Alerts

INTERMITTENT TRAIL CLOSURE:  The towpath may be closed in the area of I-95/I-295, Scudder Falls Bridge, intermittently through end of February 2020.  Closures may occur between 6am-5pm Monday through Friday; the trail will be open on weekends. The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) will be demolishing the existing bridge over the canal and/or conducting work on the new bridge overhead during these closures.  For additional information please visit the DRJTBC website at www.drjtbc.org/project/scudder-falls or you can contact the park office at 610-982-5560.

Attention Ice Climbers: Beginning February 1, a major portion of the Nockamixon Cliffs area of the park will be closed to all activity, including ice climbing.  As in previous years, the closure is in effect for the protection of endangered species.  Visitors to the area may still park in the roadside lots and use the towpath as normal.  Closed areas are posted with signage.      Public cooperation is much appreciated during this closure, which first began in 2016.  Since then, the cliffs have been closed annually between Feb 1 and July 31.  As a reminder, the Nockamixon Cliffs are a designated Natural Area, home to unique and rare sub-alpine vegetation and other species; as such, certain active recreation such as rock climbing is prohibited.  Ice climbing is allowed when conditions permit, outside of the closure time, because fragile vegetation is protected under ice from human activity.  During the closure, some established climbing routes on either end of the closed area will remain open, including "Dead Deer Gully" and "45 MPH".      If there are any questions, please call the park office at 610-982-5560.

*CANAL DRAWDOWN NOTICE*  The park will conduct a planned maintenance drawdown of water levels in the canal starting October 7, 2019 to conduct several repair and preventative maintenance projects in the park.  Work associated with this drawdown will take place at Lock 22/23 (Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area) in Raubsville; Fry’s Run Aqueduct in Williams Township; Tinicum Aqueduct in Tinicum Township; Thompson Neely Historic Camelback Bridge in the Bowman’s Hill area; Canal prism repair near Airport Road in Bristol Township.  Drawdown of the canal must be completed before October 15th due to regulations established by the PA Fish and Boat Commission to protect the eastern redbelly turtle.  During the drawdown, park staff will be on site removing and relocating fish and/or other species of concern to a safe location should they become stranded in a section of the canal with low water.  If you have any questions, please contact the park office at 610-982-5560.

Warning: The spotted lanternfly has invaded our area. This invasive insect could cause serious harm to Pennsylvania’s resources, businesses, and economy. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAVE! Help us stop the spread of these unwelcome hitchhikers. Inspect your vehicle, camper, tent, gear, etc. before you leave the park and destroy any lanternflies you find. For more information, visit the Penn State Extension’s Spotted Lanternfly website.

Delaware Canal State Park

A walk along the 60-mile-long towpath of Delaware Canal State Park is a stroll into American history.

Paralleling the Delaware River between Easton and Bristol, this diverse park contains:

• An historic canal and towpath
• A 90-acre pond
• Many miles of river shoreline
• 11 river islands including the Morgan Hill group (3), Loors, Whippoorwill, Old Sow, Raubs, Lynn/Frog/Rock group, and Hendricks

From riverside to farm fields to historic towns, visitors to Delaware Canal State Park enjoy the ever-changing scenery along its corridor.

Seasons and Hours

The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk.

The park office is open specific hours. Contact the park office for facility seasons and hours.

Directions

There are numerous access points along the 60-mile length of Delaware Canal State Park. The park follows the Delaware River from Easton to Bristol, paralleled by Pennsylvania Routes 611 and 32.

GPS DD of Park Office: Lat. 40.54957  Long. -75.08476

Driving Directions: The Interactive GIS Map has turn-by-turn driving directions to the park office from the Park Information Window.

Please note that the background maps are maintained by a variety of public sources and driving directions usually go to the nearest large road.

No Camping

Although Delaware Canal State Park has no overnight facilities, camping and cabins are available in nearby state, county, and private campgrounds.

For information about rental cabins, contact Nockamixon State Park at 215-529-7300. For information about camping, contact Bucks County Parks at 215-757-0571.

Learn, Experience, Connect

Delaware Canal State Park offers a wide variety of environmental, recreational, and historical programs. Participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources through:

• Hands-on activities
• Guided walks
• Evening programs

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are also available.

Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office. Programs are offered year round. For more information, contact the park office.

Locktender’s House

The Locktender’s House in the popular destination of New Hope gives insight into the history of the canal, and serves as the headquarters for the Friends of Delaware Canal.

Access for People with Disabilities

This activity or structure is ADA accessible. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

In an Emergency

Call 911 and contact a park employee.

Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards and the park office.