Delaware Canal Towpath Named PA's 2022 Trail Of The Year

HARRISBURG, PA — The Delaware Canal State Park Towpath was named Pennsylvania's Trail of the Year in 2022, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Thursday.

“Today, we celebrate the Delaware Canal State Park Towpath and the multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities it has provided for generations, as it continues to be a destination for so many people," DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. "With this honor, I am hopeful that even more people seek out this gem of a trail and the larger region to which it connects its users.”

The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee designates this honor to build enthusiasm and support for trails across the commonwealth and raise public awareness about the value of Pennsylvania's land and water network. More than 12,000 miles of trails span the state.

"In an effort to close the gaps in this network and bring trails to close everyone, DCNR has established a goal to have a trail within 10 minutes of all Pennsylvanians," according to a news release.

The 58.9-mile Delaware Canal Towpath passes through 18 municipalities in Bucks County and Northampton County.

"The towpath, where the mules once trod pulling the canal boats along the Delaware Canal, provides a level trail for walking, jogging, biking and horseback riding," the news release describes, an homage to the trail's history. "Boat accesses allow for canoeing and kayaking. In winter, ice skating and cross-country skiing are also popular along the towpath and canal."

The Friends of the Delaware Canal works in partnership with Delaware Canal State Park as stewards of the waterway and towpath. The friends group assists with development and maintenance as well as fundraising and awareness initiatives via their Canal Tenders Volunteer Program and recently-initiated Canal Action Team.

The group is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

“The Friends of Delaware Canal are honored that the Delaware Canal Towpath was named Pennsylvania’s 2022 Trail of the Year,” said Michael Ginder, executive director of the Friends of Delaware Canal. “The towpath has much to offer with a rich history and has seen an increase in visitors the past couple of years as more and more individuals spend time outdoors. The Trail of the Year recognition will allow the Friends to build on that increased visitor momentum as well as bolster the work we do to ensure the towpath trail is usable over its entire length.”

The towpath is part of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, which is 165 miles long and traverses five counties in eastern Pennsylvania. The towpath is also in the Lehigh Valley Greenways and Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscapes.

The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee is charged with implementing the recommendations of the Pennsylvania Trails Strategic Plan to develop a statewide land and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation, and healthy lifestyles for all. The 20-member DCNR-appointed committee represents both motorized and non-motorized trail users and advises the commonwealth on use of state and federal trail funding.

Visit the Friends of the Delaware Canal website for more information.

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