Delaware Canal Trail FAQ

Are e-bikes allowed on the Delaware Canal?

Yes, e-bikes are allowed, under the following conditions:

The Bike cannot weigh more than 100 pounds
Do not exceed 20 miles-per-hour using the motor
Motors cannot exceed 750 watts
Bike must have fully functional, operable pedals
Use of a throttle is prohibited

Are pets allowed on the Delaware Canal trail?

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

Is horseback riding allowed on the Delaware Canal trail?

No, equestrian use is prohibited on the Delaware Canal Towpath and D&L Canal.

Are there hills on the D&L/Delaware Canal?

No, it is flat. The towpath parallels the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers, so it follows the river's slow descent.

The trail's elevation is around 235 feet above sea level at Allentown, and around 20 feet at Bristol. Spread over 75 miles, this is a very gradual change.

Take a look at the Delaware Canal elevation chart for a visual representation.

What is the trail's surface like?

The towpath surface is mostly small gravel or packed dirt. A few sections are paved.

In addition to elevation information, the Delaware Canal elevation chart also has indicators to show which parts are paved and which are non-paved.

How long does it take to bike the D&L and Delaware 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 Delaware is paved, in the Trenton area.

Try the Delaware 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?

We recommend checking the Pennsylvania DCNR's Delaware Canal State Park web page, where you will find closures and advisories listed.

Where can I report problems or maintenance issues with the Delaware Canal?

Report problems to the Park Office at 610-982-5560 or delawarecanalsp@pa.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.