Delaware Canal State Park stretches 60 miles along the last watered towpath canal in the nation, tracing the Delaware River through the rolling hills of Bucks and Northampton Counties. Established in 1931, this 830-acre linear park preserves a remarkable piece of American transportation history — the canal that once carried anthracite coal from the Lehigh Valley to Philadelphia-area markets.

The towpath trail is the park’s centerpiece, offering a flat, scenic corridor perfect for hiking, biking, jogging, and cross-country skiing. The crushed-stone path passes through charming river towns like New Hope and Lumberville, where you can break for local shops and restaurants before continuing your trek. In warmer months, fishing along the canal and river draws anglers after smallmouth bass, catfish, and panfish. Birdwatchers will find herons, kingfishers, and warblers throughout the riparian corridor, particularly during spring and fall migration.

The park’s canalside setting means flat, accessible terrain — a welcome change from Pennsylvania’s typically rugged state park trails. Historic lock tender’s houses, aqueducts, and canal locks dot the route, giving walkers tangible connections to the 1830s engineering that shaped the region.

Fall is arguably the best season to visit, when the river valley erupts in color and crowds thin after summer’s peak. Spring wildflower displays along the towpath are equally rewarding.

Whether you’re planning a full-day bike ride from Easton to Bristol or a quiet afternoon stroll through one section, Delaware Canal State Park delivers a uniquely peaceful, historically rich outdoor experience.

Explore Nearby

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• Knecht’s Mill Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Uhlerstown Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
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• Riverland Drive — Scenic Byway in South Carolina