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Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Mapleton Rd
4.7 ★★★★★ 217 Google reviews · Running trail in Princeton, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Mapleton 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.
Scenic trail that's good for cycling, bird-watching, fishing, jogging and hiking, as well as dog-walking.
What runners say about Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Mapleton Rd
“clean and well maintained.”
“Beautiful trail, with benches available throughout, for those who would like to sit intermittently to rest or to just enjoy the nature around.”
“Beautiful, quite and calm place for walking, cycling, running, kayaking and fishing.”
A Beautiful park with endless trail with breathtaking views of the river!!
Great place for trekking/running/cycling. A fairly easy path for a brisk walk surrounded on both sides by water. A real tranquil place. Very therapeutic. Found folks conoeing as well. Look like a great spot for non motor water related activities. The foliage now (fall) is spectacular and a natures show at its best.
This is a nice trail, at the bridge you can turn back making a loop back to Harrison street. The trail is in a good condition. It is a frequented place, runners, bikes, hikers share the road. In both turn of the loop a small parking lot is available. The western side is stroller and wheelchair friendly.
It was lovely to walk, run, or bike ride. There's a few spots for sitting, to enjoy the peace and scenery. Sometimes, the Princeton crew team is practicing on Carnegie Lake. You'll likely encounter a few fisherman, kayakers.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful trail, with benches available throughout, for those who would like to sit intermittently to rest or to just enjoy the nature around.”
“A commonly used access point near Princeton is around Mapleton Road, with parking available at several road crossings along the canal.”
“We found this trail while trying to look for a new trail to go for our weekend morning walk with our dog.”
“This is a nice trail, at the bridge you can turn back making a loop back to Harrison street.”
“The western side is stroller and wheelchair friendly.”
“Dirt path is smooth and safe and the views are outstanding and peaceful.”
Plan your run at Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Mapleton Rd
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitedandrcanal.com
- Phone+1 609-924-5705
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
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 - Alexander Rd
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Turning Basin Park
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Mill Pond Park
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Quiet, scenic nature reserve featuring a lake, ponds and trails for hiking, biking and kayaking.