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The Delaware and Raritan Canal Park Trail on Two Wheels

I had the most amazing experience on my e-bike. I rode 33km from Rocky Hill to Port Mercer, all along the scenic Delaware and Raritan Canal Park Trail. It was a blast!

I had planned to take my e-bike out for a spin once the weather improved. Cold weather and uncomfortable mornings in early May had made me hesitant to go cycling. However, when I woke up on the weekend and checked the weather, I was relieved to find a wonderful forecast of warmer weather and clear skies. I couldn’t miss this opportunity, so after enjoying a hearty breakfast, I ensured my helmet and trusty Xpremium bicycle were in good condition. Then, I set off towards Rocky Hill.

Years ago, Bhavna and I embarked on a winter walk along the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail from Griggstown Lock to Kingston Lock with a group organised by the Montgomery Friends of Open Space. It was an invigorating walk in freezing weather. On a few other occasions, we also walked from Kingston Lock to Millstone Aqueduct and once from the Millstone Aqueduct to the Harrison Street Bridge. Simple pleasures.

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

My previous rides on the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail were shorter, so this time I aimed to go a little further. My plan was simple; ride from Rocky Hill to Kingston Lock, take a breather, capture some photographs, and then continue to the Millstone Aqueduct and footbridge. However, upon reaching the footbridge, I wanted to push on. I told myself I would go as far as Lower Harrison Street. Crossing the footbridge, I carried on.

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

When I arrived at Lower Harrison Street, I questioned myself, “How far can you go?” I worried about going too far, becoming too tired, or experiencing low blood glucose that would require Bhavna to come to my rescue. I checked my camera bag to ensure I had enough jelly beans to manage potential hypoglycemiahypoglycemia1. Feeling confident, I continued my journey.

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

I crossed the Washington Road Bridge, then the Alexander Road Bridge near Turning Basin Park in Princeton. Each time I reached a bridge, I wondered, “How much further can I go?” By crossing the Alexander Road Bridge, I had mentally committed to continuing to Port Mercer.

Port Mercer, a hamlet in Lawrence Township, owes its development to the opening of the Delaware and Raritan Canal in 1834. Before the canal’s construction, the area mainly consisted of agricultural land, primarily located further east and centred around Clarksville along the Trenton-New Brunswick Turnpike, known today as US Route 1. Prominent families like Clark, Gordon, Applegate, Phillips, Arrowsmith, and Forman owned extensive estates and farms close to Brunswick Pike.

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

The canal’s inauguration brought the residents a new avenue of transportation and economic opportunity. Alfred Applegate, an enterprising individual, seized this chance and established a store near the present-day bridge crossing, adjacent to the newly constructed canal bridge house. Over time, the store changed hands, with notable figures like John A. Crater and Charles Mather taking charge. By the 1850s, the canal hamlet thrived, featuring a cluster of homes, a post office, an inn, a steam-powered sawmill, a coal yard, and a turning and delivery basin.

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

The name “Port Mercer” emerged from the basin’s significance. It served as a loading and delivery area, facilitating direct transportation and the exchange of goods with larger markets in Trenton and New Brunswick. Additionally, it established connections to major cities like Philadelphia and New York City.

The ride to Port Mercer was a simple yet invigorating experience. The air smelled crisp and clean. I enjoyed witnessing everything that makes the Delaware and Raritan Canal Park Trail so fascinating - birds, turtles, humans walking dogs, paddle boats, and wildflowers. I even caught a glimpse of a snake. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride there and back again, with paddle boats gracefully gliding through the canal.

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

A sense of contentment washed over me as I made my way back. The ride offered a blend of adventure and tranquillity, for which I felt grateful.

I documented the ride on Strava. The round trip covered a distance of 33.98 km and lasted a little over two hours. Perhaps next time, I’ll venture all the way down to the Brearley House.

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail at Port Mercer · Monday 8 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

  1. I have Type 1 diabetes and manage my blood glucose with insulin. Hypoglycemia is always a concern. ?

Casting a Line

The Delaware and Raritan Canal stretches 66 miles from Bordentown on the Delaware River to New Brunswick on the Raritan River. Kingston is a popular spot for fishing on the D&R Canal. The canal runs through the town, and there are several access points where anglers can cast their lines. Some popular spots for fishing in Kingston include the Lock 8 Fishing Access Area and the bridge at Route 27.

Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

The Lock 8 Fishing Access Area is located off Route 27, and it offers a large parking area and access to the canal via a gravel path. Anglers can fish from the banks or wade into the water to cast their lines. This area is known for its bass and sunfish populations, and it's a great spot for families to fish together.

Other canal sections are deep enough to allow fishing from a boat. The canal is home to various fish species, including bass, sunfish, catfish, pickerel, and trout. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks the canal with trout each year.

Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail

Bhavna and the kids, and I have often taken peaceful strolls along the canal between Rocky Hill and Kingston. Kingston's section of the Delaware and Raritan Canal Park Trail offers an easy way to get fresh air and exercise while enjoying the area's natural beauty.

Kingston's section of the Delaware and Raritan Canal Park Trail offers an easy way to get some fresh air and exercise while enjoying the area's natural beauty. The historic trail spans approximately 70 miles and provides a serene and scenic respite for outdoor enthusiasts. Beginning in the historic village of Kingston, the trail takes walkers along the historic Delaware and Raritan Canal, which once served as a vital transportation route between Philadelphia and New York City.

Delaware & Raritan Canal Parl Trail
Delaware & Raritan Canal Parl Trail · Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

Lush trees line the trail, offering shade and a sense of tranquillity. The trail meanders along the canal's curves with calm waters that enhance the surrounding scenery. Along the trail, visitors can observe a variety of flora and fauna, from wildflowers and trees to diverse bird species and small woodland creatures such as turtles and snakes.

Delaware & Raritan Canal Parl Trail
Delaware & Raritan Canal Parl Trail · Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR
Delaware & Raritan Canal Parl Trail
Delaware & Raritan Canal Parl Trail · Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

The trail itself is well-maintained and offers a smooth surface, making it accessible for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and even equestrians. Benches and picnic areas are strategically placed along the trail, inviting you to pause, rest, and immerse yourself in the surroundings.

Delaware & Raritan Canal Parl Trail
Delaware & Raritan Canal Parl Trail · Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

Bhavna, the kids, and I have often taken peaceful strolls along the Rocky Hill and Kingston section of the canal. I never seem to tire of photographing the various sections of the canal.

Delaware & Raritan Canal Parl Trail
Delaware & Raritan Canal Parl Trail · Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR

After completing my morning photography of the Princeton University crew races, I turned back toward the trailhead to return to the car. I followed the now sun-kissed trail and marvelled at the ever-changing scenery. The canal, adorned with blooming lily pads and delicate water irises, mirrored the near-cloudless sky, creating a mesmerising symphony of blues. Occasionally, a graceful turtle would leisurely slide off a sunlit log into the water.

Along the way, I encountered fellow nature enthusiasts, exchanging warm smiles and words of appreciation for the beauty surrounding them.