Hike the D&H Towpath Trail

The D&H towpath trail takes visitors under the Roebling Bridge and along remains the old D&H canal.

NPS

Enjoy this easy walking trail that takes you along the Delaware river and remains of the historic Delaware and Hudson (D&H) Canal. Experience beautiful views of the river, opportunities to spot a variety of flora and fauna, and the chance to peek into the past through Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct and the remnants of the old canal still visible along the trail.

Due to its proximity to the river, this trail can be damaged after flooding and high-water events. Please check Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River’s Alerts & Current Conditions to check for trail closures, especially after severe weather events.

Parking and Restrooms

Parking is available at the trailhead on New York State Route 97. This is a paved, medium-sized parking lot able to accomodate approximately 10 vehicles. An additional parking lot, containing the only nearby public restroom, is located on the Pennsylvania-side of Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct. 

Pack It In, Pack It Out

Please practice "Leave No Trace" principles and do not litter or leave any waste, including animal waste, behind. Take waste with you and dispose of it properly.

Connection to the Barbara Yeaman Observation Area/Minisink Ford Observation Area

The southern tip of the D&H Towpath Trail connects to another local walking trail that follows along Route 97 and the Delaware River. This additional riverside trail adds roughly an additional 0.4 miles one-way to the trail and ends at the Barbara Yeaman Observation Area near Minisink Ford. There are no structures or observation blinds in this wildlife observation area, but there are several designated parking spots.

Details

Duration

15-30 Minutes

The trail is approximately 0.8 miles and is relatively flat. 

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

Easy to moderate trail. Elevation change is less than ten feet. Trail is not paved. Please stay on the trail and practice Leave No Trace principles. 

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are welcome to hike alongside people on the Towpath Trail. However, there are restrictions for the safety of the park, resources, wildlife, other visitors, and the pet. Please keep pets on a leash while on the trail and pet waste must be collected by pet owners and disposed of in trash receptacles. Trash receptacles are available in the parking lots on either side of the Roebling Aqueduct. 

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct (New York Side)

A trailhead and parking lot for the Towpath Trail are available on the New York Side of the Roebling Delaware Aqueduct, across the street from the Roebling Bridge Tollhouse. To get there drive on New York State Route 97 and the parking lot with the trailhead is on the west side of the road, closest to the river, right next to the Roebling Aqueduct. If driving from Pennsylvania State Route 590, turn onto Scenic Drive and turn onto the Roebling Aqueduct. After crossing the aqueduct, turn north (left) onto Route 97 and immediately take a left into the parking lot with the trailhead.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

The Towpath Trail is open year-round, though the most popular times of the year to hike are late spring through fall. During high-water and flooding events, the Towpath Trail can be damaged and temporarily closed. Please exercise caution and situational awareness with weather and river conditions while hiking. During all seasons, there is always a risk of ticks. Please check for ticks on yourself and any pets after hiking.

Time of Day

Day

All trails at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River are day-use only. No backcountry camping is permitted. 

Accessibility Information

Although trail is relatively flat, it is not a paved trail. Trail is approximately 0.8 miles and made of dirt, grass, and/or gravel at different sections and is approximately 8 feet wide. Trail may get wet and muddy after rain, snow, and other inclement weather. This is a forested trails so tree roots and fallen branches may also be present of the trail. The parking lot next to trailhead does have an accessible parking space.

The connecting trail to the wildlife observation area is made of packed gravel and is relatively flat.