Calendars of Events
D&R Canal Watch Programs
D&R Canal State Park Programs
The following programs are run by the D&R Canal State Park . Pre-registration via the Eventbrite link is required to participate in any of the listed events unless otherwise noted (see registration instructions under the program descriptions).
You'll be required to provide a contact name, email address and phone number in the event of cancellation.
Please note that programs begin at varied times and locations which are included in the descriptions below and are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, insufficient interest or other unforeseen circumstances. A MINIMUM OF 4 REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS are needed to avoid program cancellation due to lack of interest. Call the park office at (609) 924-5705, or the contact person noted, if in doubt about a program's cancellation.
After Work Evening Walks: Join us to decompress after a long day of work!
Our 2023 SPRING and SUMMER Programs are COMING so check back soon for updates! Make sure to register to secure your spot (15 participants maximum per walk)!
Our popular After Work Evening Walks are a series of spring into summer leisurely after work ambles along the canal towpath and nearby areas. Each section of the canal has a unique character and history; come enjoy some outdoor time and learn a bit about the historic and natural resources of each location from our our seasonal trail interpreter. These easy mid-week walks will last about 90 to 120 minutes and progress at a comfortable pace. All walks will return to the original meeting location (as indicated in each description below). After Work Walkers will meet at the parking areas listed for each of the programs at 5:30 PM.
Participates will be required to register via the Eventbrite link below each listing (name, contact phone number, email and number of attendees will be required). Registered participants will be contacted if program is to be canceled due to inclement weather, insufficient interest or other unforeseen circumstances. Upcoming walk descriptions, dates and locations are listed below.
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTE:
If there are any questions or concerns please contact the D&R Canal State Park Office at (609) 924-5705 (Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 -4:00) or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
CLICK HERE to view our After Work Evening Walks Collection on Eventbrite and open those walks you are interested in attending. Click the "REMIND ME" button to be automatically notified when registration opens up for that program.
Due to the popularity of our walks, we ask REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS to either CANCEL THEIR TICKET or
NOTIFY US VIA EMAIL 12 HOURS BEFORE THE DAY & TIME OF THE PROGRAM if their plans have changed and can no longer attend. This is a courtesy to those on the wait list and allows us the opportunity to release a ticket to another potential attendee.
Two "no-shows" without prior cancellation notification will generate a "flag" for that registrant resulting in the potential inability to attend future walks this season. Thank you for your cooperation!
Thurs., May 18
Lambertville Loop - 3 Miles
Join our trail interpreter at 5:30 pm for a leisurely walk beginning from the D&R Canal State Park parking lot located next to the Holcombe Jimison Farmstead Museum north of Lambertville and head south along the canal's riverside trail (the former Bel-Del RR line). This walk will take us to historic downtown Lambertville via the former rail line and back along the towpath. The group will loop through one of NJ's more popular, picturesque and historic Delaware River towns! This stretch of the D&R Canal's towpath will touch on topics such as Lambertville’s industrial and architectural heritage, the Belvidere and Delaware Railroad (Bel-Del), the D&R's unique connection to PA’s Delaware Canal, the only lift lock on the feeder, the Delaware River outlet lock PLUS views of the bustling town center. Put on your hiking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water to stay hydrated and come enjoy this evening walk with us. Registered participants will meet at the D&R Canal State Park lot adjacent to the Farmstead Museum located at 1605 Daniel Bray Highway (Rte 29 - north of Lambertville just before the 202 entrance/exit ramp). Click here for map.
This program is fully registered.
Thurs., June 22
Scudders Falls to West Upper Ferry - 2.5 Miles
Join our trail interpreter at 5:30 pm for a leisurely walk beginning at the Scudders Falls parking lot off Route 29 that will take you south along the towpath to West Upper Ferry Road. Join us and learn about how the local whitewater kayak race is tied to iron mills in Trenton. We will also introduce you to the 1740’s landowner, Richard Betts Scudder and explain the current shared Delaware River overpass and the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Authority’s role. En route to West Upper Ferry, you will hear about the history of the Villa Victorian site, including an "invitational" detour from the path that includes a stroll on the grounds with views of the lovingly maintained 18th century home on campus. Put on your hiking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water to stay hydrated and come enjoy this evening walk with us. Registered participants will meet at the D&R Canal State Park's Scudders Falls parking lot located in Ewing Township. Click here for map.
This program has been cancelled due to inclement weather. It has been rescheduled for September 7th.
Wed., July 12
Weston Causeway to the Confluence - 3 Miles
Join our trail interpreter at 5:30 pm at the Weston Causeway in Somerset for a leisurely walk to the confluence of the Millstone and Raritan rivers. While walking along the D&R towpath, the group will learn about region’s connection to the Revolutionary War including the Battle of Millstone at the Van Neste Mill, the early implementation of the canal’s “modern communication” system and the formation and evolution of the Pillar of Fire religious community at Zarephath. The group will return after visiting 10 Mile Lock and the confluence of the Millstone and the Raritan rivers. Put on your hiking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water to stay hydrated and come enjoy this evening walk with us. Registered participants will meet at the D&R Canal State Park's parking lot located at the Weston Causeway in Somerset. Click here for map.
This program is fully registered.
Wed., July 26
Washington Crossing State Park to Titusville Loop - 2.5 Miles
Join our trail interpreter at 5:30 pm for a leisurely walk beginning at Washington Crossing State Park's riverfront parking lot that will take you north along the towpath into Titusville. Come unwind at the end of a busy work day to hear about the unique relationship between the canal and this riverside hamlet. Titusville is an excellent example of a small village that grew and thrived due to the D&R Canal. This picturesque riverside hamlet feels like a beautifully preserved "time capsule" with its many lovingly restored historic homes. Join us and discover this historic town, walk the length of the original River Road that pre-dates Route 29, hear about what is no longer there, and enjoy views of Washington Crossing State Park on this towpath and sidewalk stroll. Put on your hiking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water to stay hydrated and come enjoy this evening walk with us. Registered participants will meet at the northern end of the Washington Crossing State Park’s riverfront parking area, near the towpath ramp, at 5:30 PM. Click here for map.
This program is fully registered .
Thur., Aug. 10
Lower Ferry Road To Cadwalader Park - 3.0 Miles
Join our trail interpreter at 5:30 pm for this walk along the D&R's feeder canal from Ewing Township into the city of Trenton passing aqueducts and open acres of recreational and corporate campuses along the way. The group will meet at Lower Ferry Road in Ewing Township and head south to Trenton's Cadwalader Park which was designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead. The group will pass through the historic neighborhood of West Trenton which is dotted with unique architectural styles. Registered participants will meet and park at Lower Ferry Road across from the Trenton Golf Club at 5:30 PM. Click here for map.
THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED.
Thurs, Aug. 24
Griggstown’s Infrastructure Sites – 2 Miles With An Optional 1.3 Miles Addition
Join our trail interpreter at 5:30 pm to learn about Griggstown and visit several distinct aspects of canal infrastructure in a single walk. This walk will be taken in two parts; first, we’ll see and discuss the "barracks” and the re-purposed bridge tender’s house now the Visitor Center for the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway; then the group will proceed to the spillway where it’s functional role, important to this day, will be explained. The first part of the walk will conclude with a stop at the bridge tender's station for a total of 2 miles. For those who wish to continue, the group will proceed to the Griggstown lock and lock tender’s house for an additional 1.3 miles. Registered participants will meet at at the Griggstown Causeway Parking Lot. Click here for map.
THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED.
Thurs., Sept. 14
Scudders Falls to West Upper Ferry - 2.5 Miles
Join our trail interpreter at 5:00 pm for a leisurely walk beginning at the Scudders Falls parking lot off Route 29 that will take you south along the towpath to West Upper Ferry Road. Join us and learn about how the local whitewater kayak race is tied to iron mills in Trenton. We will also introduce you to the 1740’s landowner, Richard Betts Scudder and explain the current shared Delaware River overpass and the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Authority’s role. En route to West Upper Ferry, you will hear about the history of the Villa Victorian site, including an "invitational" detour from the path that includes a stroll on the grounds with views of the lovingly maintained 18th century home on campus. Put on your hiking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water to stay hydrated and come enjoy this evening walk with us. Registered participants will meet at the D&R Canal State Park's Scudders Falls parking lot located in Ewing Township. Click here for map.
This program is fully registered.
Wed., Sept. 20
Mapleton Preserve To Lake Carnegie (Kingston) - 3.0 Miles
Join our trail interpreter at 5:00 PM for a leisurely walk around the former Princeton Nursery trails/grounds then to the D&R Canal, Kingston Canal House, 18th Century stone-arched bridge, 19th century mill and on to Lake Carnegie. The group will return along the canal towpath and connected trails. Learn about this area's historic and natural resources and the former nursery property's current relationship to the D&R Canal State Park. D&R Canal State Park. Registered participants will meet at the D&R Canal State Park's Kingston Office parking lot located at 145 Mapleton Road.
Click here for map.
Weekend Walkers: Plan for a few leisurely weekend morning walks with us! (15 participants maximum per walk)
Join us for our “Weekend Walkers” series of modest hikes along the canal towpath and nearby areas. Each section of the canal has a unique character and history which will be highlighted by our seasonal trail interpreter. We invite you to come enjoy some outdoor time with us and learn a bit about the historic and natural resources of each location listed below. These weekend walks will be moderately paced - at about 2 miles/hour - and range from 3.5 to 5.5 miles. These longer walks will take about 3 - 3.5 hours, progress at a leisurely pace and return to the original meeting place. Children are welcome but those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Weekend Walkers will meet promptly at the designated parking areas at 9:30 AM.
Participates will be required to register via the Eventbrite link below each listing (name, contact phone number, email and number of attendees will be required). Registered participants will be contacted if program is to be canceled due to inclement weather, insufficient interest or other unforeseen circumstances. Upcoming walk descriptions, dates and locations are listed below.
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTE:
If there are any questions or concerns please contact the D&R Canal State Park Office at (609) 924-5705 (Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 -4:00) or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
CLICK HERE to view our Weekend Walkers Collection on Eventbrite and open those walks you are interested in attending. Click the "REMIND ME" button to be automatically notified when registration opens up for that program.
Due to the popularity of our walks, we ask REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS to either CANCEL THEIR TICKET or
NOTIFY US VIA EMAIL 12 HOURS BEFORE THE DAY OF THE PROGRAM if their plans have changed and can no longer attend. This is a courtesy to those on the wait list and allows us the opportunity to release a ticket to another potential attendee.
Two "no-shows" without prior cancellation notification will generate a "flag" for that registrant resulting in the potential inability to attend future walks this season. Thank you for your cooperation!
Sat., May 6
Kingston Canal House to the Millstone Aqueduct – 4.5 Miles
Join our trail interpreter for a round-trip morning walk beginning at the Kingston Canal House to the Millstone Aqueduct. In addition to learning about the D&R Canal, registered participants will be introduced to the history of the lock/bridge house, lift lock and swing bridge, the Assinpink/Lenape Trail/Kings Highway, the Kingston grist mill, Carnegie Lake, the Millstone Aqueduct and other topics of area interest.The group will begin this walk at the Kingston Canal House and make their way south along the towpath to the Millstone Aqueduct before returning to the start point. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and join us for this 4.5/5 mile round trip walk. Registered participants will meet at the Kingston Canal House promptly at 9:30 am.
Click here for map.
This program is fully registered.
Sat., May 27
Bulls Island's Trail Network – 4.5 Miles
Join our trail interpreter and come explore several trails in one morning! Bulls Island’s newest "Inlet Trail" offers both towpath and Delaware River views. Here you'll see where the canal’s “feeder” begins the 22-mile trip south to Trenton. We will start with the "Inlet Trail" loop then a stop at the Visitor’s Center to view the historic photos on display. The group will then proceed with a walk through the "Natural Trail" and a stop on the Roebling Pedestrian Bridge to take in the view of the Delaware River. For those ambitious walkers who want to enjoy a unique view of the Delaware River Valley, an optional partial loop on the "White Oak Trail" will be offered to complete the morning trail network hike (click here for Bulls Island Trail Map). Registered participants will meet at the Bulls Island parking lot at 9:30 AM.
Click here for map.
This program is fully registered.
Sat., Oct. 7
Demott Lane to Landing Lane (Franklin Twsp.) – 4 Miles
Come join our trail interpreter for an autumn morning walk along this stretch of the historic D&R Canal towpath. This section of the park offers lovely views along the Raritan River. The walk will begin at the historic Van Wickle House and proceed towards New Brunswick to the newly resorted spillway at Landing Lane. Learn about the bridge houses that once stood along this section of the canal, the ford at the river that necessitated the construction of a swing bridge over the canal and the Marconi Wireless Company's connection to the D&R among other interesting facts. Registered participants will meet at the Demott Lane parking lot right off Easton Avenue in Franklin Township at 9:30 AM.
Click here for map.
Sat., Nov. 4
Kingston to Rocky Hill with a Stop at Rockingham – 4.2 Miles
Join our trail interpreter for a roundtrip morning walk from Kingston Lock to Rocky Hill with a short visit to the grounds of historic Rockingham! In addition to learning about the D&R Canal registered participants will see two historic homes along the way - The Kingston Canal House and 18th century Rockingham - General George Washington's last wartime headquarters. The group will begin this walk along the canal’s bermside path with a side hike up to Rockingham where they will be met by the site historian for a brief introduction to the property and its significance. From there attendees will proceed on to Rocky Hill and then back towards Kingston on the canal towpath. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and join us for this 4.5 mile round trip walk. Registered participants will meet at the Kingston Canal House promptly at 9:30 am.
Click here for map.
Lunchtime “Walk & Talks”: Join us for a leisurely lunchtime walk! (15 participants maximum per walk)
Join our trail interpreter for a lunchtime walk. These are FREE lunch time outings along the canal towpath and nearby areas. These leisurely walks located at various places within the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park will last about 90 to 120 minutes and progress at a comfortable pace. All walks will return to the original meeting location (as indicated in each description below). Lunchtime "Walk and Talk"registrants will meet at the parking areas listed for each of the programs promptly at the scheduled meeting time. For those interested, bring a bag lunch which will be eaten as a group after the walk. Bring your own portable chair, if desired.
Participates will be required to register via the Eventbrite link below each listing (name, contact phone number, email and number of attendees will be required). Registered participants will be contacted if program is to be canceled due to inclement weather, insufficient interest or other unforeseen circumstances. Upcoming walk descriptions, dates and locations are listed below.
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTE:
If there are any questions or concerns please contact the D&R Canal State Park Office at (609) 924-5705 (Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 -4:00) or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Due to the popularity of our walks, we ask REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS to either CANCEL THEIR TICKET or
NOTIFY US VIA EMAIL 12 HOURS BEFORE THE DAY OF THE PROGRAM if their plans have changed and can no longer attend. This is a courtesy to those on the wait list and allows us the opportunity to release a ticket to another potential attendee.
Two "no-shows" without prior cancellation notification will generate a "flag" for that registrant resulting in the potential inability to attend future walks this season. Thank you for your cooperation!
Thursday, June 8
Smell the Roses at Colonial Park Gardens and Walk to East Millstone - 2.0 Miles
The roses are in bloom! Come join our trail interpreter at lunch time, bring a bag lunch and plan to take time to smell the roses! Enjoy these beautiful early summer blossoms with us and then afterward we will walk the D&R towpath to East Millstone to visit the newly restored Bridge Tenders Station. Upon returning to the Colonial Park Gardens, we’ll pass through the area’s outstanding arboretum. This will be a leisurely mid-afternoon outdoor program, so plan to be with us a few hours. This lunch hour “walk and talk” will begin at Colonial Park in Somerset. This walk begins at Colonial Park in Somerset. Registered participants will meet at Colonial Park Garden’s Parking Lot F, near the Lilac Garden at 11:30 AM. Click here for map.
This program has been cancelled due to the current health & physical activity advisories in effect as a result of the smoke from the Canadian wildfires.
Thursday, Oct. 19
Visit Colonial Park Gardens and Walk to East Millstone - 2.0 Miles
It may be fall but the Colonial Park Gardens remains open through the end of October and is well worth a visit even as the season draws the a close. Come join our trail interpreter, bring a bag lunch and plan to enjoy the gardens before the gates are closed for this season! The group will enjoy the autumn garden then afterward walk the D&R towpath to East Millstone to see the Bridge Tenders House and Station. Upon returning to the Colonial Park, we’ll pass through it's outstanding arboretum before gathering for lunch. This will be a leisurely mid-afternoon outdoor program, so plan to be with us a few hours. This lunch hour “walk and talk” will begin at Colonial Park in Somerset. This walk begins at Colonial Park in Somerset. Registered participants will meet at Colonial Park Garden’s Parking Lot F at 10:30 AM. Click here for map.
FIRE SAFETY AT AT BULLS ISLAND
Please join us Saturday, July 8 at 11:30 for a Fire Safety Day in collaboration with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service! Learn about wildfires, and how to have a fun and safe summer while recreating outdoors. Open to all ages, the event will take place at Bulls Island Recreation Area, located at 2185 Daniel Bray Highway in Stockton. No pre-registration required.
Location: Bulls Island Recreation Area
Date: July 8th, 2023
Time: 11:30 am
