D&R Canal Trail
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The D&R Canal trail is a recreational trail in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The 77-mile (124 km) trail is made up of three segments that transverse three counties: a canal towpath from New Brunswick to Trenton; a canal towpath / rail trail from Trenton to Bull's Island; and a rail trail from Bull's Island to Frenchtown.
Much of the trail runs along the existing Delaware & Raritan Canal inside the New Jersey state park of the same name.
The proposed Capital to Coast Trail is planned to connect to the D&R Canal Trail.
Note: There is no direct connection between the main canal and the feeder canal paths along the Delaware River. On-street connections are required to traverse the entire trail system.
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[edit] Main Canal Towpath
The main canal towpath trail is 29 miles (47 km) long and constructed on the earthen towpath used by mules to pull barges along the canal, the surface is packed dirt, gravel and crushed stone. Parts become muddy in wet weather; parts are covered with coarse sharp stones similar to track ballast and dangerous to road bike tires. The main entrance in New Brunswick is at the Landing Lane Bridge.
[edit] Feeder Canal Towpath/Rail-trail
The feeder canal was used to supply water to the main canal from the Delaware River, this towpath eventually had rail laid along its length which provides a firm foundation common to rail-trails, the surface is crushed stone. The feeder canal, including the rail-trail to Frenchtown is 28.7 miles (46.2 km) long.
Major Access Points (with parking)
- Washington's Crossing State Park
- Lambertville (on street parking)
- Jimison Farm (~1 mile+ north of Lambertville)
- Stockton
- Prallsville Mills
- Bull's Island
Public restrooms can be found at Washington's Crossing, Prallsville Mills, and Bulls' Island.
Food can be found "on trail" at Washington's Crossing, Lambertville, and Stockton.
The state of New Jersey has published this guide to cycling the feeder path.
[edit] Rail-Trail
Technically the D&R canal starts at Bull's Island (now a state campground); the trail north of the Bull's Island inlet is strictly a rail-trail on the rail bed of the United New Jersey Railroad and Canal Company, the surface is crushed stone. Boarded by Route 29 on the east, and the Delaware River on the west there are few access points along its length, the path is also less heavily traveled than the southern feeder canal segment. During the summer months much of the rail-trail segment is shaded with an overhead canopy of foliage providing a cool hiking or biking environment.
Major Access Points (with parking)
- Bull's Island
- Frenchtown
Public restrooms can be found at Bulls' Island.
Food can be found "on trail" at Frenchtown.
