Back in the 1860s and 1870s, a canal in New Jersey hauled more tonnage than the famous Erie Canal. Mules once plodded along its towpath, pulling boats loaded with coal.
Today that same path carries bikes, sneakers, and the occasional horse.
The old route stretches about 73 miles in a big V shape. One arm hugs the Delaware River.
The other wanders toward the Raritan, past stone bridges and little bridge-tender houses.
I love that the grade stays mostly level, since mules never wanted to climb hills either. That makes it friendly for casual riders, families, and anyone who prefers scenery over sweat.
I can’t imagine a better way to see this many small towns without touching a car. Tell me, which arm of the V would you pedal first?
A Mule Path Turned Into The Longest Ride In The State
Mules did the heavy lifting here first. The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail follows the old towpath where animals once pulled freight boats.
Today the trail runs about 73.6 miles across New Jersey. It’s widely called the state’s longest completed multi-use trail, and some fans label it a crown jewel.
The park stretches through five counties: Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, and Burlington. Along the way, it crosses 22 different municipalities.
That’s a lot of zip codes for one bike ride. You could spend a whole season exploring and still find new stretches.
Most of the surface is finely crushed stone over hard-packed dirt. A few sections switch to asphalt or natural dirt, so expect some variety.
The grade stays mostly level, which keeps things easy on your legs. Still, some spots get uneven, and rain can turn parts muddy.
A hybrid or mountain bike is the smart choice here. Skinny road tires and soft gravel rarely get along.
The trail opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. Plan your ride with daylight in mind, especially during shorter fall and winter days.
The Shape Of This Trail Is Basically A Giant Letter V
Grab a map and you’ll spot it right away. The route forms a V, with Trenton sitting right at the point.
One branch heads northwest along the Delaware River. It ends in Milford, with a trailhead at 500 Frenchtown Road.
The other branch runs northeast toward New Brunswick. It finishes near George Street and Landing Lane, close to the Raritan River.
Those two arms feel surprisingly different. The river side leans scenic and breezy, while the northeast side mixes villages, woods, and quiet canal water.
There’s also a bonus piece most people miss. A disconnected 3.5-mile section runs south of Trenton through the Abbott Marshlands, Duck Island, and Bordentown.
Because the trail splits, you don’t have to tackle it all at once. Many riders pick one branch and turn it into a series of shorter outings.
Out-and-back rides work well here too. Pedal out until your legs hint at a break, then enjoy the same views in reverse.
Some people even treat each branch like a separate trail. Honestly, that’s a fair way to think about it.
Two adventures, one park pass worth of scenery, and zero entry fee drama.
River Views Steal The Show On The Feeder Canal
The Delaware River keeps you company for miles on the northwest arm. The trail squeezes between the feeder canal and the wide river, giving you water on both sides in many spots.
That double view is the big draw here. On one side, the calm canal reflects the trees.
On the other, the river rolls past with Pennsylvania across the way. It’s hard to keep your eyes on the path, so ride at a relaxed pace.
Bulls Island Recreation Area sits along this stretch. It offers picnic tables and grills, making it a handy place to refuel.
The feeder canal once supplied water to the main canal. Now it supplies something else entirely: peaceful riverside miles that feel far from busy highways.
A quick heads-up for horse riders. Horses aren’t allowed on the feeder canal trail, though they are welcome on designated sections elsewhere.
Bring a snack and a refillable bottle. The park follows a Carry In, Carry Out program, so pack a small bag for trash too.
Leaving the trail clean keeps these river views looking their best. Future riders will thank you, even if they never know your name.
Small Towns Make Perfect Snack Stops Along The River
Lambertville, Stockton, and Frenchtown line up like beads along the northwest branch. Each one gives you a reason to hop off the saddle.
These historic towns sit right near the trail. That makes them easy places to stretch, grab lunch, or simply wander a bit.
Lambertville has a parking area at 3 Station Court. It’s a convenient launch point if you want town charm at the start or finish of your ride.
Stockton is home to Prallsville Mill, a historic site beside the canal. The old mill complex adds a nice dose of history to a casual pedal.
Frenchtown sits farther north, closer to the end of the branch. Reaching it feels like a little victory after the river miles.
Planning a ride between towns works beautifully. Pick two, park a car at each end, and skip the return trip.
Or pedal from one town to the next and treat yourself before heading back. Good snacks are a great motivator, honestly.
Just remember to lock your bike when you stop. A quick cable lock beats walking home and explaining things to your friends.
Old Bridges And Locks Turn Your Ride Into A History Lesson
Irish immigrants did most of the digging. They built this canal in the 1830s, and it officially opened on June 25, 1834.
Back then, boats moved freight between Philadelphia and New York City. Coal was the main cargo.
The canal stayed busy for nearly a century. In 1932, the state took it over as a water supply system, which it still serves today.
Look around as you ride, and history pops up everywhere. You’ll pass 19th-century bridges, cobblestone spillways, and remnants of old locks.
Hand-built stone-arched culverts hide in plain sight too. Old rail depots add another layer to the story.
Several bridge-tender houses have been restored. Many appear on state and national historic registers, and they make great photo stops.
The canal and many structures joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The area became a state park just a year later, in 1974.
Kids might roll their eyes at a history lesson. Put it on a bike trail, though, and suddenly old locks seem pretty cool.
George Washington Left His Mark Near The Northeast Branch
Here’s a fun one for trivia night. Rockingham State Historic Site served as George Washington’s final wartime headquarters in 1783.
It sits near the northeast branch of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail. That gives your ride a very old-school bonus stop.
This side of the V skirts Princeton and passes villages like Kingston, Griggstown, and Blackwells Mills. Each has its own canal-side character.
Kingston has a locktender’s house, a nice reminder of how the canal once worked. The Kingston office area also offers picnic tables.
Griggstown holds the Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway Visitor Center. It’s inside a former bridgetender house, which is pretty charming.
Blackwells Mills has picnic tables and grills too. Pack a lunch, and you’ve got a simple, lovely midday break.
Somerset has a parking spot at 685 Weston Canal Road. Princeton offers another at 4278 Quaker Bridge Road, giving you options.
One note for fall 2026. From September 21 to October 16, the path between the Kingston Lock and the Millstone Aqueduct closes Monday through Thursday for resurfacing.
Weekends stay open.
Paddlers Get Their Own Version Of The Trail
Not into pedaling? The canal itself makes a fantastic water trail, and kayaks glide along it beautifully.
Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities here. Rentals are available in Griggstown and Princeton, so you don’t need to own a boat.
Boating is allowed from five launch sites. They’re open sunrise to sunset all year long.
The calm canal water suits beginners well. It’s a gentle way to see the same scenery from a fresh angle.
Fishing is another option along the banks. Bring your gear and enjoy a slower, quieter kind of afternoon.
One important rule to remember. Swimming isn’t permitted anywhere in the park, no matter how warm the day feels.
Open fires aren’t allowed either. Stick to the designated grills at spots like Bulls Island or Blackwells Mills.
A fun idea for groups is a split trip. Some folks paddle while others ride the towpath, and everyone meets up for lunch.
It’s a bit like a relay race, minus the competition. Unless someone in your family turns everything into a contest.
We all know one.
Bring Binoculars Because The Birds Outnumber The Bikes
About 160 bird species have been recorded in the park. Nearly 90 of them nest here, which makes this a busy neighborhood.
The canal works as a valuable wildlife corridor. A long, narrow strip of green gives animals room to move across a crowded state.
Birds aren’t the only stars. Keep an eye out for turtles and beavers along the water.
Turtles love sunny logs, so scan the canal edges. Beavers tend to be shyer, so spotting one feels like winning a tiny prize.
A small pair of binoculars fits easily in a bike bag. A field guide or birding app helps you put names to the feathers.
Slow down for the best sightings. Rushing past at top speed means missing half the show.
Geocaching is also an approved activity in the park. It adds a treasure-hunt twist for families and curious adults alike.
Between the birds, turtles, and hidden caches, this trail rewards anyone who pays attention. Sometimes the best part of a ride happens while standing completely still.
Your Ride Can Keep Going All The Way To Maine Or Florida
Feeling ambitious? The trail connects to the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile route linking Maine to Florida.
That’s a pretty wild thought during a casual Saturday ride. Technically, your little loop belongs to something enormous.
The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail also joins the Circuit Trails network. That system covers about 800 miles across Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.
For most of us, 73 miles is plenty. Still, it’s fun knowing the path keeps going if you ever catch the long-distance bug.
Getting started is easy thanks to more than 40 parking locations. You can hop on almost anywhere along the route.
Short rides work just as well as epic ones. A quick spin by a bridge-tender house counts as a great day.
A few final tips help. Check the weather, since rain can leave stretches muddy, and finish before sunset closing time.
Pack water, snacks, and a trash bag for the Carry In, Carry Out rule. Then pick a branch of this New Jersey favorite and start rolling.
The canal has waited since 1834, but it’s not getting any less fun.
