NEWS & ADVISORIES
Advisories
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 ALERT & AWARE: SEXUAL ASSAULT ALONG THE D&R'S BERM NEAR KINGSTON
BE ALERT AND AWARE - September 30, 2021
We are asking our park users to always be on alert, aware and use caution, especially those who enjoy hiking solo. This assault occurred along the berm side of the canal in the Kingston/South Brunswick/Plainsboro area of the park. The berm trail is part of the larger trail system that is accessible from the Kingston Office as well as from the Kingston area of the park. Anyone with information about this assault please contact the police as described below and detailed in the article linked here.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, Chief Fred Tavener of the Plainsboro Police Department, and Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announce authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an individual believed to be involved in an aggravated sexual assault that occurred in the area of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park on the border of Plainsboro and South Brunswick Townships.
The suspect is believed to be a Latino male, approximately 5’5” – 5’6” tall, wearing dark-colored clothing and a dark baseball cap (see the released sketch of the suspect).
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to contact Detective Sue Kowalski of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3287, Detective Patrick Miller of the Plainsboro Police Department at (609)799-2333, or Detective Dominick Delucia of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732)329-4646. Tips may also be submitted to www.middlesextips.com
We ask the public to be vigilant and always aware when enjoying the towpath and the many trails available at the D&R Canal State Park. Your safety is paramount! The New Jersey State Park Police is coordinating with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and has stepped up patrols in the park. In an effort to educate and empower our park visitors we are sharing some basic steps and tips from the South Brunswick Police Department below that should be followed every day when out and about at the park and elsewhere. These will help you to stay alert, increase awareness of your surroundings, be present and stay safe. And of course report anything suspicious or concerning to the proper authorities.
PERSONAL SAFETY
PROPERTY & VEHICLE SECURITY
INTERMITTENT TOWPATH CLOSURES IN EWING TOWNSHIP
BE ADVISED - September 29, 2021
The Scudder Falls Bridge project (Ewing Township, Mercer County) anticipates intermittent tow path closures between Bernard Drive and Upper Ferry Road during the month of October 2021 on weekdays, between approximately 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. for the construction of the Pedestrian Walkway along the tow path in the vicinity of I-295. We thank you for your patience as this work progresses.
STORM DAMAGE UPDATE
SEPTEMBER 10, 2021
CLOSED: Canal bridge over Alexauken Creek in Lambertville. Please follow the path closer to the river between Coryell Street to the Holcombe Jimison Farm (follow the posted detour signs).
CLOSED: Canal bridge over the Wichecheoke Creek in Stockton and a closure of the path behind the Prallsville Mills in Stockton due to undermining of the towpath.
CLOSED: The towpath between Bulls Island and Prallsville Mill (Stockton).
BE ADVISED: The towpath is impassable and CLOSED in Lawrence Township, Mercer County in the vicinity of the Port Mercer Bridge Tenders House. Do not attempt to walk on this unstable surface.
BE ADVISED: The Main Canal towpath has been chainsawed of all fallen trees. It is scoured and rutted for over 22 miles between Landing Lane and Route 27 at Kingston and especially in locations along the Raritan River. Visitors should use extreme caution when walking. CYCLING IS NOT ADVISED.
OPEN: Delaware River boat launchs - many are muddy and slippery; PLEASE USE CAUTION.
OPEN: Bulls Island Day Use Area - picnic area and playground.
OPEN: D&R Canal Towpath Trail is accessible and open between:
Frenchtown to Bulls Island;
Evaluations and restoration work are ongoing. Updates will be posted here and on our Facebook page. We thank you for your cooperation and patience as we continue to recover from this storm.
Prallsville Mill (Stockton) to Trenton (follow detours in Lambertville);
The majority of the main canal from Landing Lane to Trenton (expect a mud and extremely rutted, difficult path - USE CAUTION).
IDA UPDATE: STORM DAMAGE CLOSES THE PARK IN MANY AREAS
SEPTEMBER 5, 2021
CLOSED: Canal bridges over Alexauken Creek in Lambertville and over the Wichecheoke Creek in Stockton.
CLOSED: The pedestrian bridge at Demott Lane is packed with storm debis and is inaccessible.
BE ADVISED: The towpath is impassable in Lawrence Township, Mercer County in the vicinity of the Port Mercer Bridge Tenders House. Do not attempt to walk on this unstable surface.
OPEN: Bulls Island Day Use Area - picnic area and playground
OPEN: D&R Canal Towpath Trail between Bridge Street in Lambertville and Trenton.
Evaluation along the remainder of the park is still ongoing. The towpath remains muddy, blocked by downed trees, limbs, debris and is compromised in many areas. As sections become accessible and safe, updates will be posted here and on our Facebook page. We thank you for your cooperation and patience as we slowly recover from this storm.
FLOODING RAINS FROM HURRICANE IDA SWAMP THE PARK
SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
DELAWARE RIVER STAIR ACCESS AT FAIRVIEW RD. & PT. PLEASANT CLOSED FOR REPAIR
AUGUST 28, 2021
8 MILES OF CANAL ROAD RESERVED FOR WALKING, BIKING & REVOLUTIONARY WAR REENACTORS
July 27, 2021:
The march is memorialized by the National Park Service’s Washington Rochambeau National Historic Trail that stretches from New England to Virginia. The trail follows public roadways such as River Road in Hillsborough and Montgomery, and Canal Road in Franklin Township. Troops crossed the river twice, at the one-lane Griggstown Causeway bridge, and again at Route 518 near Rocky Hill.
In the morning, a Trenton-based group will interpret the First Rhode Island Regiment, a mixed-race American unit that marched the trail and fought at Yorktown. In the afternoon, two reenactors will interpret the French Officers Rochambeau and Chastellux, who led allied French troops who played a crucial role in the American victory.
For this event, Canal Road in Franklin from Amwell Road to Route 518 will be closed to through traffic from 10 AM to 4 PM on August 28 to encourage walking and biking on the narrow road. A half-mile section between Butler Road and the Griggstown Causeway will remain open as usual to permit east-west traffic to cross the Millstone River.
The Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway Center on the Griggstown Causeway will be open during the event. The Center is located in the 1834 Bridge Tender’s House and features an information room and a museum room, which has been restored to as it would have been in the 19th Century, as well as interpretive garden areas.
Click here for more information on this upcoming event in Griggstown
Click here for information on Franklin Township's "Canal Walk & Roll" Event on August 28
Click here to Find Griggstown
REHABILITATION OF THE LANDING LAND SPILLWAY TO BEGIN IN MID-SEPTEMBER
BE ADVISED - JULY 24, 2021
The project will consist of dismantling the spillway, and reconstructing the mortared stone over a reinforced concrete cap. Additional scope includes installation of gabions and rip rap (stone) along the toe of the spillway where it meets the Raritan River.
The project will require the closing of the multi use trail on both sides of Landing Lane Bridge. There will be no thru traffic on the trail at Landing Lane Bridge. The trail will be closed once required by the project. Signage will be posted at the Five Mile Lock in Bound Brook, the footbridge at Demott Lane, and at Landing Lane Bridge. The trail will be reopened upon project completion. We thank you for your patience as this work progresses.
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..
THE 2021-22 HUNTING SEASON AT SIX MILE RUN: THINGS TO KNOW
JULY 23, 2021:
BE ADVISED: Hunters MUST APPLY FOR A PARK PERMIT TO HUNT ANYWHERE WITHIN SIX MILE RUN. Download/Print the deer hunting map for Six Mile Run by clicking the link below:
SIX MILE RUN RESERVOIR SITE DEER HUNTING MAP - ZONE 14
2021/2022 CHANGES TO SIX MILE RUN RESERVOIR DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:
Stands are prohibited from being placed directly on Six Mile Run Reservoir property lines or in the view-shed of residents residing directly adjacent to Six Mile Run Reservoir Site.
PLEASE NOTE:
One stand/blind permitted per hunter;
Parking Permit only needs to be displayed in Hunter Only Lots (see a map for details);
Please review the map as permissible hunting areas have changed.
BOW SEASON: There will be NO LIMIT on the number of bow permits issued for Six Mile Run.
Email, or mail, a completed legible application along with a copy of your current hunting license and government issued identification (ex driver’s license) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. or via US Postal Service to:
D&R Canal State Park
145 Mapleton Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
Use the link below to download/print the bow season application:
BOW HUNTER APPLICANT AGREEMENT SHEET
FIREARM SEASON: A total of 15 permits will be issued for the 2021/2022 season by a RANDOM lottery. To be considered for the lottery please submit your name with your email and/or phone to Stephanie Fox (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 609-924-5705) by September 30, 2021. If your name is selected the park will notify you and provide you with a firearm application to be completed.
Please direct any questions to Stephanie Fox at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the park office at (609) 924-5705.
MILLSTONE VALLEY SCENIC BYWAY VISITOR CENTER IS OPEN
July 20, 2021:
Click here to view the "Griggstown Bridge Tender's House 19th Century Interpretive Gardens" brochure
Click here to Find Griggstown
THE 2021 SUMMER SEASON AT D&R CANAL STATE PARK: THINGS TO KNOW
JUNE 1, 2021:
THINGS TO DO
Picnicking and grilling is permitted in designated picnic areas only;
The canal towpath is an ideal place to walk, bike or run;
Canoes and kayaks are allowed along the entire length of the canal;
Keep it clean and green! Take your trash home with you – trash cans are not provided.
COMMERCIAL TUBING RENTALS
River tubing in the Delaware River is one of the most popular activities at D&R Canal State Park.
Big Bear Gear is the only tubing company licensed to operate in the state park.
For more information on rentals and pricing visit Big Bear Gear’s website: https://bigbeargearnj.com/pages/delaware-river-tubing. Look for Big Bear Gear’s new shuttle service for members of the public who are tubing and need a ride back to their cars at D&R Kingwood and Delaware Township parking lots!
BRING YOUR OWN RIVER TUBE
Members of the public are welcome to bring their own tubes, park their cars and tube on their own. The public are only permitted to launch tubes from the new Riverview parking lot and only to exit the river at the stairs at the Point Pleasant parking lot. (Click here to access our park map) Look for the floating tube and flag marking this exit! We highly recommend life jackets and river tubes.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Check the current river height
Know the river; Be prepared: River Rescue in New Hope/Lambertville; July 19, 2021
VOLUNTEER EFFORT AT DUCK ISLAND A HUGE SUCCESS!
MARCH 1, 2021:
PARTNERSHIPS! This is how we can achieve our goals towards creating a healthier environment for all. On a rainy Saturday morning in late February, ten dedicated volunteers from the Central Jersey Stream Team, the Hackensack Riverkeeper, D&R Canal State Park staff and the owner of Tire Disposal Service pulled out 216 muck filled tires from the canal at the Duck Island section of the park - 216 TIRES!! While these dedicated volunteers provided the muscle power, the Mercer County Clean Communities program funded the responsible disposal of the tires. Some of the tires pulled our of the water date back to the 1960's!!! We can't thank all of these groups enough for taking on this challenge and look forward to PARTNERING with them again. There is more work to be done but with dedication of organizations like these we can make a difference. Please consider volunteering for a clean up near you, every set of hands is appreciated.
Dredge Project Updates for the 2020-21 Season
March 2021 Project update:
BE ADVISED:
Click here for details about this project.
December 2020 Project update:
BE ADVISED:
Click here for details about this project.
operations to begin in the spring:
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.
PROJECT UPDATE: JUNE 12, 2020
LAMBERTVILLE UPDATE: ASH & AILANTHUS TREE REMOVAL
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.
Hidden in Plain Sight!
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!
MASK-UP WHILE VISITING NJ STATE PARKS
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.
WELCOME BACK! PLEASE CONTINUE TO SOCIAL DISTANCE WHILE AT D&R!
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.
NJ PARKS & FORESTS RE-OPEN SATURDAY MAY 2 FOR PASSIVE RECREATION WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING
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.
STATE PARKS & FORESTS CLOSED
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.
PLEASE MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING WHILE AT THE D&R CANAL STATE PARK:
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;
NJ PARKS & FORESTS OPEN FOR PASSIVE RECREATION WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING
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.
MUDDY CONDITIONS LIMIT TRAIL ACCESS AT SIX MILE RUN
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!
Milepost 22/22 Returns to the Towpath
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!
Dredge Project Updates for the 2019 Season
Towpath Closures
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.
Project Updates: May 1, 2019
Project Update: July 18, 2019
Project Update: November 1, 2019
Dredging Begins
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.
Spotted in the Park: The Spotted Lantern fly
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.
Treating for Hydrilla
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 Emerald Ash Borer Hits New Jersey
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
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