MILLSTONE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY AUDIO TOUR LAUNCHES

January 23, 2024
The Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition, working with TravelStorysGPS, has produced an audio tour of the the Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway. We are excited to announce the official launch of the informative tour which highlights 20 geotags locations along the Byway; each with its own narrative describing significant locations along the route. Those accessing this hour long guided driving tour through Central New Jersey’s Millstone River Valley, will hear about the rich history that developed around the Millstone River, the importance of the Valley during the American Revolutionary War, the 19th century D&R Canal and the recreational resources to be found here today.

Plan a visit to the Millstone Valley, download the audio tour, drive the narrated route and learn a bit about this historic Central New Jersey river valley. The newly launched tour can be accessed via the TravelStorysGPS website by clicking the link below.

Millstone Valley Scenic Byway TravelStorys Audio Tour: https://travelstorys.com/tours/millstone-valley-scenic-byway.
Learn About the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway: https://www.millstonevalley.org.

Exterior Makeover for the Kingston Canal House

Exterior Upgrade for the Kingston Canal House; October 2023

October 29, 2023

The Kingston Lock/Bridge Tender’s House is ready for the holiday season and is ending 2023 looking fresh and renewed thanks to the continued support of the Canal Society of New Jersey who again worked in partnership with the Kingston Historical Society to fund and complete this much needed exterior makeover.  We are also grateful to the excellent work done by Jerry Clark and his crew at Final Touch Painting who made time in their busy schedule to get this project completed before the colder weather arrived. The historic house looks amazing! We couldn’t be more pleased.

The park extends its gratitude and thanks to both partner organizations who remain committed in their support of the D&R Canal State Park’s mission of stewardship. We never tire of saying that it is with the help and support of our affiliated groups that much needed projects such as this can be addressed. Our partners are always looking to recruit new members so if you have a passion for the D&R Canal, local history or any of the natural resources and trails managed by the park then consider becoming an active volunteer with one of our many friends groups. Get off the bench, get involved and become a D&R Canal State Park stewardship champion! New members and volunteers are ALWAYS needed and welcome!

D&R Canal State Park Affiliated Organizations

REHABILITATION OF THE LANDING LANE SPILLWAY NEAR COMPLETION, TOWPATH OPEN

Repair work on the Landing Lane Spillway

UPDATED - JULY 29, 2023

The New Jersey Water Supply Authority is in the processing of finalizing the rehabilitation of the Landing Lane Spillway adjacent to the Landing Lane Bridge in New Brunswick. This project was undertaken to address previously incurred damage and prevent future erosion of the spillway. Begun in November 2022, the work is now nearing completion.

Towpath Reopening – We are pleased to report that as of July 29, 2023, the towpath has reopened and is once again accessible to our park users.  However, please note finishing work and final aesthetic/landscaping activities are on-going.  

Paul Harenberg of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority can be reached for any questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

BEAR SIGHTING AT SIX MILE RUN

Repair work on the Landing Lane Spillway

 SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

BE AWARE: A call was received at the parks office from a hunter who reported seeing a large black bear at the Six Mile Run Recreation Area on September 13th not far from Skillman's Road between Route 27 and South Middlebush Road in Franklin Township.  We are asking all our park users to be alert and aware when using the trail network or hunting in the area. If you spot a bear immediately notify the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).


BE BEAR AWARE & FOLLOW THESE TIPS:

  1. When possible, utilize trails in groups and create noise as much as possible (talk, sing, clap, play music, etc.). This will alert any bears to your presence and prevent an interaction.
  2. Never feed or approach a bear!
  3. DO NOT RUN. Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away.
  4. Remain calm.
  5. Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
  6. Make sure the bear has an escape route.
  7. The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run.
  8. If the bear approaches, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head. Group together and pick up small children.
  9. If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.
  10. Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away. Do not run.
  11. If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.
  12. Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back

Central New Jersey Does Exist!

New Wayside at the Bordentown Outlet Lock; 05/20/23

July 6, 2023

It's official, Central New Jersey is “a thing!” At the end of June the New Jersey legislature (both the Assembly and Senate) signed legislation (S3206/A4711 - still to be approved by the Governor) recognizing the region and defining it as being “comprised, at a minimum of the counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset.”

In celebration of this state recognition, Old York Cellars has partnered with Discover Central New Jersey to create a line of wines aptly named “Central Jersey Exists.” How does this connect to the D&R Canal State Park? In support of the park, which runs through all the identified central NJ counties, Old York Cellars has pledged to donate $2 for each bottle sold to two of our partner organizations; the D&R Canal Watch and the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition/Millstone Valley Scenic Byway. Both not only support the Park but are are actively engaged in resource preservation and the promotion of heritage tourism in Central New Jersey.

So head over to Old York Cellars in Ringoes to purchase a bottle or two and raise a glass to Central New Jersey! This is also a fantastic way for you to help support both our affiliated organizations AND the Park! Thank you Discover Central New Jersey and Old York Cellars. Salute!

ORDER ONLINE: Old York Cellars - "Central Jersey Exists"
Find Old York Wines At These Locations

NEWS RELEASES:
Cheers! "Central Jersey Exists" Wines Are For Sale in New Jersey
"Central Jersey Exists" Wines to Celebrate New Legislation to Put Central Jersey on State Tourism Map
Old York Cellars Launches "Central Jersey Exists" Series of Wines

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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