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Latest News
Explore Our Trails
Explore Our Trails
A Historic Place
A Historic Place

THE 2025-26 HUNTING SEASON AT SIX MILE RUN: THINGS TO KNOW

Aerial View of Lambertville & The Delaware River

JULY 5, 2025:

New Jersey State Park issued permits are available for deer bow hunters to access over 2,000 acres of land within Six Mile Run Reservoir Site. There are also a limited number of firearm permits available for a limited area within the Six Mile Run Reservoir Site. Please carefully read the instructions below to apply for either a bow or firearm permit.

BE ADVISED:  Hunters MUST APPLY FOR A PARK PERMIT TO HUNT ANYWHERE WITHIN SIX MILE RUN. Download/Print the deer hunting map for Six Mile Run by clicking the link below:

SIX MILE RUN RESERVOIR SITE DEER HUNTING MAP - ZONE 14

PLEASE NOTE:

1. One stand/blind permitted per hunter;
2. Parking Permit only needs to be displayed in Hunter Only Lots (see a map for details);
3. Please review the map as permissible hunting areas have changed;
4. Stands are prohibited from being placed directly on Six Mile Run Reservoir property lines or in the view-shed of residents residing directly adjacent to Six Mile Run Reservoir Site.

BOW SEASON:  There will be NO LIMIT on the number of bow permits issued for Six Mile Run. Email, or mail, a completed legible application along with a copy of your current hunting license and government issued identification (ex driver’s license) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. or via US Postal Service to:

D&R Canal State Park
145 Mapleton Road
Princeton, NJ 08540

Click the link to download/print the bow season application: BOW HUNTER APPLICANT AGREEMENT SHEET

FIREARM SEASON:  A total of 15 permits will be issued for the 2023/2024 season by a RANDOM lottery. To be considered for the lottery please submit your name with your email and/or phone to Stephanie Vannais (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 609-924-5705) by September 30, 2025. If your name is selected the park will notify you and provide you with a firearm application to be completed.

Please direct any questions to Stephanie Vannais at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the park office at (609) 924-5705.

SCUDDERS FALLS NOW CLOSED ON WEEKENDS

NJSPPolice Closure

July 2, 2025 
BE ADVISED:

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.

THE 2025 SUMMER SEASON AT D&R CANAL STATE PARK: THINGS TO KNOW

Aerial View of Lambertville & The Delaware River

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
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)
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
  • Swimming is not permitted anywhere within the D&R Canal State Park.
  • Fires of any kind are not permitted.
  • Alcohol is not permitted.
  • D&R Canal State Park is extremely popular on weekends and holidays during the summer months. Parking is limited and only permitted in designated areas. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed and are subject to fines.
  • The River View parking area in Kingwood on Route 29 just south of Frenchtown is available for public use.
  • Accessing the river from the park for allowed activities such as boating, tubing, kayaking, etc is AT YOUR OWN RISK.
  • Don’t Underestimate the River! Wear a personal flotation device (PFD), watch for submerged objects and changing river currents, water levels and conditions.
    Check the current river height. Know the river; Be prepared!
  • BRIDGE & PARKING AREA AT 5-MILE LOCK CLOSED FOR REPAIRS; NO TRAIL ACCESS

    East Millstone; Dock Close & Safe Boat Accesss

    JUNE 25, 2025
    BE ADVISED:

    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.

    The nearest parking areas/trail access points are:

  • To The North: The Demott Lane Parking Area located at 1298 Easton Avenue, Somerset NJ 08873
  • To The South: South Bound Brook Parking Lot, Lock 11 located at 169 Canal Rd, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880.
  • We apologize for this temporary inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation. For more information, please call the D&R Canal State Park office at (609) 924-5705.

    Click the link for a full list of available parking areas: D&R Canal State Park Parking Areas

    The Millstone Valley Scenic Byway Visitor Center To Open For 2025 Season

    Millstone Valley Scenic Byway Visitor Center Opens for 2023 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.

    WELCOME TO THE DELAWARE & RARITAN
    CANAL STATE PARK

    With over 70 miles of linear multi-use path along an historic canal and additional trail networks and connections across several counties, park visitors have much to see, experience and explore here.  So take a look at our site then pack your hiking shoes, grab your mountain bike or strap that kayak to the car and plan a day trip to the D&R Canal State Park.

    YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

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