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Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Running trail in Princeton, New Jersey · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park'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.
What runners say about Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
“Always a beautiful ride along the D and R canal, no matter which section you choose”
Really well maintained with an extensive trail system. Maybe 50 miles of tow path + connectors into other parks. Various parking lots mainly at road crossings but we saw others. Colonial Park Gardens looked really good. There are numerous foot bridges as well. Overall the trail was in excellent shape.
A very nice place for jogging, kayaking, walking and by the number of people doing it, fishing. It is crowded though in places (near Princeton) and there is loads. Poison ivy that you should be aware of. Lots of turtles and birds about for viewing in the morning and evenings.
Great for running, biking, walking, with scenic views of Lake Carnegie.
The canal in general is a unique place to walk or ride your bike. Personally, I prefer to walk with my dog on the tow path that borders the land as opposed to the one that borders the lake simply because it is far less crowded. The downside of course is that tow path on the land side is very short.
Trail conditions & character
“Always a beautiful ride along the D and R canal, no matter which section you choose”
“Various parking lots mainly at road crossings but we saw others.”
Plan your run at Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitedandrcanal.com
- Phone(609) 924-5705
- Social Facebook
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 Princeton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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.
Herrontown Woods
4.5 ★★★★★ 151 reviews
This 142-acre pine forest has walking trails & more than 30 species of trees, shrubs & flowers.
Autumn Hill Reservation
4.3 ★★★★☆ 56 reviews
Nature reserve with basic paths through a habitat of native geology, vegetation & woodland animals.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Mapleton Rd
4.7 ★★★★★ 217 reviews
Scenic trail that's good for cycling, bird-watching, fishing, jogging and hiking, as well as dog-walking.
