2022 – Friends of the Delaware Canal

Towpaths and Tales – An Aerial Photographic History of the Canals Along the Delaware River

Mike McCann, a photographic historian, examined the properties along the Delaware River during his 21 years with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. He reviewed aerial photographs taken from 1930 to the present under a stereo microscope, while in the process of determining whether land qualified for New Jersey’s Green Acres Program.

aerial photography shadow

Since his retirement, Mr. McCann has created a presentation of scanned aerial images featuring the River Valley as it has changed (or not) over time. Also featured are newspaper articles from the times explaining why changes occurred.

For those curious about how things once were, particularly prior to the 1955 flood, this program includes images of the Point Pleasant, Lumberville, and Yardley bridges that are now gone.

“Then and Now” programs are always fascinating, and this “pilot’s eye view” will be particularly so. No lines, security checks, or seat belts to fasten. Just come and take in the sights!

Attendance is limited to 70 people. For more information call the Friends at 215-860-2021 or email us at friends@fodc.org.

Masks are recommended for those who are not COVID vaccinated.

Come Fly with Us!

40th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff Reception

Thank you for making our 40th Anniversary Celebration a great success!

Look for more events in the upcoming months.

For additional information please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org.

Towpath Reopened in Upper Black Eddy (Near Mile Post 44)

March 22, 2020

Update: The towpath has been reopened in this area.

March 9, 2022

TOWPATH CLOSURE – UPPER BLACK EDDY (Near Mile Post 44). South of Mile Post 44 and north of the RTE 32 Bridge near Trails End Lane in Upper Black Eddy the towpath is temporarily CLOSED. The purpose of this closure is for PUBLIC SAFETY and will be in effect until the towpath can be made safe. Trail users should turn around at the closure and NOT attempt to get by it. Large equipment is being used in the area by MetEd utility company to replace a utility pole and infrastructure damaged by recent high winds, as well as remediate the effects of incident on the canal and towpath. The Towpath is impassible from HIGH FALLS CREEK to the ROUTE 32 BRIDGE.

Towpath Now Open (MM 17.325) at the Tebola Beans Bridge in Upper Makefield Township

March 16, 2022 – Update

The towpath at Tebola Beans Bridge has reopened.

TOWPATH CLOSURE (Mile Post 17.325). South of the intersection of Rt. 532 and Taylorsville Road, the towpath is CLOSED at the Tebola Beans Bridge. The purpose of this closure is for PUBLIC SAFETY and will be in effect until the towpath can be made safe. Trail users should turn around at the closure and NOT attempt to get by it. Large equipment is being used in the area for the construction of a temporary land bridge.

Please check back for updates as to when the towpath will reopened.

Sommer’s Authentic Camelback Bridge Closed Until Further Notice

January 21, 2022

BRIDGE CLOSURE (Mile 14.69) – Effective January 21st, 2022, Sommer’s Authentic Camelback Bridge (pedestrian use only) is closed until further notice for public safety due to structural deficiencies. One of the wooden truss members has deteriorated due to rot, allowing for the bracing shoe to slip free of its designated placement. This has placed more load weight on one truss than the other, causing the bridge to list slightly. Trail users should turn around at the bridge closure and NOT attempt to get by it – utilize other means to cross the canal to access the towpath. Do not pass underneath the bridge. Trail users can take an alternate path around the bridge abutment to continue along the designated towpath.

Sommer’s Bridge is located in Lower Makefield Township.