Delaware Canal State Park
🏆 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.
