Delaware Canal State Park

Delaware Canal State Park is a protected natural area along the Delaware River in Pennsylvania that extends for about 59 miles between two major towns. The park features a historic towpath, open water areas, and river islands that form part of its landscape.

This canal system was built in the mid-1800s to move coal and goods from northern regions toward Philadelphia and other industrial centers downstream. Operation ceased in 1931 when railroads and trucks became more practical for transporting cargo.

The Locktender's House in New Hope serves as the hub for Friends of Delaware Canal and displays exhibitions about how goods and people moved along these waterways. You can see how canal workers lived and what daily life looked like during the transport era.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset year-round and welcomes visitors for hiking, biking, fishing, and winter activities. Most sections follow a flat or gently rolling terrain, making them accessible to people of varying fitness levels.

Eleven river islands within the park protect archaeological sites and serve as rest stops for migrating waterfowl traveling between regions. These islands are off-limits to visitors but play a crucial role in maintaining bird populations during their seasonal journeys.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: 1931

Operator: Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks

Website: http://dcnr.state.pa.us/STATEPARKS/PARKS/delawarecanal.aspx

GPS coordinates: 40.55030,-75.08560

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43