CLARIFICATION OF AUTHORIZED TRAIL USE AT SIX MILE RUN

Trail Closed

May 6, 2024
UNAUTHORIZED AREA NOTICE:

Please be advised, the State Park Service would like to clarify information regarding the existing/official trail network at the Six Mile Run Reservoir Site. Although several social/unofficial trails have popped up over the years, we would like to encourage park users to stay on marked/official trails as designated by the State Park Service and shown on the park map below.

Six Mile Run Trails

As no authorized trail network has formally been established, approved, and/or is maintained in the area south of the Six Mile Run and west of the Creek Trail (Red Trail), we ask that park users avoid this area. Years of unauthorized trail use here has caused damage and erosion to  the natural and historic resources at this location. 

We ask our park users to set a good example for other visitors today and every day; stay on designated trails!

For more information, please call the D&R Canal State Park office at (609) 924-5705.

D&R CANAL STATE PARK TRAIL IS HONORED AS TRAIL OF THE MONTH

February 7, 2024
The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park's multi-use trail was highlighted by the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy as their "Trail of the Month" for February 2024 and we couldn't be more honored by the recognition! Park staff was interviewed by Monica Cardoza along with frequent park users Gilbert Honigfeld, Barbara McKee and Steve Hagan as well as Circuit Trail project manager for the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy Anya Saretzky.

The online piece extols the merits of the D&R from the serenity felt by paddlers, the historic legacy of the canal, the Circuit Trail connections, wildlife, adjacent nature trails and recreational opportunities for everyone.   The recognition is a perfect way to kick-off 2024 and the D&R Canal State Park's 50th anniversary year.  We thank the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy for highlighting the D&R Canal State Park! We couldn't agree more...our mulit-use trail is an amazing outdoor resource for the public!

Read the article and learn more about the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy and The Circuit Trails by clicking the links below:

New Jersey's Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail
Rails-To-Trails Conservancy.
The Circuit Trails.

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

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.

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

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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