D&R Canal State Park Feeder Trail

Trail Description

The D&R Canal State Park Feeder Trail, the western arm of the 65.3 mile Y-shaped Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail System, is one of the most popular rail trails in New Jersey. It stretches from Trenton, north for 31.4 miles to Frenchtown, NJ. This D&R National Recreation Trail follows the Delaware River passing through the picturesque river towns of Lambertville and Stockton on an abandoned railroad right-of-way at its northern end, the Bulls Island Recreation Area where the feeder canal officially begins near the trail midpoint and Washington Crossing State Park Historic Site at the Feeder Canal Trail's southern end.

Across the river, the Delaware Canal State Park Trail in Pennsylvania, parallels the D&R Feeder Trail for a distance of 30 miles. There are 6 bridge crossings, making loop rides possible using the towpath and trails on both sides of the Delaware River.

Although fun at any time of the year, one of the best times to cycle the upper region of the D&R Canal State Park Feeder Trail is during the Fall and Winter seasons. Bring a friend along for an exhilarating, all-day bike excursion with stops at charming Victorian era villages, 19th century mill towns and historic Revolutionary War sites. Top off your bike trip with a candlelit dinner by a roaring fireplace and an overnight stay in one of the many historic inns or B&Bs you'll find along this D&R ride. Get in some holiday shopping while you are at it. This is the perfect place to find unique gifts.

The Feeder Canal was originally designed as a conduit to carry water from the Delaware River to the main canal but it was also used by cargo vessels as well as canal boats and barges pulled by mule teams. Later the canal towpath was converted into a railbed for the Belvidere-Delaware Railroad. Today the entire feeder canal route has a smooth and level hard-packed crushed stone surface that is perfect for bicyclists and hikers of all ages and abilities. Horseback riding is not permitted on the feeder segment of the D&R Park.

Trail Highlights: along the D&R Canal State Park Feeder Trail include but are not limited to the historic river towns of Frenchtown, Lambertville and Stockton, the Prallsville Mills & Lock, Holcombe Jimison Farmstead, the Bulls Island Recreation Area and Washington Crossing State Park.

Public restrooms can be found at Washington's Crossing, Prallsville Mills, and Bulls' Island.

Trail Guide

Because the Feeder Canal section covers many miles, you can come back again and again to ride and explore different trail segments. The New Jersey State DOT has published this trail guide to cycling the Feeder Canal Trail complete with mileage markers and three different suggested loop rides of 12.2 miles, 4.0 miles, or 10.8 miles.

Frenchtown
A lovely Victorian village located in Hunterdon County with quiet tree-lined streets and shops. The Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge, originally a covered bridge (circa 1841) and the first to span the Delaware River at Frenchtown, has been completely reconstructed as a six-span steel truss bridge with a bike/pedestrian sidewalk. It connects Frenchtown to Uhlerstown, Tinicum Township in Bucks County, PA

Stockton
This small, quiet town remains much the same as it was in the eighteenth century and features several historic buildings including the Stockton Inn (circa 1710), the oldest three room school house (circa 1872) in New Jersey that is still in operation today and the Prallsville Mills historic site.

Lambertville
The charming town of Lambertville is known as the "Antique Capital of New Jersey". Victorian era houses and Federal row homes have been restored and remain as bed and breakfasts, inns, restaurants and shops. Visitors can find a variety of unique crafts and specialty stores, art and antique galleries and more.

A bike/pedestrian path on the bridge crossing over the Delaware River here leads right into New Hope, the Pennsylvania counterpart of Lambertville.

Prallsville Mills & Lock
This 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.

Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead
The Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum is dedicated to the preservation of Hunterdon County's rich and diverse agricultural heritage from the 18th into the 20th centuries. The Museum also ifeatures outbuildings for the Post Office, Blacksmith Shop, Carriage Shed, and Print Shop.

Bulls Island Recreation & Natural Area
Part of the D&R Trail System, Bulls Island Recreation Area is situated on a small forested island surrounded by the Delaware River and the Delaware & Raritan Canal. The lowland floodplain habitat, dominated by enormous tulip poplar, sycamore and silver maples is ideal for bird watching, especially during early Spring migration.

The Bulls Island Campground offers 69 tent and trailer sites with fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms and shower facilities. A canoe launch and playground are also available.

Directions: I-287 or Route 22 to the intersection with Route 202 in Somerville. Follow Route 202 south for 26 miles to the exit for Route 29 north. Go north for about 6 miles. The entrance is on the left.

Note: Because of it's lowland floodplain location, the area is subject to flooding. Please check with the park office for current status.

Washington Crossing State Park
One of the most pivotal events of the American Revolution took place here on December 25, 1776. After crossing the the frigid waters of the Delaware River that night, General George Washington and the Continental Army began their march to Trenton, where against all odds they defeated the Hessian troops in a suprise attack.

The park also features an Open Air Theatre, Visitor Center Museum with exhibits, the historic Johnson Ferry House, living history demonstrations (frequently held on weekends weekends), and hiking trails which become popular routes for cross-country skiing in winter. It's a lovely place along the D&R Trail to soak up some history, gaze at the wildflowers and enjoy a picnic.

Directions: From Interstate 95, take Route 29 north. Follow the signs to the park.

History

Construction of the D&R Canal began in 1830. The main canal was 44 miles long, 75 feet wide and 7 feet deep. Completed in 1834, it became one of the busiest transportation routes during the peak years (1860-1870) as coal was transported through the canal from Philadelphia and New York.

Although originally designed to supply water to the main canal, the feeder canal was navigated by cargo vessels from the time of it's completion. Later, changes to the feeder canal were made to allow vessels from Pennsylvania's Delaware Division Canal to lock into the feeder canal at Lambertville. Canal boats and barges were were pulled by mule teams at first. Around 1843 steam ships were introduced on the canal. With the advent of rail transportation as a faster more efficient means of transportation, the railroad company laying tracks through central New Jersey and the canal company merged. In 1855 the Belvedere-Delaware Railroad completed the laying of track alongside the feeder canal.

Most of the canal remains intact today. Bridges, bridgetender houses, locks, cobblestone spillways, stone-arched culverts and mills are seen all along the trail. 19th century mill and lock complexes can be visited at Prallsville Mills. The historic towns of Frenchtown, Stockton, Lambertville are nearby.

You may also be interested in the D&R Canal State Park Trail
For more long distance multi-use Rail Trails in New Jersey

For more information:

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park
145 Mapleton Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: 609-924-5705

Website: Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park

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