🌤 Weather at Delaware Canal State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31–72 °F | 60–86 °F | 36–77 °F | 23–44 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Doylestown Airport, 1 mi away, elevation 394 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Delaware Canal State Park — A 60-mile National Historic Landmark (designated 1978) stretching from Easton to Bristol along the Delaware River in Pennsylvania (Bucks + Northampton Counties) — the only remaining continuously intact towpath canal from America’s canal era (completed 1832) — featuring a 60-mile flat towpath trail (hiking, biking, jogging) as part of the 165-mile D&L Trail, canoeing/kayaking on canal + Delaware River, 23 historic locks, locktender houses, winter ice skating + cross-country skiing, and NJ loop trail connections via 5 river bridges.
Delaware Canal State Park is a 60-mile living monument to America’s canal-building era — the only remaining continuously intact towpath canal in the country. Completed in 1832 to transport anthracite coal from the Lehigh Valley to Philadelphia, this National Historic Landmark now serves as one of the East Coast’s finest long-distance trails, winding through charming historic towns like New Hope and Washington Crossing along the scenic Delaware River.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Easton to Bristol — Bucks + Northampton Counties, PA |
| Length | ~60 miles — along Delaware River |
| Designation | National Historic Landmark (1978) |
| Built | Completed 1832 — anthracite coal transport |
| Part of | 165-mile Delaware & Lehigh (D&L) Trail |
| Historic Locks | 23 — numbered south to north (Bristol to Easton) |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking/Jogging | 60-mi flat towpath — level, shaded, through historic towns |
| Biking | Full 60 mi — part of 165-mi D&L Trail |
| Canoeing/Kayaking | Canal + Delaware River — portage circuits |
| Cross-Country Skiing | Winter — flat towpath ideal |
| Ice Skating | Winter — on frozen canal (conditions permitting) |
| Historic Sites | Locks, locktender houses, “Groundhog Lock” (22 & 23) |
| NJ Loop Trails | 5 bridges connect to NJ’s D&R Canal — New Hope, Lumberville, etc. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bike the entire 60 miles?
Yes — the towpath is a flat, mostly level trail suitable for biking its entire 60-mile length from Easton to Bristol. It forms a key section of the 165-mile D&L Trail. The surface is generally packed gravel/dirt.
Can I create loop routes?
Yes — five bridges connect the Delaware Canal towpath in Pennsylvania to the D&R Canal towpath in New Jersey, allowing for various loop trail options. Popular crossings include New Hope, Lumberville, and Washington Crossing.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Ralph Stover State Park (a short drive away) or Tohickon State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Delaware Canal State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; no universal maximum length — inquire at the park office (electronic fences/shock collars not accepted as control)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and designated beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs allowed in a limited number of designated cabins, cottages and yurts (pilot program); maximum two dogs per unit; dogs must be house-trained and current on rabies vaccination
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No standard statewide pet fee; fees may be assessed for damage in dog-friendly lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two non-caged pets per campsite; pets prohibited in buildings; pet food may not be left outside camping units
Are dogs allowed at Delaware Canal State Park?
Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via pa.gov. More: Pennsylvania state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Delaware Canal State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
