D&R Canal Trail FAQ

Are pets allowed on the D&R Canal trail?

Yes, pets are allowed, but must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Please clean up after your pet.

No, it is flat. The towpath follows along the banks of the Delaware River and Raritan/Millstone Rivers, so of course there is very little change in elevation.

The trail's elevation is around 125 feet above sea level at the western end, and around 15 feet at the eastern end - a very gradual change.

Take a look at the D&R Canal elevation chart for a visual representation.

How long does it take to bike the D&R Canal?

The answer is different for every person. Of course it depends on your speed, and how often you stop along the way.

At 10 MPH, the 70 mile route would take 7 hours. More seasoned riders could do this in one day, while a more comfortable pace would be spread over two or even three days.

If you are accustomed to riding on paved surfaces, note that you can expect slightly slower speeds on this mostly unpaved trail surface. Only a small portion of the D&R is paved, in the Trenton area.

Try the D&R Canal Timeline Tool to see your expected travel time, and expected arrival times at towns along the way.

Are there any closures or road conditions that I should be aware of?

Before you start your journey, and even during your journey, we recommend checking the New Jersey State Park Service's D&R Canal web page, where you will find any closures, detours, or advisories near the top of the page.

Where can I report problems or maintenance issues with the D&R Canal?

Report problems to the Park Office at 609-924-5705 or dandrcanal@dep.nj.gov. And of course call 911 as appropriate for emergencies. Please be as specific as possible about the location, for example try to determine the approximate distance from a nearby cross street, town, or landmark.