow Route 29 (Main St-Risler St) north. Look left after 0.5 miles for the Prallsville Mills. Continue past to the entrance, just up the road for the Prallsville Mills parking lot.

To start from Battle Monument Park in Trenton [Southern End]; From Route 1 in Trenton take the Perry Street exit and head left, west, along Perry St. Turn right, on N Broad St and cross the D&R Canal to Monument Park. On-street parking located around the monument.

The Feeder Canal Trail travels from Trenton Northwest, to Bull's Island in Stockton. From here the trail continues along the former rail bed of the Pennsylvania RR; Belvidere Division North, to Milford.

D&R Feeder Canal Trail:

Starting from the Southern End of the D&R Main Canal Trail in Lawrence Township; Cross over Route 1 via an old RR bridge to the start of the D&R Feeder Canal Trail.

Note; A small bridge on your right crosses the old D&R Feeder Canal. This is where the D&R Main Canal & D&R Feeder Canal met. The hard packed dirt & grass D&R Main Canal Trail briefly follows D&R Main Canal North, before the Canal disappears, as it was buried. It ends after 0.25 miles at Southard St.

The stone-dust & grass D&R Feeder Canal Trail travels Southwest, through Trenton. Brown signs show the way. Cross N Broad Street at 0.3 miles. Here you'll find On-street parking. 

Note; Right, North, up N Broad St will bring you to Battle Monument Park where you'll find the Trenton Battle Monument. 

Cross N Warren St. Here you'll find more On-street parking.  

Note; Trails follow both sides of the Canal along this section. The trail is paved along the Northern Side of the Canal in North 25 Park.

Cross a bridge over the Canal at 0.5 miles to an open lawn area.

Note; The East-West Greenway Walkway heads straight, West. You may utilize this route to bypass a section of the D&R Feeder Canal Trail which winds its way through town, along a narrow path with many street crossings. Can be a bit confusing. Travel straight along the sidewalk and across N Willow St, where the sidewalk continues, before crossing Fowler St. Here, the stone-dust and grass East-West Greenway Walkway follows an old rail bed, below grade, along a residential corridor. After traveling underneath a couple of road bridges, you'll come to an old double tracked RR bridge over the D&R Feeder Canal after 0.7 miles, where the D&R Feeder Canal Trail comes in from your left. 

Continuing left, alongside the Canal, the paved trail brings you to N Willow St. Head left, across the Canal, where a crosswalk takes you over to and across Spring St, where the stone-dust and grass trail continues alongside the Canal. Cross Passaic St and the Canal heading right. Come to W Hanover St and head right to a crosswalk. To the left of a chain link fence will be the narrow trail between two houses. Cross Calhoun St where you'll find the old Bridge Tenders House on your left. Map Board. Continue Northwest, along the stone-dust trail, then along a sidewalk to a pedestrian bridge over the Canal. Head left, along the Canal, crossing Spring & Prospect St. Come to an old double tracked RR bridge over the D&R Feeder Canal at 1.5 miles.

Note; The East-West Greenway Walkway comes in from the right. 

Continue left, across the old RR bridge. This section of old Towpath follows the old rail bed and Western Side of the Canal. I haven't checked out this section. The trail follows a narrow wooded corridor alongside the Canal. Cross Parkside Ave, via the Cadwalader Park Aqueduct, before passing by a pedestrian bridge over the Canal at 2.3 miles.

Note; This bridge takes you North, to Cadwalder Park, where you'll find a playground and the Trenton City Museum/Ellarslie Museum.

Note; Left, South, also brings you to Cadwalder Park, where you'll find sports courts & fields.

Cross the West Side Aqueduct over Sullivan Way at 3 miles, before crossing Lower Ferry Road at 3.9 miles. Parking located across the Canal. Some type of Canal feature here. You then travel underneath a RR bridge. Travel underneath I-295 at 5.7 miles.

Note; Here you can access a pedestrian path that will take you West, up to and across the I-295 to Yardley, PA, where you can access the D&L Trail: Delaware Canal Towpath after 0.8 miles. 

The trail becomes more isolated. Exercise circuit along here. Views of the Delaware River. Quickly pass by the Scudders Falls parking lot. After 8.5 miles you'll come to Washington Crossing Pennington Rd. 

Note; To your left, leads to the Nelson House and Washington Crossing parking lot. To your right, across the Canal, a paved trail leads to a pedestrian bridge over Route 29 that will bring you to WASHINGTON CROSSING SP where you'll find hiking and biking trails. See; Map Below. Also, you can cross over the Delaware River via the Washington Memorial Bridge (Separate path) to Washington Crossing, PA, where you can visit the WASHINGTON CROSSING HISTORIC PARK , as well as, connect to the D&L Trail: Delaware Canal Towpath . 

Several road crossings, before you cross River Dr at 10.2 miles, where you travel between the Canal and Delaware River. The trail pulls away from the river briefly. Come to the Lambertville Outlet Lock at 14.9 miles. Parking lot. Cross the Lock and continue along the Eastern Side of the Canal. Cross a bridge over where the Canal split and returned. Pass by Cavallo Park where you'll find a playground and picnic tables. Cross Swan Creek and pass by a pedestrian bridge over the Canal, before coming to Bridge St in scenic Lambertville at 15.3 miles. Across the Canal is the old Lambertville RR Station, behind which you'll find an old red Caboose. Continue through town to Coryell St. 

Note; If you cross over the Canal to Lambert Ln, you can travel North, on-road, past old RR buildings before picking up the old rail bed. This hard packed dirt & grass Trail follows the old rail bed North, along the Western Side of the Canal. Old RR tracks still line the trail. Pass by an old RR car at 0.5 miles. You'll also pass by an old RR bridge over the Canal at 0.6 miles. Not sure if it's visible from this overgrown trail. Cross a double tracked RR bridge over Alexauken Creek at 0.8 miles. To your right is the Alexauken Creek Aqueduct of the D&R Feeder Canal. Come to River Rd after 1 mile, where you'll pick up the D&R Feeder Canal Trail.

The trail heads out of town, traveling underneath an old RR bridge, before crossing the Alexauken Creek Aqueduct at 16.2 miles. Old RR bridge across the Canal on your left. Quickly come to the River Road parking lot at 16.4 miles, where the trail crosses back over the Canal. Old RR tracks still embedded alongside the trail, as this was a double tracked rail bed. The D&R Feeder Canal Trail continues North, along the Western Side of the Canal. Travel underneath Route 202 and pass by a pedestrian bridge over the Canal to N Main St at 16.9 miles, where the trail then travels alongside the river. You cross back over the canal at 18.2 miles, where you'll temporarily lose the Canal as you travel through Stockton. Travel past the old Stockton RR Station in town, before you return to the Canal at 19.1 miles. To your left is an old Lock, as you travel past the Prallsville Mills. Parking lot. Old stone buildings. Very scenic. Exit Stockton, crossing Wickecheoke Creek and your back along the Canal heading West. Cross Lockatong Creek at 20.8 miles. Come to Quarry Road parking lot at 22 miles. Map Board. 

Note; Left, South, a road crosses the Canal, bringing you to the Bull's Island Recreation Area parking lot. Picnic tables next to the Canal. A wide, gravel path brings you to a long pedestrian bridge across the Delaware River to Lumberville, PA, where you can connect to the D&L Trail: Delaware Canal Towpath . 

Come to Byram Ln after 22.8 miles.

Note; Left, this road takes you South, to the Byram Boat Launch Point, next to the Delaware River. To your left, East, is where the D&R Feeder Canal began from the Delaware River. 

D&R Feeder Canal Rail Trail:

The stone-dust D&R Feeder Canal Rail Trail continues along the old rail bed, turning North. [Continuing Mileage] It travels between Route 29 and the Delaware River. Pass through the Kingwood Park Boat Launch parking lot at 29.9 miles. As you enter Frenchtown the trail travels alongside River Road, where you'll find parking lot along your left. Come to Bridge St in Frenchtown at 30.9 miles. I believe the old Frenchtown RR Depot is located here. The trail continues Northwest, out of town, ending after 32.9 miles at a dirt road. This road takes you up to Route 29. 

D&R Main Canal Trail; South & South Riverwalk:

Directions:

To start from Riverview Plaza in South Trenton for the South Riverwalk [Northern End]; From I-295 take exit 60B to Route 29 and follow for 2.8 miles and turn left, into Riverview Plaza and park on your left in the first parking lot. The trail begins in front of the old brick/stone mill building.

From Trenton the D&R Main Canal continued South, to Bordentown. About half of the old Canal is buried along this section, although an old RR line follows it, however, as of 2025 a Gap exits South, to the Main Canal Trail; South, which follows the old Canal to Bordentown at Crosswicks Creek. From the Northern End of the Main Canal Trail; South, you can connect to the South Riverwalk, which travels North, alongside the Delaware River.

South Riverwalk:

Starting from Riverview Plaza in South Trenton for the South Riverwalk [Northern End]; This section of trail does not follow the D&R Canal, but does connect to the remaining Southern portion. 

Note; Just North, of Riverview Plaza, construction was underway in 2025 on the Old Warf property. Not sure if this property will include an extension of the trail.

The brick/pavers South Riverwalk travels South, past the front of the brick & stone old mill building, before leaving the parking lot and traveling between 2 glass buildings and the Delaware River through Waterfront Park. Pass by a dock below right before traveling behind Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Come to a narrow cement path on your right that continues above the river. This brings you to a small pond. Head left along the wide brick lined path which will bring you to a ramp at 0.6 miles. This brings you up to South Riverwalk Park. Pavilion, benches, informational boards and playground. This park is built on top of Route 29. Follow the brick lined path (paths along both sides of the park) past sculptures, the history of Trenton and views of the Delaware River. Cross Lalor St where the path continues atop Route 29. A ramp then takes you down to a paved trail that travels between the river and Route 29. Come to the Marine Terminal Park parking lot at 1.2 miles.  Here, you'll find a small park and site of the old Trenton Market Terminal. Porto-Potty. Old machinery, but no informational boards. Exit the park to Lamberton Rd and travel right, on-road (low traffic) and come to Canal Blvd on your left. Head left and you'll pick up the D&R Main Canal Trail; South after 2.1 miles. Map Board. 

Note; A Gap exists North, where the old D&R Canal was buried underneath Canal Blvd and Route 1 to the intersection of the D&R Main Canal Trail & D&R Feeder Canal Trail in Trenton.

D&R Main Canal Trail; South:

I haven't checked out this next section. [Re-zeroing Mileage] The stone-dust D&R Main Canal Trail; South travels Southeast. The old Canal and active RR tracks follow along your left. Don't know how much of the old Canal is visible. Travel underneath I-295 at 1.5 miles, where the trail turns South. Duck Creek marshland along your right. Come to an intersection at 3.2 miles.

 Note; A stone-dust path leads up to the (stairs involved) I-295 Northbound Scenic Overlook, which includes a pedestrian bridge over I-295 to the I-295 Southbound Scenic Overlook of the Delaware River. 

The trail then turns East, across the Bordentown Outlet Lock across the Canal. Come to the RR tracks, where a wooden bridge travels alongside a RR bridge, taking you South, across Crosswicks Creek. This brings you to the Bordentown Yacht Club in Bordentown after 3.6 miles. Not sure if there is public parking located here.

HH