DELAWARE AND RARITAN CANAL STATE PARK
The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is one of central New Jersey?s most popular recreational corridors for canoeing, jogging, hiking, bicycling, fishing and horseback riding. The canal and towpath are part of the National Recreational Trail System. The 70-mile linear park is a valuable wildlife corridor connecting fields and forests.
With its 19th-century bridges, bridgetender houses, past and present locks, cobblestone spillways and hand-built stone-arched culverts, the canal is a tremendous attraction for history lovers. The upper reach of the feeder canal wanders through quaint New Jersey towns along the Delaware River such as Stockton and Lambertville. The main canal passes the Port Mercer canal house, through the charming village of Griggstown to Blackwells Mills, ending up in New Brunswick. Canoes can be rented at Griggstown and Princeton from private concessionaires.
Most of the canal system remains intact today and is a reminder of the days when the delivery of freight depended upon a team of mules or steam tugboats. Nearly 36 miles of the main canal and 22 miles of the feeder canal still exist, with many historic structures along the canal.
There is a boat launch at the Bull's Island Recreation Area for the Delaware River. There are no motor restrictions on the river, but all the New Jersey boating regulations apply.
However, there are restrictions on boating and canoeing on the canal. Only electric motors, cartop launch, and canoes are permitted, which, can be rented from private concessionaires in Griggstown and Princeton.
Fishing is permitted the entire length of the canal. Anglers can find bass, sunfish, catfish, perch and pickerel within the canal as well as trout, which the Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks the canal with each spring. Fishing is also permitted in the Delaware River. All canal and river fishing is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
There is a boat launch at the Bull's Island Recreation Area for the Delaware River. There are no motor restrictions on the river, but all the New Jersey boating regulations apply.
However, there are restrictions on boating and canoeing on the canal. Only electric motors, car top launch, and canoes are permitted, which, can be rented from private concessionaires in Griggstown and Princeton.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is located near Avenel, Basking Ridge and Belle Mead
Picnic table and grills are located at some of the access points and near a few of the historic sites. Informal picnicking is allowed along the canal. Open fires are not permitted. Charcoal fires are restricted to the grill in the picnic areas.
The towpath and multi-use trails are great for all ages and physical abilities. Both the Main Canal Trail, which runs 34 miles in length, and the Feeder Canal Trail at 31.5 miles are ADA accessible.
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 160 species recorded. Birdwatchers can spot waterfowl, warblers and hawks. The towpath provides an excellent viewing platform for observing birds in their natural habitats. Spring migration is a particularly good time to visit the park for bird watching.
Prallsville Mills, Route 29, Stockton
This charming 19th-century mill complex contains both grist and linseed oil mills. The site is leased and operated by the Delaware River Mill Society, which sponsors concerts and other programs on site. For information about programs, call (609) 397-3586.Griggstown, Franklin Township, Somerset County
The wooden canal bridge, the Mule tender's Barracks, the Bridge tender's House and station and the site of the Griggstown Mill are situated along the canal. Canoes can be rented at a private canoe rental concession on the canal. The Griggstown Lock is less than a mile south on the towpath. A short walk brings you to grassy fields with picnic tables and grills.Blackwells Mills, Franklin Township, Somerset County
The Bridge tender's House, wooden bridge and mill site are reminders of the area's active past. Several annual events are held at the house. Picnic tables and grills are located around a large field with views of the river. This historic site provides access to the canal, towpath and river.
Griggstown and Blackwells Mills are located between the Millstone River and the D&R Canal and can be reached off Route 533, Millstone River Road in Hillsborough or from Canal Road in Franklin Township. Both historic sites provide access to the Millstone River as well as the canal and towpath.
The park office is a short walk south on Canal Road from Blackwells Mills. Trail heads for Six Mile Run Reservoir are near the office. Horse trailer parking is available.
Cook Natural Area (26 acres)
This area displays a deciduous lowland hardwood forest adjacent to the Heathcote Brook in Kingston. A short trail takes visitors to the forest and small ponds.Six Mile Run, Franklin Township, Somerset County
The Six Mile Run Reservoir Site, is one of Central New Jersey's most hidden recreational resources for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The 3000 acre reservoir site, rich in cultural and historic significance, is also a valuable oasis of wetlands, forests, farmlands and old fields.
Clarion Inn
11 Cedar Grove Lane
Somerset, NJ
(732) 563-1000
Parking is available in designated parking lots along the canal towpath. The main canal runs from Trenton to New Brunswick with a break at the Route 1 crossing. The feeder canal stretches from Trenton north to Frenchtown along the Delaware River.
The park office is located at 145 Mapleton Road.From Route 1Exit at Route 522 east (Ridge Road) heading towards the town of Kingston for approximately 1 mile. Make a left turn onto Division Street. At the stop sign turn left onto Academy Street (Academy Street becomes Mapleton road). The park office and Mapleton Preserve is located .2 miles on the left side of the road across from the Mapleton Nurseries.
From Route 27:Turn onto Academy Street at the traffic light in Kingston (across from the Kingston Cemetery). Academy Street becomes Mapleton road as it heads towards route 1. The park office and Mapleton Preserve is located .3 miles on the left side of the road across from the Mapleton Nurseries.
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