HomeNew JerseyPrinceton › Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Alexander Rd

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Alexander Rd

4.8 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Running trail in Princeton, New Jersey · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Alexander Rd'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 & Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Alexander Rd

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (21 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏃 great for running 2 mentions

“Great place for jogging, biking and canal and lake is a cool place for kayaking.”

I loved running on this path. It was my first time. Unfortunately I didn't have the time to run far, only 6 miles, but I wanted to. I will return with friends.

★★★★★ — Kelly , Oct 2021

Great place for jogging, biking and canal and lake is a cool place for kayaking.

★★★★★ — Sheamus , Oct 2022

Beautiful place and very safe for walking, running, or biking. You really feel relaxed and connected with nature. Just be careful with ticks—avoid going into tall grass or wooded areas, as they can climb up your legs (it happened to me).

★★★★★ — Emerson , May 2026

Canal is a great place for walking, running or cycling. Very attractive scenery and fascinating history.

★★★★★ — Chris , May 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 21 reviews →

Plan your run at Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Alexander Rd

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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.
  • Websitenj.gov
  • Phone(609) 924-5705

Hours

Monday 8 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–8 PM
Thursday 8 AM–8 PM
Friday 8 AM–8 PM
Saturday 8 AM–8 PM
Sunday 8 AM–8 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Alexander Rd

523 Alexander Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540

Get directions

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.

Turning Basin Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 268 reviews

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Waterside park offering canoeing and kayaking trails, plus a picnic area and a dock.

under a mile away

D&R Canal Trail Pedestrian Crossing

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Natural surfaceScenic

under a mile away

Institute Woods

4.6 ★★★★★ 210 reviews

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3.2 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

589 acres of woods, farmland & wetlands, with serene walking trails & a wooden footbridge.

1.1 miles away

Millstone River Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 15 reviews

Plainsboro Township, NJ

Paved

1.4 miles away

Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Mapleton Rd

4.7 ★★★★★ 217 reviews

Princeton, NJ

LoopNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Scenic trail that's good for cycling, bird-watching, fishing, jogging and hiking, as well as dog-walking.

1.4 miles away

Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 259 reviews

Princeton, NJ

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Nature preserve featuring several hiking trails in a picturesque setting with woodlands & a lake.

2.0 miles away

All running trails in Princeton, NJ →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.