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Delaware Canal Heritage Trail

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This information is a public record of the 1990 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Delaware Canal Heritage Trail

State Rail Trail
  • Length
    60 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back
 (1 review)

A walk along the 60-mile long towpath of Delaware Canal State Park is a stroll into American history.

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Delaware Canal State Park in Pennsylvania - view of trail. Photo by Bradford Van Arnum.
Delaware Canal State Park in Pennsylvania - view of trail. Photo by Bradford Van Arnum.
The canal runs alongside the towpath, fully watered. Photo by Gianna Caruso.
The canal runs alongside the towpath, fully watered. Photo by Gianna Caruso.
Locktender\'s house in the background with Lock 22/23, also known as Groundhog\'s Lock. Photo by Gianna Caruso.
Locktender\'s house in the background with Lock 22/23, also known as Groundhog\'s Lock. Photo by Gianna Caruso.
Delaware Canal State Park - SEPTA R3 West Trenton Line in background. Photo by Bradford Van Arnum.
Delaware Canal State Park - SEPTA R3 West Trenton Line in background. Photo by Bradford Van Arnum.
  • Delaware Canal State Park in Pennsylvania - view of trail. Photo by Bradford Van Arnum.
  • Delaware Canal State Park in Pennsylvania - view of trail. Photo by Bradford Van Arnum.
  • The canal runs alongside the towpath, fully watered. Photo by Gianna Caruso.
  • Locktender\'s house in the background with Lock 22/23, also known as Groundhog\'s Lock. Photo by Gianna Caruso.
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Location: Urban/Suburban/Rural

  • States: Pennsylvania

Paralleling the Delaware River between Easton and Bristol, this diverse park contains a historic canal and towpath, many miles of river shoreline, and eleven river islands. Running from riverside to farm fields to historic towns, the Delaware Canal is the only continuously intact towpath of the canal-building era of the early and mid-19th century. The canal remains today with almost all of its features as they existed during its century of commercial operation, bringing coal to Philadelphia, New York, and the eastern seaboard. Since becoming a state park in 1940, people have flocked to this area to hike the towpath, canoe in the canal, or picnic along its banks.

Accessibility Information

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Reviews

Charlene Howard
Charlene Howard
Feb 13, 2018
4 seasons of beauty

I have explored several sections of this trail between Bristol and just south of Easton and it never disappoints. It is great for running, hiking/walking and also snowshoeing in the winter months. While the trail does get busy in nicer weather, it is usually pretty quiet and allows one to relax and take in the scenery. Along with nature, there are several historic elements along the corridor. Recommended!

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Allowed Uses:

Bicycling Boating, human-powered Swimming Dogs, on leash Equestrian Hiking/Walking Snow, cross-country skiing Snow, snowshoeing

Other Activities

  • Camping
  • Snow, snow play general
  • Wildlife viewing / observation

Public Contact

Ken Lewis
Bureau of State Parks
Delaware Canal State Park
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
[email protected] • (610) 982-5560

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): --
  • Elevation (high): --
  • Elevation (cumulative): --
  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • Surface (primary): --
  • Surfaces (additional): --
  • Tread Width (average): 96"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --
  • Tread Grade (average, percent): --
  • Tread Grade (maximum):
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    Apr 5, 1990
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