Are dogs allowed on Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail?

No, Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail?

Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail is rated easy. It is 37.8 miles long with 2,707 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail?

Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail is best hiked in spring, summer, and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See New Jersey trail conditions

EasyPoint to Point

New Jersey

Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail

Princeton, New Jersey

37.8 mi

Distance

2,707 ft

Elev. Gain

12h 45m

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

The Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail is a 37.8-mile point-to-point trail located near Princeton, New Jersey. It follows the path of the historic canal, offering an easy route with a minimal elevation gain of approximately 825 meters (around 2707 feet). The trail is primarily dirt-surfaced, providing a natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts. With a maximum elevation of only 33 meters, the trail is accessible for various user levels and is particularly popular for walking, joggers, and bicyclists.

From Wikipedia

The D&R Canal trail is a recreational trail in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The 77-mile (124 km) trail is made up of three segments that traverse three counties: a canal towpath from New Brunswick to Trenton; a canal towpath/rail trail from Trenton to Bull's Island; and a rail trail from Bull's Island to Frenchtown. The three combined trails together form the largest completed trail in New Jersey. Much of the trail runs along the existing Delaware & Raritan Canal within the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

flooded sectionsmuddy surfaces

Elevation Profile

Min:-4 ft

Max:33 ft

825 ft

802 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Point to Point
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Best Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Highlights

historic canalscenic viewswildlife

Reviews

No reviews yet

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.