Delaware Canal

WALK WHERE
WASHINGTON
WALKED

60 Miles of History Under Every Footstep

60
Miles of Trails
270
Years of History
Moments to Discover
Begin Your Walk ↓
Delaware Canal towpath
Mile 0 → Delaware Canal Towpath

Where Your Journey Begins

The Delaware Canal stretches 60 miles from Bristol to Easton. Here in Morrisville, you're walking the same path that mule-drawn boats traveled for nearly 100 years, carrying anthracite coal that powered America's industrial revolution.

📍 Trailhead: Delaware Canal State Park, Morrisville
🌳 Surface: Crushed stone towpath
⏱️ Difficulty: Easy, flat terrain
Historic Summerseat
Mile 2 → Historic Marker

December 8, 1776

You're standing near where General Washington and his troops arrived after crossing the Delaware. The Revolutionary War's tide was about to turn. Historic Summerseat, just steps from the trail, witnessed that pivotal moment.

📍 Location: Legion Avenue & Canal Trail
🏛️ Historic Site: Summerseat (Dec 6 annual event)
📖 Significance: Washington's arrival before Battle of Trenton
Canal wildlife
Mile 5 → Wildlife Viewing

Nature's Corridor

The canal supports bald eagles, herons, ospreys, and countless smaller species. Walleye, bass, and shad thrive in the Delaware River alongside the towpath. Bring binoculars—you never know what you'll spot.

🦅 Wildlife: Bald eagles, herons, ospreys, kingfishers, turtles
🐟 Fishing: Walleye, bass, shad, catfish
📸 Best viewing: Early morning, late afternoon
Canal locks
Mile 8 → Lock System

Engineering
That Changed
Commerce

The Delaware Canal's 23 locks raised and lowered boats nearly 165 feet over its 60-mile length. Each lock was operated by hand—a lockkeeper's family living right beside it, working dawn to dusk.

Today you can still see these stone and timber structures, silent witnesses to the industrial age.

🏛️ Historic Feature: Restored lock mechanisms
📖 Learn: Interpretive signs explain the engineering
📷 Photography: Stunning reflections in still water
Autumn canal
Mile 12 → Four Seasons

A Trail
That Never
Sleeps

Spring: Wildflowers carpet the towpath—trout lily, bloodroot, wild geranium. Summer: Dense green canopy provides shade for hot-day walks. Fall: Maples and oaks explode in crimson and gold. Winter: Ice formations along the canal create otherworldly sculptures.

Same trail. Four completely different experiences.

🌸 Spring bloom: April-May
🍂 Peak fall colors: Mid-October
❄️ Winter beauty: December-February (check conditions)
Fishing along canal
Mile 15 → Fishing Access

Where the
Fish
Are Biting

The Delaware River alongside the canal is a premier fishing destination. Walleye, smallmouth bass, shad runs in spring, catfish prowling the bottom. PA fishing license required—but the reward is worth it.

Local anglers have favorite spots they'll share if you're friendly. Or find your own quiet bend in the river.

🎣 Species: Walleye, smallmouth/largemouth bass, shad, catfish, carp
📅 Shad run: Late April through May
📋 License: Pennsylvania fishing license required
Picnic area
Mile 20 → Rest Stop

Places to
Pause and
Breathe

Benches overlook the water. Picnic tables sit in shaded groves. Portable restrooms at key access points. The trail welcomes those who want to walk 30 miles—and those who just want to sit by the water and watch the world go by.

🪑 Benches: Every half-mile average
🍴 Picnic areas: Multiple spots with tables
🚻 Facilities: Seasonal restrooms at major access points
Trail junction
Mile 30 → Trail Connections

Part of
Something
Bigger

The Delaware Canal Towpath connects to regional trail networks. Link to the D&L Trail extending 165 miles. Access points to Washington Crossing Historic Park trails. The possibility: multi-day hiking and biking adventures across three states.

Morrisville isn't the end of the trail—it's the beginning.

🗺️ Connects to: D&L Trail, Washington Crossing trails
🚴 Multi-day options: Bristol to Easton (60 miles)
🏕️ Camping: Primitive sites available in some sections

Trails for Everyone

Whether you walk a mile or tackle the full 60, the Delaware Canal Trail welcomes all. Families of every kind. People of all abilities. Neighbors from every background. History and nature converge at every turn—and everyone belongs here.

Multiple Access Points

Trailheads throughout Morrisville and beyond. Start where you want, walk as far as you choose. Accessible parking and entry points available.

For All Abilities

Crushed stone towpath suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, bikes, and joggers. Benches along the route for rest. Accessible for all skill levels and mobility needs.

Year-Round Welcome

Four seasons, four different experiences. Spring blooms, summer shade, fall colors, winter serenity. The trail is open and welcoming every day of the year.

Ready to Explore?

Discover all of Morrisville's trails, parks, and outdoor spaces—open and welcoming to all.

Back to Home Explore 270 Years of History
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