delaware & raritan state park

独自一人做短暂的旅行，走过了一段又一段的柏油路与相间的泛黄老树，这里是一个适合短暂休息的小天地。不用太多话语，只要静静的休息著就好，那些人便会再出发。

The Delaware and Raritan canal, which was hand dug in the 19th century, connects the Delaware River with the Raritan River. Until the early 20th century mules towed freight barges along the canal. After better highways enabled trucks to more efficiently replace the barges, the canal became a state park and a source of recreation. The mule path is now a biking, jogging, walking trail and the canal itself accommodates canoes, kyacks and other small muscle-powered boats plus fishing.In my opinion, the "feeder" portion of the canal that runs parallel to the Delaware River from Frenchtown, New Jersey to Trenton is the most scenic, especially the portion of it between Washington Crossing and Frenchtown. The path next to that portion of the canal is also better maintained. My wife and I particularly enjoy biking along the canal path because it's smooth, there are no steep hills to climb and we don't need to endanger ourselves competing with motorized vehicles.In the fall, as the trees display their rainbows of colors, seeing that beauty reflected in the canal's waters is a relaxing sight to behold, offering many opportunities for stunning photos. Since the canal and its canal paths are accessible at many locations by road or highway, we can begin and end our biking or walking treks almost anywhere along its length. That has provided us with enough variety to never be bored during the more than 30 years that we have hiked and biked this park.

This historic canal built in the 1830s run over 50 miles through New Jersey. There are access points along the waterway, with free parking areas. Walk the tow path for a great experience.

We visited this place in the summer and enjoyed a quiet traffic free stroll alongside the canal. You can cycle or kayak there too. Be aware that at some times you are advised to cover your legs with socks or trousers because of the danger of ticks.

Rent a kayak if you want to be in the water, or admire it biking or walking with your kids and dogs along its banks. Every time we go we end up talking to other like-minded people and even made new friends. The nature in this place seems to be conducive to human interaction and good-nurtured-ness.

Previous reviews are accurate. .terrific 40 miles of biking, walking, canoeing, fishing & kayaking. If your new to manpowered watercraft, this is a great place to start. Griggstown rentals will hook u up! Cash or check only.Just remember save energy for the turnaround trip ( that last mile was a killer)

We spent an hour kayaking down the canal and within minutes felt like we were in the wilderness even though we were minutes from the hub and bub of busy civilization. We saw turtles sunning and cardinals bathing and squirrels wandering and flowers in bloom and vines climbing and rocks resting and trees standing and bridges overhanging and the sun shining. The only bugs were dragonflies and they left us alone. The breeze was cool and the water was deep. Get away from the hustle and bustle and hop on a kayak for an hour down the canal. You'll clear your head and forget about your stress - at least until you get back in your car.

The Delaware Raritan Canal is a slice of history and a beautiful state park.There is no park as peaceful and beautiful. I have walked the path between Princeton and Kingston many times. In every season, it is unique. A path that makes your feet happy and springy. If you want a long bike ride you can do hours. Sweet air, overhanging trees; wildflowers, wild geese and sun-bathing turtles. And it is free!

Years ago I was privileged to know one of this park's founders and wished I had done a better job of thanking him for this creation. It's a place that is patronized mainly by locals who recognize a good thing when they see it; not many tourists and that's just fine for those of us who live in the nation's most densely populated state and prize our Nature retreats. The D&R Canal State Park is a superb resource for all of central New Jersey and beyond. It runs for about 40 miles, mostly between New Brunswick and Trenton with an additional long offshoot up the Delaware River to Bulls Island. Along much of its length it is possible to walk or bike a selection of four parallel paths, two each alongside the Millstone River and the Canal. On busy days, along with many hikers and bikers you will meet the occasional rider on horseback and canoeist or kayaker; joggers too are legion on weekends in the greater Princeton section. The Canal can be visited at any time of the year with wonderfully varied experiences, from historic buildings to the US women's Olympic Rowing Team and University racing shells. I've seen bald eagles roosting, nesting and fishing, as well as great grey herons. Deer, turtles, mallards, other ducks and Canada geese are plentiful. Beavers sometimes are at work on the saplings. There are also what look like giant koi in the Canal itself, maybe liberated by householders when they grew too big and doing quite nicely all the same. Fishers congregate near the Lake Carnegie wier and on small boats trolling in the shallows. I've even seen people walking on the frozen lake in winter, though I don't recommend that! I'm sure there are more dramatic parks and one's that get more visitors but the allure of the D&R is unmatched for most people in the neighboring towns. Treat yourself if you've never been.

Enjoy the history and scenery of this trail along the canal. It is absolutely gorgeous on sunny days and nice and peaceful despite the popularity. It follows the historic canal for miles and miles. You can easily get lost in conversation, running, or biking as you take it all in.

enjoyed walking along the canal and spotting different birds and looks at an old railroad. We then came across the Princeton rowing team who were great to watch in action

You can enter Princeton from either end. Treat yourself, by entering Princeton from Route 1, down Alexander Rd. As you round the bend and down the hill, you'll discover canoeing and kayaking rentals. Either by the hour, or by the day, you can rent a kayak for yourself or with others. Park across the street and be careful crossing. This will be what's left of the Raritan Canal. You can however, take the bike path, which is dotted with little benches and places to stop. Walk, bike, or take canoe, but take an adventure. ENJOY.

Can't really add to some of the other reviews except to say they don't do it justice when they allude to the fact that it is one state park site. We have really enjoyed the towpath in a few of the many places it traverses and walked across the pedestrian bridge from the Pennsylvania side to the Jersey side at the Black Bass Hotel. The sign for this quite large park and boat launch is the Delaware and Raritan State Park so didn't realize that wherever the paths are it is so named. It is a nice treat to walk the path from the entrance near Rocky Hill to Kingston and treat yourself to lunch at one of the great establishments or visit the classy shops there.

The towpath along the canal goes from Trenton to New Brunswick. In Princeton, you're not far from the restaurants on Nassau Street. Princeton also is where the towpath is busiest. Otherwise it can seem underutilized. It also is part of the East Coast Greenway (www.greenway.org), a developing trail system connecting cities from the Canadian border in Maine to Key West in Florida. You'll find maps on the website.There's another section of the canal on the NJ side of the Delaware River that goes through Lambertville and Frenchtown. Bike map for that here: http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/bike/application3/pdf/DRCanalTowpathRide.pdfMaps for both portions here: http://www.dandrcanal.com/maps.html

This narrow park alongside the river goes on for miles. The path is used for cyclists, hikers, bird-watchers and anglers, while the river is great for kayaking/canoeing. Really nice during spring and autumn when the changing leaves are a delight to see. Bring water, snack, hat, and walk as far as you wish. There are many entrances with car parking.