Delaware River in New Jersey

Trip Overview

Washington's Crossing to Firemens' Eddy and Back: This is a regular local work out for me on the Delaware that does not require two cars. It is a 10.6 mile loop using the D & R Canal to make northbound progress. Start at the parking lot at Washington's Crossing Park ON THE JERSEY SIDE. Put in the canal and paddle north 5.3 miles to Firemens' Eddy. The current is very light. Easy upstream paddle. There will be no sign indicating destination. The landmark is the third CAR bridge (not foot bridge). Get out of canal and carry overland following the dirt road westbound into the forest and down to the boat launch (about 100 yards). Then launch into the Delaware and ride back to Washington's Crossing. The landmark for the end is the steel bridge crossing the river. Exit at beach on left (east bank) just before bridge.

Accommodations:

Bathrooms at the park. Food at Flaherties.

Directions:

Take 295 north to 95 south to where it crosses the Delaware River (Scudders falls) Take last exit in NJ onto Route 29 northbound. Go north about 2-3miles. Turn left at Flaherties Pub and cross-canal. Immediately bear right into park - do not cross river.

Resources:

For a good map and detailed mileage go to www.DandRcanal.com. It will help you to know that the portion of the canal along the river is called the "feeder canal."