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State Park Link: Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Nearby Parks: Washington Rock State Park Edison State Park Morristown National Historical Park Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Princeton Battlefield State Park Round Valley State Park Round Valley Recreation Area Hacklebarney State Park Cheesequake State Park Voorhees State Park Washington Crossing State Park
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| State Park Overview: |
 | The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is one of central New Jersey?s most popular recreational corridors for canoeing, jogging, hiking, bicycling, fishing and horseback riding. The canal and towpath are part of the National Recreational Trail System. The 70-mile linear park is a valuable wildlife corridor connecting fields and forests.
With its 19th-century bridges, bridgetender houses, past and present locks, cobblestone spillways and hand-built stone-arched culverts, the canal is a tremendous attraction for history lovers. The upper reach of the feeder canal wanders through quaint New Jersey towns along the Delaware River such as Stockton and Lambertville. The main canal passes the Port Mercer canal house, through the charming village of Griggstown to Blackwells Mills, ending up in New Brunswick. Canoes can be rented at Griggstown and Princeton from private concessionaires.
Most of the canal system remains intact today and is a reminder of the days when the delivery of freight depended upon a team of mules or steam tugboats. Nearly 36 miles of the main canal and 22 miles of the feeder canal still exist, with many historic structures along the canal. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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Great enviorment & very well maintained
(name not given)
5-May-2008
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| Area Activities |
| Arts & Crafts | |  | Peters Valley Craft Center Store - Layton , NJ The store at Peters Valley Craft Center offers original handcrafted art, jewelry, clothing, ceramics, and home furnishings. Unique items from over 300 artists offer distinctive ideas to embellish the home, treat yourself,
or to select for a gift. Visit the Gallery upstairs for our latest exhibit of fine art craft.
Web Site: http://www.petersvalley.org |
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| Trails: |
| The towpath and multi-use trails are great for all ages and physical abilities. Both the Main Canal Trail, which runs 34 miles in length, and the Feeder Canal Trail at 31.5 miles are ADA accessible. |
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| Area Activities |
| Arts/Cultural/Drama | |  | Peters Valley Craft Center - Layton , NJ Peters Valley is a non-profit education center and gallery for craft arts. Tour the studios on weekends during summer. Workshops May to September, 2 to 5 days. Expert instructors from US and abroad. Commute or sleep over for a mini-vacation close-to-home. Wood turning, weaving, jewelry, ceramics, blacksmithing, photography, papermaking, beading and more.
Web Site: http://www.petersvalley.org |
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| Picnicking: |
| Picnic table and grills are located at some of the access points and near a few of the historic sites. Informal picnicking is allowed along the canal. Open fires are not permitted. Charcoal fires are restricted to the grill in the picnic areas. |
| Boating: |
| There is a boat launch at the Bull's Island Recreation Area for the Delaware River. There are no motor restrictions on the river, but all the New Jersey boating regulations apply.
However, there are restrictions on boating and canoeing on the canal. Only electric motors, cartop launch, and canoes are permitted, which, can be rented from private concessionaires in Griggstown and Princeton. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Fishing is permitted the entire length of the canal. Anglers can find bass, sunfish, catfish, perch and pickerel within the canal as well as trout, which the Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks the canal with each spring. Fishing is also permitted in the Delaware River. All canal and river fishing is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations. |
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| Area Accommodations |
|  | The Pillars of Plainfield B&B Inn - Plainfield, NJ Luxurious private bath suites in restored Victorian mansion. Full Swedish breakfast, private phone, HBO, evening sherry & cookies. Close to NYC, Newark, for business travelers and Getaway Weekends.
Price Range: $114 - $250 Web Site: http://www.pillars2.com |
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| | B&Bs / Inns | |  | Holly Thorn House - Whitehouse Station, NJ A lovely replica of an English country manor home which combines fine old inn-keeping tradition, gracious in every way and lending itself to all seasons. You can enjoy comfortable and serene Queen bedded rooms, furnished with the warmth of antiques, and all with private baths and phones. Web Site: http://www.hollythornhouse.com |
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| | York Street House B & B - Gracious 1909 Manor House. Elegant. Comfortable. Antiques. Waterford chandelier. Original master bath. Leaded glass windows. Gourmet candlelight breakfast. Gardens. Sitting porch. Fine art.
| | Aaron Burr House Inn of New Hope - This vintage village Victorian inn is a member of the WEDGWOOD COLLECTION and has a AAA/MOBIL rating: EXCELLENT. Across from Lambertville (NJ)and in New Hope's Historic District, ideal for business.
| |  | Whistling Swan Inn - Stanhope, NJ Nestled in the beautiful Skylands Region of New Jersey, the house now known as The Whistling Swan Inn was built in 1905 by Justice of the Peace, Daniel Best, for his wife, Sarah. Come visit Northwest NJ's finest Victorian Inn Voted "Top Ten B&B in US" by Inn Traveler Magazine Web Site: http://www.whistlingswaninn.com |
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| | | |  | Manchester Inn Bed and Breakfast - Ocean Grove, NJ The Manchester Inn, The Ocean Grove New Jersey Bed Breakfast and The Secret Garden Restaurant are steps from the white sandy beach and the gentle surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the cooling ocean breezes from our rocking chair porch while overlooking Ocean Pathway, Ocean Groves finest avenue! Web Site: http://www.themanchesterinn.com/index.htm |
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|  | Advertise your park related business on stateparks.com
...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
 | Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park: History Timeline - Return to D R Canal History TIME PERIOD EVENTS ALONG THE D R CORRIDOR EVENTS IN THE COUNTRY EVENTS IN TECHNOLOGY 1607 to 1774 The British government merchantilistic system discourages development of ... |  | Delaware Raritan Canal State Park and Canal Commission - The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park and Commission's joint web site. Come explore and learn about this important central New Jersey resource. ... This site is sponsored by the Delaware Raritan ... |  | The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Towpath, New Brunswick, NJ - The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Towpath, New Brunswick Directions: Johnson Park in New Brunswick/Piscataway at the Grove 5 parking lot, accessed from the one-way Park road that starts ... |  | Delaware and Raritan Canal - The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is a 70 mile linear (straight & narrow) park which completely bisects central New Jersey from west to east. A groomed footpath (the old towpath when the ... |  | D R Canal Park in Northwest New Jersey Skylands - Outdoor Recreation in Northwestern New Jersey Skylands ... Parks State Park Amenities Allamuchy/ Stephens State Parks Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Jenny Jump State Forest Kittatinny State Park ... |  | Wallkill Wildlife Refuge in Northwest New Jersey Skylands - Outdoor Recreation in Northwestern New Jersey Skylands ... Parks State Park Amenities Allamuchy/ Stephens State Parks Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Jenny Jump State Forest Kittatinny State Park ... |  | Delaware & Raritan Trail - Map, Bed & Breakfast, Lodging, Camping, Attractions - The Delaware & Raritan - D&R Trail includes Bed & Breakfasts, Motels, Hotels, Campgrounds, Bicycle ... Home Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail (New Jersey) ( Up ) The Delaware & Raritan ... |  | Department of Environmental Protection - ... Bull's Island Recreation Area Cape May Point State Park Cheesequake State Park Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Double Trouble State Park Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina Farny State Park ... |  | Virtual Tours - Delaware Raritan Canal - ... education corporate partners Visit the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Home Page The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is one of central New Jersey?s most popular recreational corridors ... |  | North American Canals - ... Morris Canal Banking Company: Microfilm Collection Canal Society of New Jersey Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Somerset, NJ National Canals Museum - Easton, PA Including pages on the Lehigh ... |  | New Jersey parks, New Jersey, parks, recreation, NJ, county, New Jersey county parks,State - New Jersey parks and NJ county parks, State Parks and National Parks, recreation links ... The jewel of the Ringwood State Park System. Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park One of central New Jersey?s ... |  | Langdon Online - New Jersey State Parks - New Jersey's Recreational Vehicle Camping Resource ... View Map Cheesequake State Park Matawan View Map Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Somerset View Map Monmouth Battlefield State Park Manalapan ... |
| Area Attractions: |
| Prallsville Mills, Route 29, Stockton
This charming 19th-century mill complex contains both grist and linseed oil mills. The site is leased and operated by the Delaware River Mill Society, which sponsors concerts and other programs on site. For information about programs, call (609) 397-3586.Griggstown, Franklin Township, Somerset County
The wooden canal bridge, the Mule tender's Barracks, the Bridge tender's House and station and the site of the Griggstown Mill are situated along the canal. Canoes can be rented at a private canoe rental concession on the canal. The Griggstown Lock is less than a mile south on the towpath. A short walk brings you to grassy fields with picnic tables and grills.Blackwells Mills, Franklin Township, Somerset County
The Bridge tender's House, wooden bridge and mill site are reminders of the area's active past. Several annual events are held at the house. Picnic tables and grills are located around a large field with views of the river. This historic site provides access to the canal, towpath and river.
Griggstown and Blackwells Mills are located between the Millstone River and the D&R Canal and can be reached off Route 533, Millstone River Road in Hillsborough or from Canal Road in Franklin Township. Both historic sites provide access to the Millstone River as well as the canal and towpath.
The park office is a short walk south on Canal Road from Blackwells Mills. Trail heads for Six Mile Run Reservoir are near the office. Horse trailer parking is available.
Cook Natural Area (26 acres)
This area displays a deciduous lowland hardwood forest adjacent to the Heathcote Brook in Kingston. A short trail takes visitors to the forest and small ponds.Six Mile Run, Franklin Township, Somerset County
The Six Mile Run Reservoir Site, is one of Central New Jersey's most hidden recreational resources for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The 3000 acre reservoir site, rich in cultural and historic significance, is also a valuable oasis of wetlands, forests, farmlands and old fields. |
| Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Scag's Bait & Tackle 50 Fort Pl # A1b Staten Island, NY (718) 727-7373

| Zimmer Fish & Game Conservation Assoc 4411 Arthur Kill Rd Staten Island, NY (718) 948-9599

| Michael's Bait & Tackle Shop 187 Mansion Ave Staten Island, NY (718) 984-9733

| Biggie's Bait & Tackle 65 Page Ave Staten Island, NY (718) 966-9206

| Lady Kim Charters 16 Sheraden Avenue Staten Island, NY (718) 698-6582

| Captains Marine Mercury & Force Outboards 202 Mansion Ave Staten Island, NY (718) 984-3346

| Big Al's Bait & Tackle 7407 Amboy Rd Staten Island, NY (718) 605-6907

| Capt Pauls Charters 81 Detroit Ave Staten Island, NY (718) 966-6990

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| | Area Resorts and Lodging | | Clarion Inn 11 Cedar Grove Lane Somerset, NJ (732) 563-1000

| Hidden Valley Resort 44 Breakneck Rd Vernon, NJ (973) 764-4200

| Resort Club Inc 3 Telemark Dr Vernon, NJ (973) 209-4362

| Hotel Richmond 71 Central Ave Staten Island, NY (718) 447-8445

| Minerals Resort & Spa 2 Chamonix Dr Vernon, NJ (973) 827-2222

| Resort Club at the Great Gorge State Rt 94 Vernon, NJ (973) 827-8000

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| Directions: |
| Parking is available in designated parking lots along the canal towpath. The main canal runs from Trenton to New Brunswick with a break at the Route 1 crossing. The feeder canal stretches from Trenton north to Frenchtown along the Delaware River.
The park office is located at 145 Mapleton Road.From Route 1Exit at Route 522 east (Ridge Road) heading towards the town of Kingston for approximately 1 mile. Make a left turn onto Division Street. At the stop sign turn left onto Academy Street (Academy Street becomes Mapleton road). The park office and Mapleton Preserve is located .2 miles on the left side of the road across from the Mapleton Nurseries.
From Route 27:Turn onto Academy Street at the traffic light in Kingston (across from the Kingston Cemetery). Academy Street becomes Mapleton road as it heads towards route 1. The park office and Mapleton Preserve is located .3 miles on the left side of the road across from the Mapleton Nurseries. |
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