Delaware & Raritan Canal (Rocky Hill)

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Map(s)

DE-Raritan Canal.jpgRoad map (660x612).  206K size.

Scenery

The canal extends from Trenton in the south to New Brunswick in the north, paralleling the Millstone River and its dammed up portion, Carnegie Lake.  This page deals the portion near route 518, at boundry of Somerset & Mercer counties.

Putins with sandy, sloping spots near parking areas, are rare.  One spot is a patch of mud, along route 518, near the intersection w. Canal Road.  Going north, you will cross under a foot bridge after a mile; most people have to duck their heads to clear it.  The canal widens shortly after.  1.1 mi after bridge, there is a fallen tree (N40 25 33.1 W74 37 16.2) blocking most of thet canal; plenty of room on east side to get around it.  In less than 1 1/2 mi after the bridge, you will approach another bridge ... STAY AWAY!  There is a steep drop near the bridge, with the current in the canal pulling you toward it.  Remember: There is a south to north current in the canal.

To the south of route 518, there is another stretch of canal to explore, but I did not get far on my only trip.  Paddling underneath the route 518 is doable, if you duck & stay to the west.

Fees

None.

Directions

Take route 31, past the Titus Mill Road traffic light, to Pennington Hopewell Road (exiting at a 45 degree angle).  This becomes route 518 after 3 mi.  Take route 518 past the route 206 intersection, to a parking area on the left, before the Canal Road traffic light; this will be about 10.7 mi from route 31.

Parking

Limited, and unlike the Belle Mead section of the canal, this spot is used by bikers, joggers, and walkers.  Most of the time that I have past it, it is packed.  Only the Thimble Islands are worse.

Distance to the Launch Area

Borderline on using a cart.  Carry your kayak to the dock for pre-launch prep.

Restrooms

There appears to be a port-a-john, 400' south of route 518, but I only saw the area from the water.

Status of Launch Area

Little muddy, but not bad.  Launch north of the dock.

Wind Conditions

What wind?  VERY WELL protected; this is where I go when the wind forecast is too nasty for my primary destination.

Powerboats

Electric only.

Foliage

Quite nice; one of the best destinations because of all of the deciduous trees.

Rolling Practice?

Good, but not great.  Proected from the wind, not very deep, but the bottom is muck & water fowl will sometimes make the water too stinky.

More Information . . .

For more info about the canal, go to Delaware & Raritan Canal.