| Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park |
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With its 19th-century bridges and bridgetender houses, remnants of locks, cobblestone spillways and hand-built stone arched culverts, the canal is a tremendous attraction for history lovers and artists. The upper reach of the feeder canal wanders through quaint New Jersey towns along the Delaware River such as Frenchtown, Stockton and Lambertville. The canal passes the Port Mercer house, through the charming village of Griggstown to Blackwells Mills, ending up in New Brunswick. Canoes can be rented at Griggstown and Pinceton from private concessioners. Most of the old 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. Cook Natural Area (26 acres) The area displays a deciduous lowlands hardwood forest adjacent to the Heathcote Brook in Kingston. A short trail takes the visitor to the forest and small ponds. Prallsville Mills, Route 29, Stockton The 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, call (609)397-3586. Griggstown, Franklin Township, Somerset County The wooden canal bridge, the Muletender's Barracks Canal Museum, the Bridgetender's House and station and the site of the Griggstown Mill are found along the canal. Canoes can be rented from a private canoe rental concession on the canal. Griggstown Lock is less than a mile south on the towpath. A short walk leads to grassy fields with picnic tables and grills. Blackwells Mills, Franklin Township, Somerset County The Bridgetender'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 the field with views of the 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 (left hand side) from Blackwells Mills. Trail heads for Six Mile Run Reservoir Site are near the office. Horse trailer parking is available. 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. A portion of this feeder canal runs through Washington Crossing State Park. Delaware & Raritan Canal Park Office The park office is located at Blackwells Mills. Take Route 206 to Hillsborough to Route 514 east (Amwell Road), right onto Route 533 south (Millstone River Road), 2.1 miles left across bridge onto Blackwells Mills Road across Canal Bridge, right on Canal Road, second structure on left.
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