Towpath Talk – Friends of the Delaware Canal

It’s Easy to Shop and Support the Friends

Support the Friends of the Delaware Canal simply by Shopping Online!

Did you know you can help preserve and protect the historic Delaware Canal every time you shop online?
It’s easy — and free — with ShopRaise!

🛒 How it works:
When you make everyday purchases through the ShopRaise app or browser extension, a portion of your total is donated to Friends of the Delaware Canal at no extra cost to you.

💚 Why it matters:
Your support helps maintain the canal’s towpath, safeguard wildlife habitats, promote local history, and keep the canal a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy. Small actions add up — and this one couldn’t be simpler.

✨ Ready to help?

Download the ShopRaise app or browser extension

Select Friends of the Delaware Canal as your cause
Shop from your favorite stores
Make an impact with every purchase
Let’s keep the Delaware Canal flowing strong — together!

The link to sign up is: https://shopraise.com/support/fodc

Forging the Future of the Delaware Canal

Thank You for a successful evening!

The Friends of the Delaware Canal are so grateful to all who joined us for a special evening at the Bill Harris and Jay Manas Playhouse Barn in New Hope, PA to enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live jazz performed by the David Stier Trio as you helped shape a bright, fully-watered future for the entire length of the Delaware Canal.

We are particularly thankful for the support of our sponsors and patrons.

SPONSORS
Brett Webber Architects
Crews Surveying, LLC.
Fox and Holly Bucks County
Jack Torres – Coldwell Banker Hearthside Realtors
Jeff Connell- Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty, Inc.
Our Italian Table

~
Addison Wolfe Real Estate
Begley, Carlin & Mandio, LLP
Cooper Mechanical Inc.
Ferry Market
J.R. Maxwell Builders, Inc.
Xhilarate

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First National Bank of Newtown
H. J. Opdyke Lumber Co.
Homelift of America, Inc.
Stem Brothers
Studio Bryan Hanes
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PATRONS
Robin and Jeff Connell
Laure Duval
Laurie Sauter and Gale Griffiths
Kenneth Hartley
Julie and Ken Standig
Peter Zagorin

WITH GRATITUDE

There are a few people who have made a lasting impact on the Delaware Canal, not only in its preservation but also in its promotion as a valuable public space.

We are dedicating this issue of our newsletter to two people, who during their long lives, had an enduring enthusiasm and energy for the Delaware Canal State Park.

Remembering Betty Orlemann

“What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
—Jane Goodall

Betty Orlemann, who passed away on April 3,2025, one day after her 97th birthday, founded the Friends of the Delaware Canal in 1982. Even at her advanced age, Betty was still a force of nature.

“Something has to be done.” This short but telling quote from our founder set the tone for the vision and purpose of this organization. In 1977,Betty and her young family moved into an old farmhouse on River Road in Smithtown, adjacent to the Delaware Canal.

Seeing the disrepair and neglect of the canal, bridges, and towpath, Betty Orlemann took action. She organized volunteers to improve the canal and its surroundings, marking the beginning of what
would later become the Friends of the Delaware Canal.

The Friends had their first official meeting in October 1982, and by January 1983, the group was incorporated. One of the first members of this newly formed non-profit was Virginia Forrest.

Betty was also a founder and Board member of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L) and the creative inspiration behind the Miles of Mules art installation. In 2009, Betty was presented with the first Lifetime Achievement Award from the D&L National Heritage Corridor.

Remembering Will Rivinus

“No harm is done to history by making it some thing someone would want to read.”
—David McCullough

Extensive research and creativity were two hallmarks of Will Rivinus, whose single-minded purpose in documenting a journey along the Delaware Canal will continue to inform and educate
for many generations. Will came to Bucks County and was charmed by the area’s history and natural beauty, as well as the canal and towpath. His first
journey along the towpath took him from Solebury to the Mountainside Inn, where, too exhausted, he
stopped for the evening.

Will would go on to explore the entire 58.9 miles, building his stamina along the way. He started the Canal Walks in 1987, an annual event that helped promote the towpath and the region. His tireless advocacy has been recognized by both the Pennsylvania Senate and the House of Representatives.

Will Rivinus, like Betty, was driven by a deep commitment to improving our Delaware Canal State Park for generations to come. His legacy will continue to have a lasting impact on the park and
its visitors.

Upon the passing of the last of her Canal “elders,” Susan Taylor shares these two stories about them:

Betty Orlemann

Five days into my new job as the Executive Director of the Friends of the Delaware Canal, I was told that a $5,000 match was due on a
grant from the Grundy Foundation. I had two weeks to either find the funds or write a very convincing request for an extension.

Needless to say, I was very jumpy until Betty Orlemann told me, “It will be alright, the Friends have a guardian angel.” I took a bit of comfort in this, but I still needed to do something.

Two days later, the office phone rang. It was a man who immediately started asking about the Canal’s problems and what the Friends did. His final question was “What do the Friends
need?” With the grant match high on my mind, I blurted out “$5,000.” We talked a bit more, and then said goodbye, without me knowing the man’s name.

I didn’t give the conversation a lot more thought. I’d learned early on that many people called to ask about the Canal. And then came an envelope in the mail. Inside was a $5,000 check. After I got over my amazement, my first thought was nice man!” My second thought was “Betty was right; the Friends do have a guardian angel.”

It didn’t take me too long to realize that Betty was really the Friends’ guardian angel—always hopeful, always encouraging, always wise, always diligent, and, if came down to it, always willing to “get her Irish up.” I have every faith that Betty is still on guard.

Will Rivinus

The Delaware Canal was one of Will Rivinus’ passions. As a young man, he walked its 60 miles from Easton to Bristol alone. (Will always used “60 miles” even after the mileage
was measured at 58.9 miles.)

In 1964, he wrote A Wayfarer’s Guide to the Delaware Canal, which, with its maps and descriptions, offered a clear, inviting way to discover the waterway, towpath, and surroundings. He went onto lead the first of the Canal Walks for the Friends of the Delaware Canal in 1988, an ambitious feat undertaken over five successive Saturdays.

In its formative years in the 1980’s, the Friends of the Delaware Canal benefited greatly from Will’s masterful ability to promote causes. He had the knack for identifying opportunities and followed through by communicating the Friends’ mission and activities convincingly. He did this so well that the Friends won two “Take Pride in Pennsylvania” awards and one national “Take Pride in America” award for the organization’s volunteer work. The national award came with an invitation to a reception on the White House lawn, which Will and other Friends proudly attended.

In 1990, my sister-in-law convinced me to do one segment of the walk. At this point, I’m not sure which one, although I do remember that the drops from the towpath down to the
Delaware River were scary. And I met Will and the 90 other walkers.

The crowd was huge because the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor was gaining traction. Will was the chair of the Corridor Commission, and people from the National Park Service and other agencies wanted to join the walk to learn about it.

Will led with authority and vigor. He had his Canal information down pat and knew to spice it with humor and the charm of his personal stories. He had a lot to deal with on
that 1990 walk. Navigating that many people down a narrow towpath is no mean feat, and a number of them weren’t used to walking that far. There were several stops along the way,
so that people could change socks and apply moleskin to blisters in the making.

Through the Canal Walk, which is still undertaken each year, and the publication of eight editions of the Guide to the Delaware Canal, Will Rivinus converted people into true believers in the worth of the waterway and towpath. His passion carries on.

Stories from WIll Rivinus – Part 1

The Canal Walk- A Journey Through History – Tales by Will Rivinus, edited by Betsy Rivinus Deny

Will Rivinus starts an early Canal Walk in the traditional way – by blowing the conch shell horn.

One of the more interesting projects that I started was the CANAL WALK. The 60-mile Walk follows the towpath from Bristol, Pennsylvania to Easton, Pennsylvania, or vice versa Easton to Bristol. My walk started in the summer of 1960 after I had been working in Manhattan on a start-up that didn’t make it. I came back to the farm, exhausted and unhappy with the world. Deciding I needed some fresh air and exercise, I filled my backpack with necessities, walked down the hill to the Canal from my farm in Solebury, and headed north up the towpath. My objective was to reach Easton via the towpath and then somehow get to the Appalachian Trail, which was crossed a few miles above there. After having done what turned out to be the north half of the towpath, I subsequently walked the southern half, saying to myself, this Canal is perfectly beautiful.

Geologically the Canal is fascinating as it runs down from the Appalachian Mountains through the Piedmont farm district down to the sand and gravel plain of the Jersey Shore. There is a tremendous variety of plant material that grows in the area. The Canal is also the story of American industry, the history of the iron, lime, and coal industries, and the transportation network across Eastern America. It is truly an education in the beauty and the history of America.

As a member of the Friends of the Delaware Canal, I promoted the idea of a Canal Walk. We had the first Walk in 1987, and it has been a regular event every year since then barring floods.  It was reinforced by the fact that at virtually the same time, unknown to me, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States William O. Douglas was doing the same thing on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. He did not go for any great distance, but he got a lot of publicity. So we said, let’s get some publicity for the Delaware Canal and thereby help to prove to Harrisburg that it’s worth keeping and paying for. People who complete the full 60-mile Canal Walk with the Friends of the Delaware Canal earn an expired stock certificate from the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. The certificates feature the portraits of Josiah White and Erskine Hazzard who built the Lehigh Canal.

Life is Better with Butterflies

A FIELD GUIDE TO THE BUTTERFLIES OF THE DELAWARE CANAL REGION

Our photographers have recently focused on capturing the flitting beauty of the many species of butterflies in our area. According to the Penn State Extension, 146 species of butterflies have been sighted in our state; however, some are rare or infrequent visitors. If you add moths to the equation, the number grows to over 500.

In the summer, volunteers from several nature groups conduct butterfly counts to determine the health and diversity of the butterfly population.
It takes a keen eye and a calm hand to capture these engaging insects in a photograph. Some butterflies, like the very common cabbage white, have wingspans of less than 2”, while others, like the eastern tiger swallowtail, have wingspans of over 5”. There are many online resources that provide lists of the top butterfly populations in Eastern Pennsylvania. Here we will focus on some of the species recorded by Carole Mebus in the northern part of the county and Judy Greger in the central region.

Monarch Butterfly: One of summer’s most long-awaited sightings is the Monarch butterfly. It is known for its migratory journey to and from Mexico, which spans several generations. Monarchs rely on the milkweed plant both as caterpillars and as adults. In fact, the milkweed plant is the only plant on which the Monarch will lay its eggs. Populations have declined due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and loss of milkweed. So, if you love this colorful, medium-sized beauty, be sure to plant milkweed in your garden.

Mourning Cloak: This butterfly’s black-brown mournful color is noticeable only when its wings are closed. It is unique as it can withstand the winters in our area as an adult. Nestled in tree crevices and other protected spots, it can hibernate until the warmer spring weather returns. It uses many local tree species, including willow, elm and mulberry, as host plants for its eggs.

Silver-Spotted Skipper: This small and lively butterfly is found around most blooming garden plants. It is very adaptable to changing environments and diets, making it one of the most common butterflies in our area.

Red Admiral: With a wingspan of up to 3”, this butterfly is easy to spot as it is very calm, allowing the observer to take time to admire its beauty. Admirals can be found wicking nutrients from muddy pools and puddles.

Pearl Crescent: This small, nectar-loving butterfly is common in our area. They produce several broods from April to November. Their name comes from a pearly-white marking on the underside of the wing.

Red-Spotted Purple: With a wingspan of up to 4”, this fairly rare butterfly prefers tree sap and rotting fruit to flower nectar. They use native trees such as cottonwood, willows, black oak and host plants for their larvae. Its coloration mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail, an unpleasant-tasting insect that predators avoid.

Eastern Tailed-Blue: This diminutive butterfly tends to stay close to the ground and can be found feasting on clover, wild strawberries and aster, the same plants that act as hosts for the caterpillars. It gets its name from a small tail on the hindwing.

Hackberry Emperor: The Hackberry Emperor, named for the tree where it lays its eggs, doesn’t compete with other butterflies for flower nectar but has an unusual diet of tree sap, feces and even dead animals.

Common Buckeye: The Common Buckeye has a wingspan of 1.5–2”. Named for the target-shaped eyespots on the wings, this sun lover can be found in fields, gardens, parks, and roadsides. The common plantain is one of the host plants for the larvae.

Orange Sulfur: This widespread medium-sized butterfly, is a nectar lover that enjoys a wide variety of flowering plants. When abundant, the orange sulfur caterpillars can devastate crops such as peas and alfalfa. Farms faced with an infestation use a parasitoid wasp to control the caterpillars.

Great Spangled Fritillary: A medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2-3 inches, the orange and black markings make this butterfly easy to distinguish. The butterfly’s diet includes coneflowers, thistle, milkweed and clover. The larvae feed on violas, a species of violets.

Butterflies and their recorded numbers in our area are vital indicators of the health of our region and the planet. When encountering one of these natural marvels, remember that you can enhance their habitat by adding a host plant to your landscape, attracting more of your favorites year after year.

Of course, we must recognize and thank our two photographers and Friends, Carole Mebus and Judy Greger, for a steady supply of captivating photographs.

Sources: Pennlive.com, Butterfliesandmoths.org, Butterflyidentification.org, Wikipedia.

Artistic Impressions of the Canal–Past and present

Whether you are a painter or photographer, no matter the medium, the canal inspires artists, and it has done so for nearly two centuries. As long as the canal has flowed through this region, artists have interpreted the natural beauty of this scenic waterway.

The completion of the Delaware Canal in 1832 fueled growth along its path. Mills of all kinds began to flourish along with quarries, farms, and foundries. Activity peaked during the Civil War, however many people drawn here by industry came to cherish the beauty of the local area.

By the turn of the century, New Hope and other river towns began to grow a colony of artists. These new settlers included William Lathrop, and Edward Redfield, who were joined later by Daniel Garber, Fern Coppedge, and William Taylor. They all tended to be impressionistic in style, with later artists becoming bolder in their use of color and form. Here is a brief synopsis of some of the body of work left behind for all to enjoy today.

William Langston Lathrop (1859-1938) is considered the founder of the New Hope Art Colony. He came to the hamlet of Phillips Mill in 1899 and established an art school, often taking his students on his canal boat, Sunshine, for en plein air landscaping painting excursions. Lathrop mentored many aspiring painters and was credited with attracting many artists to the area, including Daniel Garber and Morgan Colt, both members of what became known as the New Hope Group.

Along with his love of teaching, Lathrop was an avid sailor. He hand-built a sailboat named The Widge in his backyard along the Canal. It launched in 1930, and Lathrop spent a considerable amount of time sailing up and down the east coast. At the age of 79, he was sailing off the coast of Long Island when a hurricane approached. Although he sheltered in a nearby bay, he didn’t survive the storm. The Widge was found intact, however Lathrop’s body wasn’t recovered until a month later.

The Burning of Centre Bridge, 1923, Edward W. Redfield

Edward Redfield (1869-1965) was one of the most notable American Impressionists of his time. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, spent time in France, met his wife, and returned to Bucks County to settle in New Hope. Redfield is often considered the “co-founder” of the New Hope Art Colony and one of the preeminent Pennsylvania Impressionists.
While many other artists were looking to European painters for inspiration, Redfield and many of his contemporaries created a new, distinctly American style. One critic Nilsen Lurvik noted that Redfield’s style of American Landscape Painting had a “veracity and force that is astonishing the eyes of the Old World.”

Fern Coppedge (1883-1951) At a very early age, Fern Coppedge displayed an exuberant use of color in landscapes often seen as drab and dull. Born in the mid-west, Coppedge studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Art Students League of New York with William Merritt Chase, and with Daniel Garber at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Coppedge and her husband settled in Lumberville, Bucks County in 1920, and later built a home on the river in New Hope. She was known to brave the elements, preferring plein air painting to studio work. On cold and windy days, Coppedge could be seen painting on a canvas lashed to a tree to keep it from blowing away. She is well-known for her winter snowscapes and vibrant river scenes.

Women in art had difficulty getting their work shown in galleries and exhibitions, so in response, Coppedge and a group of other female artists founded a group called “The Philadelphia Ten.” This group, which had up to 30 members at one time, shunned social norms by working and exhibiting together.

Today, Coppedge is considered a member of the Pennsylvania Impressionist School. She created approximately 1200 paintings during her lifetime; many are now housed in museums and private collections. She died in New Hope in 1951 at the age of 67.

ARTISTIC INSPIRATION TODAY
Bucks County continues to inspire many talented people. Painters, photographers, and sculptors all make their homes in our region. We are grateful to these artists, who often share their talents with us. And while we can’t make a note of them all, we took some time to speak with two working artists and Friends members, who love the canal and the artistic inspiration it provides.

Sue Ann Rainey
As Sue Ann will tell you, “I have to create every day.” This multi-faceted artist trained at The Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Graphic Arts and Photography.

During her career, Sue Ann worked as a graphic artist in publishing, owned a graphic design business, and taught evening school while raising her family. Then she decided to go back to school to become a pastry chef. She continued to paint while working as a pastry Chef for some well-known restaurants in the area.

Sue Ann is not a studio artist preferring the spontaneity of working directly from nature. When asked about her inspiration she says, “I’m drawn to the water. The canal and towpath have their own unique charms. The light filters through the trees and reflects on the water. There are so many different greens with blue sky peeking through the branches. For a person who paints outdoors, shade is also an important factor.”

Sue Ann wants to capture the river valley features and farmsteads that may not be here forever. Cuttalossa is a favorite spot, along with Stover Mill. The meandering creeks and river scenes inspire her creativity.

The Rainey family have been lifelong residents of Bucks County. She shared a charming memory of the Canal, the towpath, and her brother. When he was 15, her brother worked for the mule barge rides. He finished his shift around 1:00 in the morning and would walk the mules up the hill on Windy Bush Road to the farm where they were stabled. In the early morning hours, her mom would pick him up to bring him home.

Today, you can find Sue Ann’s works online at The Upstairs Gallery of Bucks County at theupstairsgallery.com.

Shirley Mersky
When asked what inspires her to paint a scene, Shirley says, “As a painter of light, I am particularly drawn to the canal and the river. The sparkling water and the reflections in the water inspire me. They create beautiful shapes and colors.”

A graduate of Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Shirley moved to this area nearly 40 years ago. She and her husband enjoyed the outdoors and began to hike in the area. “We’ve always been hikers and went to the canal early on.” Shirley and her husband also participated in many canal walks led by then Executive Director Susan Taylor. “I love the outdoors and the history of the canal. Just being there inspires me. The landscape is different all along the canal. I often paint in Yardley and Washington Crossing due to proximity, but I love Riegelsville and Raubsville. They are unique. The canal is different wherever you go.”

Shirley continued, “I also want to emphasize how important the preservation of the towpath and the canal is to me, and I am sure to the other artists who paint it. So much farmland has been lost. It is important that we preserve the towpath and canal in their natural state. They are priceless sources of inspiration.”
While she raised a family, Shirley continued to paint. However, for the last 20 years, she has been painting full-time. At PAFA, Shirley focused on portrait and still-life painting, but the lessons learned there translate to her current work.

Today Shirley works primarily in oil and is a plein air painter. She will also use reference photos to complete the artwork in her home studio. Shirley is a member of a plein-air painting group, but often works on her own, seeking out an ideal location and the perfect light. “There is a lot of talent in this area and a lot of camaraderie,” says Shirley, and she enjoys being a part of the Bucks County artist community. It is not surprising the beauty of our area is an inspiration to many.
You can view Shirley’s artwork at shirleymersky.com.

We know there are many talented members who use the canal and its surroundings for artistic inspiration. If you are a working artist and a member of the Friends of the Delaware Canal, please let us know. We would love to hear from you.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2025

During our recent Annual Friends Membership Meeting, the focus was on the future, one filled with opportunities to improve and expand the
park experience and the Friends’ role in making that happen.

In 2024, there was a great deal of construction along the canal and towpath and many sections of the canal remain without water. However, 2025 will be a turning point for our beloved park. At our meeting, we heard updates from the park staff about what lies ahead next year and it was good news.

Delaware Canal State Park Management Update

Kelsey Hansen, the assistant park manager, Brian Heath, the Delaware Division manager, and Brian Taylor, DCNR’s regional manager, were on hand to review past and planned projects and answer questions.

Ms. Hansen provided the overview, stating, “Nine major projects were completed within the last year. Projects that are considered major cost
$100,000 or more to do the work. Bowman’s Hill Wastegate, a significant structure to hold in water, was replaced, and several bridges from our twelve bridges project work were completed, including Tebola-Beans Bridge and the David Library Bridge.”

To ensure that the public is kept informed of these projects and their status, the park introduced some new resources on its website, including maps showing the location of construction, a Gantt chart showing the timelines of major projects and an FAQ page.

Two of the projects that received the most attention during the meeting were the replacement of the High Falls Creek Sub-canal culvert and Lumberville Aqueduct. Several delays due to re-designs and easements have been ironed out, and contracts have been awarded. Weather
permitting, these projects will move forward with construction in early 2025. You can find additional details in the Park Manager’s Report included in this newsletter.

The Friends’ Vision for 2025 and beyond

Brett-Webber-President-of-the-FODC-Board-of-Directors

Brett Webber, board president, reviewed highlights from the Friends’ 2032 Plan. Working with DCNR and Studio Bryan Hanes, a regional landscape architecture and design firm, the Friends identified key initiatives to enhance the infrastructure in the park and improve access while
preserving this National Historic Landmark. Webber remarked, “ We are in our final review and will have an event to take you through the opportunities we feel are actionable and needed
such as improved access for pedestrians, boaters and linking to other parks.”

Webber also outlined our involvement with the broader “canal community.” The Friends are pursuing an application to present a history of the Delaware Canal at the next World Canals Conference in Buffalo next year. “These conferences are a great opportunity. Several years ago, we participated in a conference hosted by the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The conference is an enormous collection of people from all over the world talking about their advocacy, plans, and how they manage and operate canals. Many of them are within park systems, and there are others around the world that are not. But there’s lots to learn.” Webber continued, “We have lots to share, but it’s also a
dry run because we are eagerly pursuing hosting the 2032 World Canals Conference here on the Delaware Canal, in partnership with our friends
across the river and north.”

Senator Steve Santarsiero shows his support of the Delaware Canal

The meeting’s highlight was a presentation by Senator Steve Santarsiero. A long-time Bucks County resident, legislator and outdoor enthusiast, Santarsiero understands the importance of the Delaware Canal to his district.

“I want to make sure that part of my legacy is to ensure this canal will be taken care of for years to come. This park is a special place, and that’s why we are all here tonight. We are so lucky to have this unique park right here in Bucks County.” Santarsiero said. To illustrate his commitment to the park, “A year and a half ago, I started the first Delaware Canal Caucus in the state legislature; it is bicameral and bipartisan so every legislator who represents any stretch of the canal is a part of it. I represent the longest stretch in my district.” This group has worked with DCNR to ensure that needed repairs are completed so that water can be reintroduced back into the canal. “All I want to do tonight is to let you know that I am 100% behind the Friends’ efforts. Back in September, when we did our tour with DCNR, it was helpful to see the work that was happening and, I think, also to reinforce with the caucus members how important it is to continue to fight for the canal. It is frustrating for me that the state doesn’t do more to fund our park system. The guys at DCNR do a tremendous amount of work on a shoestring budget. We will
continue to fight to get more funding.”

Senator Santarsiero then presented a $95,000 check to FODC board members and Executive Director Michael Ginder to move forward with
a new pump in the Bowman’s Hill area. The Friends will use this money to create an engineering design for the pump housing in accordance with requirements from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and DCNR.

Great food, great Friends and a nice big check! It was a perfect evening.

Park Project Recap

The park staff has been hard at work getting projects underway so that we can have a fully watered canal. As many already know, engineering a solution, bidding and awarding a project, and getting the work underway can take a very long time.

We all love our canal with water. Unfortunately, the canal has been plagued with issues that originated when it was first constructed. Think
about it: A nearly 60-mile-long trench was dug by hand by farmers and laborers in record time. The state was in a hurry to open the canal, and
subsequently, the construction quality suffered.

However, the flaws and setbacks haven’t curbed DCNR’s determination to repair and rewater, hopefully by the semiquicenntential. In fact, many major projects have been completed.

Projects Completed in 2024
• Easton Towpath–Flood damage repairs
• Canal Lane Bridge
• New Hope Inlet Bridge
• New Hope Canal Bank Wall Repair
• Bowman’s Hill Waste Gate
• Buckstone Farm Bridge
• Tebola-Beans/Amber Beech Bridge
• Bridge Street Crossing / Morrisville Ramp
Current Projects
• Raubsville Sub-Canal Culvert
• High Falls Sub-Canal Culvert
• Smithtown Bridges 3 & 4
• Lumberville Aqueduct

Update on Delaware Canal State Park Closures

The Friends of the Delaware Canal is pleased to see the investment being made by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in our beloved canal and towpath. However, with this investment comes construction closures, lack of water and often a lack of patience. All are understandable.

Bridge Street Towpath connector ramp in Morrisville, PA

To help everyone navigate the towpath, we’ve created a list of all closures from north to south, with milepost marker designations. This information, along with our FODC Landmark and Mileage Chart, should assist both hikers and bikers. Unless specified, all closures are in Bucks County.

Raubsville sub-canal culvert, Williams Township, Northampton County (MP 53.26)
High Falls Creek sub-canal culvert, Bridgeton Township (MP 44.27)
Canal Ln. – Bridgeton Township (MP 43)
Bridge 4 [Smithtown Bridge 4] Tinicum Township (MP 35.5)
Bridge 3 [Smithtown Bridge 3] Tinicum Township (MP 35)
Lumberville Aqueduct Pedestrian Bridge, Solebury Township (Mile Post 31.11)
Bowman’s Hill Wastegate* – Upper Makefield Twp (MP 21.8)

Our goal is to ensure that you have the information you need to enjoy the park safely and responsibly. One thing is clear, we all treasure this park as a valued natural resource. It is unique in the state and deserves to be restored and preserved for future generations.

Landmark and Mileage Chart Link