Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park

09/15/2026

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY PATH CLOSURE:
PRINCETON/KINGSTON AREA

The multiuse path from the Kingston Lock/Bridge Tender House (located off Route 27 in Mercer County) to the Millstone Aqueduct (located in Plainsboro, Middlesex County), will be closed to public access from Monday through Thursday.

CLOSURE DATES: September 21, 2026 to October 16, 2026
REASON FOR CLOSURE: Resurfacing project funded by the Recreational Trails Program

PUBLIC ACCESS:
THE PATH WILL REMAIN OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD.

We thank you for your understanding, patience and cooperation as this much needed project is underway!

Please reach out to our park office at (609) 924-5705 with any questions or send email to [email protected]

08/30/2026

What a beautiful night for a hike! Thank you to all guests who joined us on this walk Friday evening. The towpath is a great trail to hike or bike, and we hope everyone takes a chance to explore it!

08/10/2026

Help shape the future of Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park! Join us tomorrow, Tuesday, August 11, 6 to 8 p.m., for the fourth in a series of public engagement sessions to share your ideas on protecting and enhancing the park's historic, natural and recreational resources for future generations.

Upcoming engagement sessions:
📆Aug. 11: NJ DEP Public Hearing Room, 401 E. State St., Trenton
📆Sept. 8: Lawrence Township Library HQ Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township

Can't attend? Submit your comments online at: nj.gov/dep/drcc/master-plan-updates.shtml

The master plan will guide the park’s development and informs the implementation of the Commission’s land-use regulatory program to protect the canal park’s historic, environmental and water supply resources.

07/09/2026

Help shape the future of Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park! The Delaware & Raritan Canal Commission is updating the park's 1989 Master Plan and wants to hear from users of the 70-mile park.

Join one of five public engagement sessions this summer to share your ideas on protecting and enhancing the park's historic, natural and recreational resources for future generations.

Public meetings:
📆 July 14: Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School, 33 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
📆 July 20: Phillip J. Pittore Justice Center, 25 S. Union St., Lambertville
📆 July 29: Franklin Township Community Center, 505 DeMott Lane, Somerset
📆 Aug. 11: NJ DEP Public Hearing Room, 401 E. State St., Trenton
📆 Sept. 8: Lawrence Township Library HQ Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township

Can't attend? Submit your comments online at: nj.gov/dep/drcc/master-plan-updates.shtml

The master plan will guide the park’s development and informs the implementation of the Commission’s land-use regulatory program to protect the canal park’s historic, environmental and water supply resources.

06/13/2026

PARK ADVISORY: D&R Canal State Park - Scudders Falls

Effective immediately, the Scudders Falls section of D&R Canal State Park will be closed to park visitors on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through Sept. 8.

The closure is a result of excessive usage that has led to illegal activities and damage, creating an unsafe environment for visitors and park staff. Weekend visitors who usually park at this location for canal towpath use or launching kayak and canoes are encouraged to use the other public designated locations at D&R Canal State Park, Bulls Island Recreation Area or nearby Washington Crossing State Park.

📍View D&R Canal State Park’s map for alternate park access points:https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/parksandforests/drcanal-areamap.pdf

The Scudders Falls area will continue to be utilized by park visitors Monday through Thursday.

🔗 Learn more about D&R Canal State Park: https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/state-park/dr-canal-state-park/

06/12/2026

PARK ADVISORY: Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park

With longer days and rising temperatures, spring and summer is the perfect time to visit Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park. One of New Jersey’s most popular and expansive parks, the park attracts visitors from across the region each year. To help visitors plan ahead and enjoy their trip safely, New Jersey State Parks is sharing several helpful tips for exploring the park.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 🚨
🚫 🏊 Swimming is not permitted from anywhere in D&R Canal State Park.
🚫🔥 Fires of any kind are not permitted.
🚫🍾 Alcohol is not permitted.
🚫🚬 Smoking and va**ng are not permitted.
🚙 Parking is limited and only permitted in designated areas. Illegally parked vehicles are subject to fines and may be towed.
⚠️ The Cooley Parking Lot is closed due to summer operations.

THINGS TO DO 🌲
🧺 Picnicking and grilling is permitted in designated picnic areas.
🚴 The Canal Towpath is an ideal place for walking, bicycling or jogging.
🚣 Canoes and kayaks are allowed along the entire length of the canal.
♻️ Keep it clean and green! Take your trash home with you – trashcans are not provided.

RIVER TUBING
🌊 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

Park visitors bringing their own river tubes and not using the Big Bear Gear concession may launch only from the Riverview parking lot. All tubes must exit the river at the Point Pleasant parking lot.

🔗 For additional information about D&R Canal State Park visit: https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/state-park/dr-canal-state-park/
📍 D&R Canal State Park Map:https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/parksandforests/drcanal-areamap.pdf

04/28/2026

A big thank you to all who came out to volunteer with us from EY in honor of Earth Day! With their help, we were able to cover 2.5 miles of the Towpath near Six Mile Run and collect 54 pounds of litter from along the trail. This was an excellent reminder for everyone to carry in and carry out their garbage anytime you recreate, and to be mindful of our impacts on the planet. Volunteers also managed to remove vines from more than 100 trees and had the opportunity to learn about local ecology from park staff. Thank you volunteers!

04/14/2026

Happy (almost) Earth Day! Staff at Bulls Island Recreation Area are hosting a free event this Sunday to celebrate and would love the chance to teach everyone a little bit about the park and our planet!

🌻🌳Celebrate Earth Day 2026 at Bulls Island!🌳🌻

Join us for a relaxing day of fun by the river to celebrate all things outdoors in honor of Earth Day! Learn about the world around you from park naturalists and special guests, make some fun nature themed arts & crafts, and learn how to enjoy the outdoors safely. The rain date for this event is April 26th, so keep an eye on the Bulls Island page for any updates. Woodlands Wildlife Refuge will only be available on the original date. This is a family event so feel free to stay and make it a picnic!

Date: Sunday April 19th
Rain Date: Sunday April 26th
Time: 10:00 – 2:00
Cost: Free!

Program Schedule:
Raptor Walk ~ 10:15-11:15
Life of a Bear ~ 11:30-12:30
Nature Walk ~ 12:45-1:45

We hope to see you there!