Hiking at Delaware Canal State Park
60 miles of trails
In addition to the D&L Trail, a short footpath encircles the Giving Pond.
Delaware Canal State Park Trail Map (PDF)
Delaware Canal Towpath
59 miles | Easiest hiking | Point-to-point trail | Mile markers
Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, equestrian, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches
The ADA accessible Delaware Canal Towpath runs from Easton to Bristol and is part of the D&L Trail, the foundation of the 165-mile Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Once trod by mule teams pulling boats along the canal, the towpath is used today by a variety of trail users. Stroll back in time with historic structures or visit the Locktenders house in New Hope.
Giving Pond Trail
1.3 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
The trail found at the Giving Pond Recreation Area offers opportunities to observe wildlife in nature and a scenic view of the pond itself with fishing opportunities along the way. Crossing paths with the Delaware Canal Towpath, it's also possible to access the towpath from this trail.
Trail Definitions
Difficulty Ratings
Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.
Trail Route Type
Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.