Sharing the Towpath Trail:
Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines
for the Delaware Canal Towpath

Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines
for the Delaware Canal Towpath
The scenic beauty and diverse landscape of the Delaware Canal State Park attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Those who use its towpath trail do so in many ways: walking, hiking, jogging, cycling, horseback riding. The Canal towpath is a multi-use trail.

Be Courteous
All trail users—including bicyclists, walkers, joggers, people with disabilities, and equestrians—should be respectful of other users, regardless of speed or level of skill.

Share The Trail
Cyclists yield to all other trail users, and hikers yield to equestrians.

Signal When Passing
Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well. Don't startle others: Give a clear warning signal and reduce speed before passing. Signal may be produced by voice, bell or horn. Indicate, "On your left," when passing on the left.

Low Bridge – Everybody Down
There is very little clearance under many of the canal bridges. Duck when necessary.

Bridge Blind Spots
Canal bridges block your view of the towpath ahead. Make sure that the trail is clear before heading under the bridge.

Don’t Block The Trail
When in a group, including your pets, use no more than half the trail, so as not to block the flow of other users.

Stay On The Trail
For nearly its entire length, Delaware Canal State Park property is only 60 feet wide. Please do not wander onto adjoining private properties. Respect the rights and privacy of the owners.

Keep The Canal Clean
The Park's policy is carry in/carry out.

Be Informed
Please check trail signs and use Park maps. Get to know your Park staff. Visit the Delaware Canal State Park Headquarters at 11 Lodi Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 (phone 610-982-5560), or the Friends of the Delaware Canal Visitors Center, 145 South Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938 (phone 215-862-2021).

Special Tips For Hikers/Joggers

1. Stay to the right of the trail. Pass on the left.
2. Safe multiple use on the towpath requires your cooperation.
3. Always yield to equestrians.
4. Announce yourself when overtaking other trail users.
5. When hiking or jogging with a dog, obey posted leash regulations. Keep a short leash on your dog when passing (or being passed by) horses, cyclists, or other pedestrians. Other trail users may be frightened by your dog, and be unsure how to pass safely. Please be considerate to other trail users, and always clean up after your dog.

Special Tips For Cyclists

1. Approach and pass other trail users with care. You are obligated to yield to all other trail users. When approaching from behind, announce yourself (and the number of other cyclists in your group) well in advance, so you don’t startle other trail users. Reduce speed to pass safely.
2. Approach blind curves with caution. Assume someone is coming in the opposite direction.
3. Use the appropriate hand signals for turning, stopping, etc.
4. Should your approach cause a horse to spook or become frightened, be considerate and stop.  Wait for the rider to tell you it’s okay to pass.
5. Be prepared for your trip. Wear a helmet at all times. The key to a successful and enjoyable ride is a knowledge of regulations, an understanding of one's personal ability, equipment and preparedness for the unexpected.

Special Tips For Equestrians

1. Make sure your horse has the temperament and training for riding on congested, public trails. Busy, multi-use trails are not the proper place for schooling green horses.
2. Use common sense in crowded areas: Cantering/galloping on crowded trails endangers everyone.
3. Move to the right to allow fellow trail users to pass.
4. Announce your intention to pass other trail users, and reduce speed to pass safely. Pass on the left only.
5. Remove your horse from the trail if you begin experiencing behavior problems.
6. As a courtesy to others in your group, use appropriate hand signals for turning, slowing, etc., and give verbal warnings for dangers on the trail (e.g. holes, low branches.)
7. Remember that other trail users may not be familiar with horses or how they react to new experiences. Your horse may be another trail user’s first introduction to horses, so what you do may reflect on the local horse community. Carefully answer questions about your horse. You are an ambassador for the entire equestrian community.

For more information about the Delaware Canal, contact or visit the State Park Headquarters at 11 Lodi Hill Road in Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972. Phone 610-982-5560; E-mail delaware.sp@dcnr.state.pa.us.