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Delaware Canal Towpath
4.8 ★★★★★ 61 Google reviews · Running trail in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 22 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Delaware Canal Towpath'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 stretch with a canal and towpath that’s popular for walking and biking, plus wildlife sightings.
What runners say about Delaware Canal Towpath
“Beautiful site, almost no incline for newcomers that need to just get their body moving.”
“They have canals and tow paths-great for a light jog.”
05/18/2021: Today we hiked 8.7 miles from Lambertville, NJ thru the bridge to New Hope and on thru D&L Trail to Washington Crossing PA & NJ. It’s getting hot but this side of the trail is very shady. Now that spring is here, we got to see wild flowers blooming all along the trail.
Both Jersey and PA have canals and tow paths, easily accessed at many points. This section in Washington Crossing is my favorite since it is easily accessible by walking from my home. The pandemic brought crowds, that thankfully have subsided.
Date of first-time visit was Sunday May 19, 2024. I rode my bike from Morrisville to the blocked off section near Washington Crossing. After a solid week of rain the trail was very muddy which I didn't mind at all. Lots of people out on this beautiful afternoon. Bring the kids. The canal is historic.
We did a 27 mile bike ride from scudders falls bridge Yardley to lambertville to New Hope and back. Very flat and nice ride New Jersey side definitely wider, Pennsylvania side has a couple low bridges so what's your head. Had lunch at the Full Moon in lambertville. I recommend this spot for breakfast and lunch 🤓
Trail conditions & character
“It is rather flat but you get views of bridges and the water while also viewing the nice backyard of yardley.”
“Very flat and nice ride New Jersey side definitely wider, Pennsylvania side has a couple low bridges so what's your head.”
“Get to either walk or bike ride (mountain bike best path isn’t paved and can be rocky at times).”
“05/18/2021: Today we hiked 8.7 miles from Lambertville, NJ thru the bridge to New Hope and on thru D&L Trail to Washington Crossing PA & NJ.”
“At night w a light it becomes alive w frogs hopping around.”
Plan your run at Delaware Canal Towpath
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
- Distance22 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- Websitedcnr.state.pa.us
- Phone(215) 529-7300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–7:30 PM |
Running trails near Washington Crossing
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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John S Watson Park
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