The Delaware Canal stretches about 60 miles from Easton to Bristol, running parallel to the Delaware River. The construction of the canal was begun in 1827 and construction costs at the time were about $24,000 per mile. It was operated by the state from 1831-1858 and by private owners until October 17, 1931, when the last boat passed through the canal. The canal was originally about 5 feet deep, although sedimentation has filled in many areas. Along the nearly 60 miles of the canal the water passed through 23 locks to allow for the 165 foot elevation drop.

The Delaware Canal was built to more efficiently transfer goods, primarily coal, between the more northern parts of Pennsylvania and areas closer to Philadelphia. The railroad eventually became more competitive than the canal and ultimately the canal succumbed to the steam train. The canal has been a state park since 1931 when 40 miles were given back to the state of Pennsylvania, followed by the remaining 20 miles in 1940.

There had been plans several times to pave the canal over (progress!) but citizens fought for its protection. In 1978 the canal was given National Historic Landmark status, thus helping to guarantee its preservation. The towpath itself was designiated an official National Recreation Trail.

While the Delaware Canal is considered to have the most continuously intact tow path of any canal in the United States, the canal is not truly in its original state. The area's growth has taken a toll and the last mile of southern end of the canal was paved over long ago.

This is a view of the canal looking north from New Hope. Seen here is a barge pulled by a mule walking along the towpath. While the barges used to carry raw materials such as coal, they now carry tourists. And the towpath only rarely carries mules anymore. More often it carries hikers and cyclists.

UPDATE: As of 2008 the barge rides were no longer available to tourists. Due to the cost of maintaining the operation and its ongoing financial losses, the decision was made to close it down. The mules were returned to Tennessee, where they were originally purchased, and the barges are for sale. It is unclear if the funds will ever be found to revive this unique "historic" tourist attraction.

This is a close-up view of the locktender's house in New Hope. Located adjacent to Lock 11 of the canal, it is where the canal worker who operated the lock lived.

The canal in autumn is a great place to go for a ride, a walk, or even a leisurely stroll.

This picture from Lumberville shows a small bridge spanning the canal in the foreground and the river in the background.

This is canal lock number 12 in Lumberville.

 

Photo by Richard Hanauer
 
A view of the lock in the winter.

 

Photo by Richard Hanauer
 
Another view of the lock in the winter.

 

Photo by Chuck Rudy
 
The number 19 Lock at Lodi, along the Delaware Canal in Upper Bucks County.

 

Photo by Chuck Rudy
 
As of 2007, parts of canal in the northern part of Bucks County were dry. This photo shows the canal to the right of River Road, dry and overgrown with weeds. The road itself appears to be crumbling, probably from flooding damage.