Park users, campers, hunters and all visitors to the D&R Canal State Park are asked to call 1-877-WARNDEP; 1-877-927-6337 if they require the assistance of our State Park Police. Please do not hesitate to call AT ANY TIME if assistance is needed. In the event of a life-threatening emergency we ask that you please call 911. And as always, we ask that the public contact our office to report any fallen trees or other obstructions encountered along the length of the path. Enjoy the park and be safe!
BE AWARE: As per NJ State Park Service Rules and Regulations swimming may take place ONLY IN A DESIGNATED SWIM AREA. In recent years, illegal swimming activity has increased in the Prallsville Mills area of Stockton in both the canal and historic lock. This area is fenced and posted. This is considered a RECKLESS ACTIVITY and in violation of the New Jersey Administrative Code (see below).
Swimming in the Delaware and Raritan Canal is a PROHIBITED ACTIVITY (N.J.A.C. 7:11-1.25). As per NJ State Park Service Rules and Regulations swimming may take place only in a designated swim area (N.J.A.C. 7:2-2.20). There are no designated swim areas in the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park and Bulls Island Recreation Area. Increased park police patrols have been instituted and violators may receive a summons.
BE ADVISED:
Click here for details about this project.
BE ADVISED: The D&R Canal Dredging project will begin operations at Access Area 5 (East Millstone Park) located near the intersection of MARKET STREET and AMWELL ROAD starting on, or about, APRIL 1, 2020. The initial work involves mobilization of equipment and materials to the area, as well as a small soil sampling program. The contractor will occupy this area to support operations through October 31, 2020. Demobilization and restoration of the area will be conducted during November 2020.
BE ADVISED - DECEMBER 2, 2020: Due to a leak in the canal, the path will be closed from Little Valley to Griggstown Lock while repair work is underway. It is estimated to be a short and temporary closure which we hope will be fully completed by the end of the second week of December (weather dependent). We thank you for your patience!
BE ADVISED - OCTOBER 16, 2020
The New Jersey Water Supply Authority is doing a rehabilitation of the canal embankment adjacent to the Island Farm Weir in Somerset County. This project will address ongoing issues and prevent future erosion on the Raritan River side of the embankment. The project will begin in early November and last several weeks. Final site restoration will take place in the Spring of 2021.
The project will mostly consist of installations of gabions and rip rap (stone) along the canal embankment where it meets the Raritan River.
The project will require the closing of the multi-use trail from the Manville Causeway to the footbridge at Weston Canal Road on weekdays during construction. The area will be open on weekends, but users are required to walk their bicycles across the construction area.
Paul Harenberg of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority can be reached for any questions at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
UPDATED - NOVEMBER 12, 2020
ADVISORY - SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 (updated October 28, 2020):
Why do trees along the towpath have orange markers?
Project Work Dates: Nov 9, 2020 - Nov 20, 2020
Why are ailanthus trees being removed?
Why are ash trees being removed?
Why do these pests spread in D&R?
What is the timeline?
Tree removal and ailanthus stump treatment will begin in the Fall of 2020.
More information:
The park service has marked ailanthus and ash trees along the D&R Canal State Park towpath in the City of Lambertville (Eastern side of Canal) for removal.
Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven), is an invasive non-native species which outcompetes New Jersey’s native species. It is also a species is known for attracting the invasive non-native insect the spotted lanternfly. The spotted lanternfly feeds on over 70 different plant species, including fruit trees, ornamental trees, vegetables, herbs and vines. The pest poses a threat to the health of New Jersey's agriculture and forests.
Ash trees have been impacted by the emerald ash borer, an invasive non-native beetle that has killed hundreds of millions of trees in North America. Once an ash tree is infested with emerald ash borer, the beetle kills the tree within three to four years, and 99% of the ash trees die after initial infestation. Ash die from the top down and rapidly become brittle, and potentially risk dropping large branches and tree tops. The brittleness of the infested trees poses a safety concern for park patrons in heavily-used areas. The removal of EAB-infested Ash trees throughout the park, including the City of Lambertville, has been specifically authorized by the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission (DRCC #16-4938), which was granted a certificate of approval on February 15, 2017 which remains valid until 2022.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is 70-miles long and wooded which helps the invasive insects easily spread throughout the park and to adjacent areas.
BE ADVISED - OCTOBER 28, 2020: While the D&R Canal's feeder trail is open to the public for use, the Bulls Island Recreation Area Office remains closed. However, the day use area and public restrooms are open for use.
October 1, 2020: While it’s not unusual for researchers to make new discoveries - a private collection of letters, newly archived documents that were previously inaccessible, recently gifted journals, photographs, objects and/or manuscripts - it is a happy surprise to literally uncover a historic structure thought to be long gone. In this case the rebuilt bridge tender’s station at Zarephath! Covered in vines, brush, overgrown grass and presumed to be a storage shed, upon closer inspection, and a bit of research, was revealed to be the rebuilt station that once stood next to the western facade of Zarephath Bridge Tender’s House and alongside the canal! In the two top black & white photos pictured here, the house and its station are seen in their original locations at Chapel Drive near the campus of what was “The Pillar of Fire” community then "Somerset Christian College" and now "Pillar College". The photo on the left - snapped in the late 1970s-early 80s show a a house in need of some care and the original station precariously supported on blocks. The image on the right, taken around 1915-1920, captures a well-maintained house along with its station and outhouse in the waning years before the canal closed as a transportation corridor. A project to rehab/restore the house and move the station away from the canal’s bank was completed in the early 1990s. Plans from the project revealed that much of the station was too far gone to save it and so a decision was made to create a replica using what materials could be salvaged from the original structure including the wood door. The rebuilt replacement was positioned behind the house, used by past tenants as a storage shed and its original purpose slowly forgotten in the 28 years that followed. Happily the structure, and it’s story, has been recently rediscovered and can now proudly take its rightful place on the very exclusive short list of similar surviving bridge tender’s stations that still stand along the canal!
MAY 22, 2020 - BE ADVISED:
The New Jersey State Park Service looks forward to seeing you this Memorial Day weekend. We are all in this together and we all would like to enjoy our parks and forests together. Please remember to bring your masks along with you, on our trails, paths, beaches, and forests. Where it is difficult to maintain a six-foot distance simply mask up. Once you mask up, let us know by taking a selfie and posting to social media using the hashtags #iheartNJParks and #MaskUp. Be sure to let us know why YOU Mask Up in New Jersey's state parks. In addition, with some limitations, picnicking is once again permitted in state parks and forests. Please bring a blanket and a cooler with your food. Picnic areas, tables and grills continue to be closed at this time. Swimming is NOT permitted this weekend as we continue to hire lifeguards to fill our ranks. Click here if you are interested in becoming a State Park Service lifeguard.
We invite you to watch the Division of Parks and Forestry's most recent video highlighting the guidelines for using our parks safely this holiday weekend and in the coming weeks ahead.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE:
Both the Bulls Island Recreation Area and the parking lot at 625 Canal Road remain closed.
MORE INFORMATION:
Learn more about COVID-19 from the New Jersey Department of Health.
Learn more about COVID-19 in New Jersey NJ residents can call 211 with questions or concerns about COVID-19 and to learn resources available to them.
Residents can also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to subscribe to text message updates on NJ COVID-19.
Posts are also updated on the D&R Canal State Park Facebook Page.
Check the Division of Parks and Forestry’s website for any new information.
MAY 9, 2020 - BE ADVISED:
Since we remain under a statewide state of emergency, we'd like to remind our park users about current rules, the importance of social distancing and using masks as encouraged by the CDC. We invite you to watch the Division of Parks and Forestry's most recent video highlighting the guidelines for using our parks under the current Executive Order.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE:
Both the Bulls Island Recreation Area and the parking lot at 625 Canal Road remain closed.
MORE INFORMATION:
Learn more about COVID-19 from the New Jersey Department of Health.
Learn more about COVID-19 in New Jersey NJ residents can call 211 with questions or concerns about COVID-19 and to learn resources available to them.
Residents can also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to subscribe to text message updates on NJ COVID-19.
As our park users may be aware we have experienced a significant amount of visitation throughout the entire State Park Service since reopening on Saturday, May 2nd. We were delighted to invite New Jerseyans back to their parks, and D&R Canal was no exception. D&R Canal is our state’s second most visited state park. Last weekend’s visitation proved that we are much loved and we experienced an enormous volume of people return to the park.
Posts are also updated on the D&R Canal State Park Facebook Page.
Check the Division of Parks and Forestry’s website for any new information.
MAY 2, 2020 - BE ADVISED:
D&R CANAL STATE PARK:
SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIRED, FACE COVERING STRONGLY ENCOURAGED
Learn more tips in our social distancing video.
To help keep NJ families safe from COVID-19, certain activities and amenities are not permitted/open. We will reevaluate this list as virus cases in New Jersey continue to decline.
STAY SAFE WHILE VISITING PARKS
MORE INFORMATION:
Learn more about COVID-19 from the New Jersey Department of Health.
Learn more about COVID-19 in New Jersey NJ residents can call 211 with questions or concerns about COVID-19 and to learn resources available to them.
Residents can also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to subscribe to text message updates on NJ COVID-19.
Please note that while the D&R's towpath is now accessible and open, access to the Bulls Island Recreation Area will remain closed. Additionally, there WILL NOT BE access to the Lumberville-Raven Rock pedestrian bridge to PA, nor the Bulls Island boat launch.
Do your part to protect others while outdoors — wear a face covering. We know you want to get out in nature, as do many of your fellow New Jerseyans, that is why we are required to follow social distancing in order to keep all New Jersey families safe.
✅Hike/Walk
✅Horseback Ride
✅Bicycle
✅Fish/Hunt (with permit)
✅Boat/Canoe/Kayak
✅Bird/wildlife watch
NOT OPEN AT THIS TIME:
PARKING CAPPED at 50% CAPACITY
Available parking at parks is limited to 50% of the maximum capacity at one time, and visitors are prohibited from parking in undesignated areas, including in roadways.
Check the Division of Parks and Forestry’s website for any new information.
APRIL 7, 2020 - BE ADVISED:
HIKING PROHIBITED
All park gates and entrances are CLOSED. Trail use is PROHIBITED. Save yourself the trip and STAY HOME to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
AREAS PATROLLED
New Jersey State Park Police will patrol park areas to ensure the public is following the Governor’s directives to stay home to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
To keep your family and our entire New Jersey family safe, stay home, practice good hygiene and follow all State and CDC guidelines concerning COVID-19.
MORE INFORMATION
Click here to learn more about COVID-19 and to find related/useful resources. OR text NJCOVID to 898-211; or call 211.
Check the Division of Parks and Forestry’s website for updated information.
MARCH 24, 2020 - BE ADVISED:
If you're considering visiting the D&R Canal State Park, it is important keep in mind the following to protect yourself and other park visitors:
2. Do not gather in groups and maintain a six foot distance between yourself and others at all times;
3. Leave any area that you cannot maintain a six foot distance;
4. Cover sneezes and refrain from touching your face;
5. Wash your hands;
6. Stay home if you exhibit any symptoms.
As PARK RESTROOMS ARE CLOSED due to COVID-19 concerns, please also remember to "go" before you go out to parks.
Click Here to learn more about COVID-19 from the New Jersey Department of Health.
NJ residents can call 211 with questions or concerns about COVID-19 and to learn resources available to them.
Residents can also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to subscribe to text message updates on NJ COVID-19.
1. While on trails, warn other users of your presence and as you pass, and step aside to let others pass;
MARCH 17, 2020 - BE ADVISED:
FACILITIES CLOSED; EVENTS CANCELED
To protect public health and safety due to the spread of COVID-19, the State Park Service has closed all park facilities (restrooms, offices, nature centers, historic buildings), canceled all events, and canceled all upcoming camping reservations through Thursday, April 30.
CAMPING RESERVATIONS REFUNDED
Existing camping reservations from Monday, March 16, through Thursday, April 30, will be canceled. Reservations will be refunded in full at our earliest convenience. Campers currently occupying a campsite will be required to leave by the end of today, March 16. No new future camping reservations are being accepted.
Check the Division of Parks and Forestry’s website for any new information.
Click here to learn more about COVID-19 from the New Jersey Department of Health.
The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry would like to remind you practice social distancing while visiting park trails, to cover sneezes, and wash your hands often.
BE ADVISED: Recent heavy rains and a warmer than usual winter has led us to suggest a limited access/usage throughout the Six Mile Run trail network. In order to preserve the quality of the trails, we are asking for the cooperation of our park users - especially those who bike the trails - to please delay your use/ride until the ground dries and conditions improve. We appreciate your cooperation and patience. Let's hope for drier weather soon!
The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park is happy to welcome back an old friend! On October 4, 2019 an important piece of the historic canal was reinstalled along its towpath. Milepost 22/22 - the marker which indicates the halfway point along the canal's 44-mile main stem from Bordentown to New Brunswick - was carefully retrieved, patched and put back in place between Rocky Hill and Griggstown. It had been knocked off its base years ago and lay hidden in the floodplain under overgrown grass, plants and poison ivy. Lost, but by no means forgotten, it was recently spotted by a regular park user who reached out to the D&R Canal Commission and advocated for its retrieval. After determining its condition, and discussing all options with the Park staff, it was decided to attempt a rescue, repair and reinstall mission. Thanks to the local resident who brought the wayward milepost to our attention, the D&R Canal Commission for funding the project and the expert crew from Pennacchi & Sons who did the work, this historic piece of the D&R Canal State Park has been returned to its rightful place on the towpath - a successful team effort! Welcome back 22/22! Long may you stand!
Operations began in March 2018 and active dredging of the Canal and debris removal began in May 2019. Operations on the dewatering site, including trucking of the removed sediment, occur year-round. During periods of active dredging the portion of the Canal being dredged is closed to boaters. Occasional, temporary closures of the towpath may be necessary during the project. Signage will be posted at D&R Canal State Park entrances surrounding the closed areas to notify the public.
A dredging project is planned for the D&R Canal from Kingston to Amwell Road at East Millstone. This extensive and needed project (administered by NJ Water Supply Authority), began on July 9, 2018 and may take up to three years to complete. We thank you for your patience as the project continues along this section of the park.
The Spotted Lanternfly has been located in the park. This pest is invasive and can do damage to trees. Please report all sightings.
Click here for more information about the spotted lanternfly.
Hydrilla was discovered in the Washington Crossing section of the Canal in July 2016. Hydrilla is an extremely aggressive invasive aquatic plant that spreads very rapidly and forms dense mats that can choke the flow of water through the canal. A lake management firm was hired in September, 2016 to survey, assess, and map the extent of hydrilla and other problem weeds in the high-priority segments of the Delaware & Raritan Canal. The survey report indicates that, for the 18.31 miles surveyed, submerged aquatic vegetation was collected at 96 percent of the sites, confirming the spatial extent and diversity of vegetation in the Canal. Hydrilla was observed at 56 percent of the survey sites.
On May 31, 2017, the Authority began a low-dose (<4 ppb) herbicide injection of Sonar Genesis for up to 120 days targeting the hydrilla and other nuisance aquatic vegetation. At these low rates, there are no restrictions on fish/fish consumption, human/animal water consumption or contact. There are some recommended water irrigation usage restrictions that have been posted along the tried areas of the canal. All Canal water customers have been engaged in the management planning process and continue to be updated on the status of treatment. The herbicide application is showing promising signs of effectively controlling the Hydrilla and other nuisance aquatic plants. The Authority and consulting firm are monitoring the status of plants and the herbicide concentrations at several points along the Canal.
Click here for monitoring and project information.
The State Forest and State Park Services have identified the D&R Canal State Park as a high-use area for the preemptive felling of ash trees to reduce the anticipated hazards caused by the Emerald Ash Borer infestation effecting the State. At-risk, dying and dead ash trees will be harvested along the path. These areas will be replanted with new seedlings. It is estimated that approximately 1,550 trees, 5-inches or more in diameter, leaning over or located with 15 feet of the path will be felled. Click here for more information on the Emerald Ash Borer and the progress of the project here at D&R Canal State Park. Thank you for your patience.
Click here for more information on the Emerald Ash Borer
Click here for information about the ongoing project at the D&R Canal State Park