The D&L Blog

Written by Silas Chamberlin

Our “Take a Hike!” series periodically features a favorite day hike or bike on the D&L Trail. The fourth installment is a loop hike or bike on the towpaths of the Delaware Canal and the Delaware & Raritan Canal, between Lambertville, NJ and Centre Bridge, PA.  This is an easy section of trail to walk or ride, as it follows the level, earthen or rolled cinder canal towpaths.  There is a .48-mile section of “share the road” riding or walking, just south of Centre Bridge, so please use caution.  On this trip, you will get an up-close look at the Delaware River, visit charming canal towns, and experience great trails in two states.  Be sure to make a day of it by stopping in at some of the many cafes, restaurants, and shops along the way!

Pass through several charming canal towns on this loop trip.

Lambertville to Centre Bridge

Total Distance: 7.1 miles
Rating: Easy
Trail Surface: earthen towpath, rolled cinder, and short street ride
Activities: hiking and biking
Trailhead amenities: parking, local businesses for food and drink

Click here to download a .pdf map of the trail section.

Park at the Delaware & Raritan Canal parking lot in Lambertville, NJ (N40 21.812 W74 56.744).  Access the towpath, where the canal intersects Bridge St., cattycorner to the Lambertville Station.  Travel north.

Mile (from Lambertville starting point)
0.88 – functioning aqueduct
1.04 – use bridge to cross canal and continue on towpath
3.38 – Turn left onto Bridge St. (Stockton, NJ) and continue across the bridge to Centre Bridge, PA.  Using caution, follow Route 32 (River Rd.) for .48 mile and cross canal bridge to  regain towpath of Delaware Canal.  Travel south 3.06 miles.
6.7 – turn left onto Bridge St. in New Hope, PA and cross the river to Lambertville starting point  (7.1 mile round trip)

Optional: Arrange for pick up or leave a car at any town or access point to customize your trip.

Did you take this hike or bike? Have you been here in the past? Leave a comment and let us know about it! Send your photos to [email protected].