Delaware Canal Loop · 88 Miles · 3 Days

Where Roads
Become Rivers.

Weekend bicycle tours along the historic Delaware & Raritan Canal from New York City. Small groups, big country, zero cars.

🚴 88 Miles of Trail 🏡 Curated Airbnbs 👥 Max 10 Riders 🗺️ NYC Departures
Reserve Your Spot Explore the Route
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88 Total Miles
3 Days Riding
10 Max Riders
2 Canal Trails
0 Cars on Trail
Cyclist on a towpath beside a canal
100%

Car-Free
Towpath

About the Tour

Two Trails.
One Unforgettable Loop.

Escape New York City on Friday morning and return Sunday evening, having pedaled 88 miles of continuous towpath through New Jersey's most scenic river corridor — the Delaware & Raritan Canal and the Delaware Canal in Pennsylvania.

A Note from the Founder

"I've ridden this loop six times and it still takes my breath away. There's something magical about pedaling beside a 200-year-old canal, far from the noise of the city — I wanted to share that with other New Yorkers."

Along the Route

Life on the Towpath

88 miles of flat, scenic trail past historic locks, river views, and canal-side towns.

Cycling on a towpath
Delaware Canal Towpath
Cyclist in scenic landscape
River Views
Canal lock
Historic Canal Locks
Group cycling
Small Group Adventure
Day by Day

The Full Route

Three days of riding, two nights in carefully chosen towns, and enough flexibility to explore at your own pace.

1 Friday · Day 1
NYC to Frenchtown
🚴 ~30 miles
→ Penn Station · Trenton · Canal Path · Frenchtown

Catch the morning NJ Transit train from Penn Station to Trenton, then roll north on the D&R Canal towpath through Washington Crossing, Lambertville, and New Hope before arriving in Frenchtown for the night.

🚂Train departs ~7:30am
🏡Overnight: Frenchtown, NJ
🍽️Dinner on your own in town
2 Saturday · Day 2
Frenchtown to Princeton
🚴 ~38 miles
→ Frenchtown · Clinton · Bound Brook · Princeton

The longest day, but rewarding. Continue south on the D&R Canal towpath through the rural heart of New Jersey, passing through charming river towns before reaching Princeton.

⏰Flexible morning start
🏡Overnight: Princeton, NJ
🎓Princeton town evening walk
⭐ Optional Side Trip

A short detour into Lambertville and New Hope for lunch, galleries, and the famous toll bridge over the Delaware River.

3 Sunday · Day 3
Princeton to NYC
🚴 ~20 miles + train
→ Princeton · New Brunswick · Princeton Junction · Penn Station

A lighter final day. Ride south to New Brunswick, explore the city if you wish, then catch the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor back to Penn Station. Home by early evening.

🚂Multiple return trains
🏙️Arrive NYC by ~6pm
🍕Post-ride dinner option
Segment Trail Miles Surface
Trenton → Washington CrossingD&R Canal Towpath11Crushed Limestone
Washington Crossing → LambertvilleD&R Canal Towpath9Crushed Limestone
Lambertville → FrenchtownDelaware Canal Towpath10Crushed Stone
Frenchtown → ClintonD&R Canal Towpath14Crushed Limestone
Clinton → Bound BrookD&R Canal Towpath13Crushed Limestone
Bound Brook → PrincetonD&R Canal Towpath11Paved / Crushed
Princeton → New BrunswickD&R Canal Towpath20Paved
Total88Mostly Flat
What You Get

Everything You Need

We handle the logistics. You handle the pedaling.

✅ What's Included

  • ✓Two nights' accommodation (Airbnb, private or shared room)
  • ✓Curated route GPX files & digital cue sheets
  • ✓Pre-trip briefing packet with gear checklist
  • ✓NJ Transit group ride coordination
  • ✓Live WhatsApp group for real-time navigation
  • ✓Lead rider support on all trail segments
  • ✓Secure indoor bike storage at all properties
  • ✓Emergency contact protocol & safety briefing
  • ✓Reusable water bottle & snack kit at departure
  • ✓Post-trip photos & memory reel

✕ Not Included

  • ✕NJ Transit train tickets (approx. $20–25 round trip)
  • ✕Meals and beverages
  • ✕Bicycle (you bring your own)
  • ✕Bike repair parts or labor (bring a basic kit)
  • ✕Travel or accident insurance (strongly recommended)
  • ✕Optional activities or attractions en route

🚲 What Bike Do I Need?

The trail is flat crushed limestone and paved. Any hybrid, gravel, mountain, or road bike with 700×32c or wider tires is perfect. We do not recommend skinny road tires.

Investment

Simple, Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. Includes two nights of accommodation, all logistics and coordination.

Double Occupancy
$1,100

Shared room with one other rider of same gender in the same Airbnb property.

$300 deposit secures your spot

Most Popular
Single Occupancy
$1,400

Your own private room in the Airbnb property. All other features identical.

$300 deposit secures your spot

How Payment Works

A $300 per person deposit via PayPal confirms your reservation within 24 hours. The remaining balance is due 30 days before departure. If Pedal Passage cancels for any reason, all payments including deposits are refunded in full within 5 business days.

2026 Departures
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October
2026
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Exact departure dates (specific Friday–Sunday) are confirmed once minimum enrollment of 4 riders is reached.

Need to Know

Common Questions

Everything you need to know before booking.

🚴 Fitness & Bikes

How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable riding 25–35 miles on consecutive days. The terrain is entirely flat crushed limestone and paved paths with no significant climbs. If you can comfortably ride around NYC for a few hours, you are fit enough. Occasional riders who train for 4–6 weeks prior find this very manageable.
What bike do I need?
Any hybrid, gravel, mountain, or road bike with tires 700×32c (1.25 inches) or wider works well. Very narrow road tires are uncomfortable on the crushed limestone surface. Your bike must be in good mechanical condition with working brakes and gears.
How do we transport bikes on the train?
NJ Transit allows full-size bicycles on most trains at no extra charge. Bikes ride in the bike car or vestibule. We coordinate train selection to ensure adequate space for the group. No disassembly is required.
Can I rent a bike for the tour?
Pedal Passage does not provide rentals, but we can suggest rental shops near Penn Station and in Trenton. Availability varies; book early. Your rental must have appropriate tires for the trail surface.
What gear should I bring?
A full gear checklist is provided upon booking. Essentials include helmet, padded shorts, gloves, basic repair kit (tubes, pump, tire levers, multi-tool), rain jacket, and a bikepacking bag or pannier to carry your overnight gear.

📋 Logistics & Policy

Can I join the group at Trenton?
Yes. If you prefer to make your own way to Trenton, you are welcome to meet the group at the Trenton Transit Center when we arrive approximately 11 a.m. on Friday. Please notify us in advance so we can coordinate the meetup point.
What is your weather policy?
Pedal Passage operates rain or shine. Pack a waterproof jacket and fenders if you have them. In the event of extreme weather posing a genuine safety risk, we will communicate contingency options to all registered riders as early as possible.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations more than 30 days prior to departure receive a full refund minus the $300 deposit. Cancellations within 30 days are subject to the accommodation partner's cancellation terms plus a $100 administrative fee. If Pedal Passage cancels for any reason, all payments are refunded in full within 5 business days.
Where do we stay?
We stay in carefully selected Airbnb properties in Frenchtown, NJ and Princeton, NJ — centrally located, bike-friendly, with secure indoor bike storage. Properties are selected for comfort, cleanliness, and proximity to downtown restaurants.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes. All participants must sign a liability waiver prior to the tour acknowledging the inherent risks of cycling. The waiver is provided digitally upon booking confirmation. We strongly recommend personal accident and travel insurance.
Ready to Ride?

Reserve Your Spot

Complete the form and we'll send a PayPal deposit request within 24 hours. Limited to 10 riders per departure.

Contact Information
Tour Preferences

Next steps: After submitting this form, you will receive a $300 per person PayPal deposit request within 24 hours. Your spot is reserved once your deposit is received. A liability waiver and full pre-trip itinerary packet will follow. By submitting you confirm you have read our FAQ and cancellation policy.

We typically respond within 24 hours · Questions? Email hello@pedalpassage.com