Delaware River Canal Tow Path

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Delaware River Canal Tow Path is a scenic trail located in the state of Pennsylvania.


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Summary

The towpath is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing. The towpath stretches along the Delaware River and runs for 60 miles, from Bristol in Bucks County to Easton in Northampton County.

There are several points of interest to see along the trail, including the Washington Crossing Historic Park, the Morrisville Railroad Bridge, and the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. The trail also passes through quaint towns like New Hope, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries.

One interesting fact about the trail is that it follows the historic path that was once used to transport coal, lumber, and other goods from the mines and forests of Pennsylvania to the markets of Philadelphia and New York City. The towpath was originally used by mules that pulled barges along the canal.

The best time of year to visit the Delaware River Canal Tow Path is in the fall, when the foliage is at its peak. The trail is also open year-round and is a popular destination for winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Overall, the Delaware River Canal Tow Path offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and rich history of Pennsylvania while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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