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D & R Canal - Rocky Hill
4.8 ★★★★★ 151 Google reviews · Running trail in Kingston, New Jersey · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from D & R Canal - Rocky Hill's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Nature preserve offering biking and walking paths along the Delaware and Raritan Canal.
What runners say about D & R Canal - Rocky Hill
“A beautiful place for a walk or bike ride, the canal path stretches from New Brunswick (Raritan)to Trenton (Delaware).”
“Great for biking, jogging or just for a walk in the park.”
03/23/2021: There is a pretty big parking lot on the side of the canal with some signs. Parking lot that may host less than 10 cars by the road is convenient. On 01/22/2021, I hiked 8.7 miles from Millstone Aqueduct and Footbridge in Princeton to Rocky Hill, and on 03/15/2021 I hiked 9.
Always great to bike here, see turtles and blue herons and then afterwards go to the Rocky Hill inn that opens at 4:30 on weekdays.
Amazing place for a walk, run or bike...you can do few miles or hit 50 miles. The trail just doesn't end...
Grew up a few miles away from one of the trail entrances near the Griggstown Causeway. Had no idea this existed after a number of years away from home. What an unexpected surprise to find a beautiful trail along a canal for running, cycling, and walking.
Trail conditions & character
“A beautiful place for a walk or bike ride, the canal path stretches from New Brunswick (Raritan)to Trenton (Delaware).”
“Always great to bike here, see turtles and blue herons and then afterwards go to the Rocky Hill inn that opens at 4:30 on weekdays.”
“Always great to bike here, see turtles and blue herons and then afterwards go to the Rocky Hill inn that opens at 4:30 on weekdays.”
“Unique in that the Flemer Preserve mirrors the Canal towpath, allowing a nice loop without doubling back.”
Plan your run at D & R Canal - Rocky Hill
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Kingston
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Van Horne Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 246 reviews
A large park featuring baseball fields, a playground and a biking path, as well as basketball courts and picnic tables.
Autumn Hill Reservation
4.3 ★★★★☆ 56 reviews
Nature reserve with basic paths through a habitat of native geology, vegetation & woodland animals.
Herrontown Woods
4.5 ★★★★★ 151 reviews
This 142-acre pine forest has walking trails & more than 30 species of trees, shrubs & flowers.
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Kingston
4.7 ★★★★★ 170 reviews
Park with walking and biking trails and wildlife, plus a museum with canal photos.
