SCUDDERS FALLS NOW CLOSED ON WEEKENDS
July 2, 2025
Effective immediately, the Scudders Falls section of D&R Canal State Park WILL BE CLOSED to for parking on FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS during the summer season.
The closure is a result of excessive usage that has led to violations of the State Park Service code, creating an unsafe environment for visitors and park staff. Weekend visitors who park at this location for canal towpath use or launching kayak and canoes are encouraged to use the other public designated locations at D&R Canal State Park, Bulls Island Recreation Area or nearby Washington Crossing State Park.
Click here to view D&R Canal State Park’s map for alternate park access points.
The Scudders Falls upper lots will be open and accessible to park visitors MONDAY - THURSDAYS ONLY.
BE ADVISED:
BRIDGE & PARKING AREA AT 5-MILE LOCK CLOSED FOR REPAIRS; NO TRAIL ACCESS
JUNE 25, 2025
Due to needed bridge repair and construction activities at the 5-Mile Lock both trail access and vehicle parking at this location is currently closed.
As a result, the D&R Canal multi-use trail will not be accessible from the 5-Mile Lock Parking Lot located along Easton Avenue in Franklin Township.
Click the link for a full list of available parking areas:
D&R Canal State Park Parking Areas
BE ADVISED:
The nearest parking areas/trail access points are:
Celebrate Earth Day at the Bulls Island Recreation Area
MARCH 30, 2025
Join us and celebrate Earth Day at the Bulls Island Recreation Area on April 19th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. It will be a fun filled day for the entire family! Our dedicated staff will be on hand and offering a variety of FREE ACTIVITIES for everyone including:
You don't want to miss it so mark the date, April 19th and plan to bring the family to the Bulls Island Recreation Area located at Raven Rock along the Delaware River (about 3 miles north of Stockton - 2185 Daniel Bray Highway, Stockton, NJ 08559).
We can't wait to see you!
PLEASE NOTE:
To register in advance or if you have questions and/or want more information, call the Bulls Island Office at (609) 397-2949.
Supplies for our wildflower pot planting and owl pellet activities ARE LIMITED! Those interested in participating in these hands-on activities are encouraged to call in advance at the number below in order to REGISTER FOR A SPOT TO PARTICIPATE. Unregistered attendees are encouraged to attend however do bear in mind that preference will be given to those on the registration list and further participation will be on a "first come/first served" basis until supplies run out.
THE 2025 SUMMER SEASON AT D&R CANAL STATE PARK: THINGS TO KNOW
MAY 8, 2025:
The summer season is here at D&R Canal State Park. The following information will serve as reminders to help keep everyone safe and to ensure that the have an enjoyable experience.
THINGS TO DO
Picnicking and grilling is permitted in designated picnic areas only;
The canal towpath is an ideal place to walk, bike or run;
Canoes and kayaks are allowed along the entire length of the canal;
Keep it clean and green! Take your trash home with you – trash cans are not provided.
COMMERCIAL TUBING RENTALS
River tubing in the Delaware River is one of the most popular activities at D&R Canal State Park.
Big Bear Gear is the only tubing company licensed to operate in the state park.
For more information on rentals and pricing visit Big Bear Gear’s website: https://bigbeargearnj.com/pages/delaware-river-tubing.
BRING YOUR OWN RIVER TUBE
Members of the public are welcome to bring their own tubes, park their cars and tube on their own. The public are permitted to launch tubes from the RIVERVIEW PARKING LOT ONLY (parking is VERY LIMITED at this location; planned drop-off is recommended). Exit the river at the stairs located at the Point Pleasant parking lot. Reference the D&R Canal State Park map below for lot location.
D&R Canal State Park Map
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
D&R Canal State Park Brochure
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Tubing concession customer-only parking is authorized at the Cooley/Big Bear Gear lot through the summer season (May - October)
Check the current river height.
Know the river; Be prepared!
The Millstone Valley Scenic Byway Visitor Center To Open For 2025 Season
MARCH 21, 2025
The Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition, sponsor of the Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway, and the D&R Canal State Park are happy to announce the 2025 re-opening of the Byway Visitor Center in Griggstown on Saturday April 12. Doors will be open every Saturday and Sunday thereafter until their last weekend of this season - October 25 & 26. Visitors can stop by between 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to speak with our docents and learn about the canal and byway. The Visitor Center is located in the original Griggstown bridge tender’s house where its kitchen is interpreted and furnished for the period 1840-1860. Outside a lovely garden contains period medicinal plantings and favorite table vegetables. The Visitor Center also distributes maps, brochures, and pamphlets of trails, historical sites, and recreational opportunities around and about the Byway. Do make sure to stop by when visiting the Griggstown area to learn about the Millstone Valley and everything it has to offer and experience. Our volunteers look forward to seeing you!
The Byway is a 27-mile loop predominantly along the D&R Canal from East Millstone to Kingston and along the Millstone River from Kingston to Rocky Hill and into Millstone Borough. Please visit us and find us on the web: www.millstonevalley.org.
