Delaware Canal

Although the Delaware River was used as a form of transportation in the 1800's, it was not user friendly, so the state decided to construct a canal that would make the shipping of goods up and down the river easier and much more reliable. Coal from up state Pennsylvania was the major commodity and it came came across the Lehigh Canal to Easton where it joined the Delaware Canal. From here coal could be shipped down the canal to the tidal waters of the Delaware River at Bristol. For ease of construction, the canal parallels the course of the river, in some spots it even appears they share the same bank.

The entire length of the canal from Morrisville to Easton is a state park. The canal path, or tow path, used by the mules to pull the barges along the canal years ago, is now used by people to get some fresh air and a little exercise.

Because of the changes in elevation, it was necessary to install a series of lock systems to control the flow of water in the canal. This is lock NO. 12 in Lumberville. Note the River Road on the right and the foot bridge to New Jersey in the background.

Changes in elevation were not the only problem encountered when building the canal. Because there are numerous streambeds cut into hillside along the river, it was necessary to build bridges for the canal to cross these streambeds. Tinicum Creek seen here, is flowing under the River Road and the Delaware Canal. The darker brown bridge is the canal, and it is actually carrying water, note the leak.

Of course bridges were needed to cross over the canal as well. Most of these bridges were the same style red bridge, and although they have since been replaced with more modern bridges, the recognizable red canal bridge style has been maintained.

This picture in Lumberville shows just how closely the canal follows the river. This is mostly due to the steep slope of the land along the river in the upper sections. Along the southern sections of the canal where the land is not so steep, the canal can move inland away from the river to cut across the lower end of the county in Falls Township.

The General Store in Upper Black Eddy offers picnic tables along the canal to have some lunch, or maybe just a cold drink.

The Delaware Canal is also a great place for ice skating. Although the skaters were in school when this picture was taken, they will be out in full force later in the afternoon.