By Tracker883 on September 22, 2009
I have ridden the towpath trail quite a few times in the past few years, mainly south of New Hope. Even though the trail technically starts/ends in Bristol there is no good reason to attempt that as a destination to pick up or end your excursion. The furthest south I would recommend you start from is the off street parking access on E Ferry Rd, just west of River Rd (rt32). It is roughly a 14 mile ride from this entry point to where the path dumps out into New Hope. The route is a magnificent mix of tree lined and shady paths mixed with expansive views of the Delaware River. Currently (as of this review) this stretch is under repair from the storms a few years back so I'm not sure if this entire stretch is officially open but I do know that the path is open from E Ferry Rd to Washington Crossing Park. The path was heavily damaged just north of the park so I believe that is where it officially ends; however, the path is not blocked by any obstructions it's just not going to be the fine crushed stone covered path as is the previous section. From Ferry to Washington Crossing is approx 7.5 miles of beautiful riding and if you can get further north on the path you'll have great views of the river to your right and amazing backyards on your left.
The one thing I have never really tried to figure out, but would love for someone to assist with, is how to pick up the trail again in or around New Hope. Since there is a mule drawn tow path tourist ride there I’m not sure you can use the towpath directly in the town of New Hope. How do you pick it back up to head further north?
By Ghansell on July 03, 2009
I hit the canal path just yesterday afternoon (7/2/09) There is a nifty sign post that tells you how far it is to destinations North, and South. I know Bristol, PA has done some wonderful things with bike trails so I decided that is where I would go. After the trail ended abruptly before it even began, I found myself riding through an auto parts store parking lot, I had to cross Bridge Street, and found myself looking down from a bridge to the continuation of the trail I was just on. I then meandered around the 7-11 parking lot, past several eateries, our new fireworks store, finally I got to the Holiday Inn parking lot, and from there I picked up the trail and journied on. I went under Rt. 1, picked up a little speed, and about 1/2 to a mile from there I looked ahead and saw that about 4 stories above were train tracks going right over what was my trail. So my trip to Bristol was cut short, I plan to try a trip up to Yardley one of these days, I hope I have a little more success.
By tryona on August 26, 2008
We tried several times to bike the trail. The top end in Easton where the Canal Museum was is under construction. We traveled south to Raubsville. The trail was washed out there. Our last try was at Durham Furnace. Everywhere the trail was overgrown and/or washed out. As we traveled further south. River Road was closed. We gave up and headed over to Nickamixon State Park where the bike trail is open and beautiful.