Delaware River Scenic Byway
Details
- DesignationNational Scenic Byway (2009)
- Intrinsic QualitiesHistoric
- LocationNJ
- Length34 miles
Overview
Take in the beautiful scenery of the Delaware River Scenic Byway that includes both historical beauty and plenty of recreational activities. Running alongside the Delaware river, there is an opportunity to take in the breathtaking views in addition to viewing the Revolutionary War era architecture along the way. There is no shortage of activities along the byway, and the variety of historical museums and gorgeous parks makes it perfect for anyone!
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Great Waters New Jersey
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Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce
Story of the Byway
A true cornerstone of American History is the Delaware River, which creates for an area truly rich in culture from our past. Along the way visitors can see the pocket of land where not much has changed from our ancestors over two hundred years ago. The architecture, river towns, and the views from the same valley that the forceful Delaware River was able to create. Sites like Washington Crossing State Park and the Old Barracks Museum are full of American History and are within miles of each other along this Byway. There is also a large amount of agricultural history along this road, with an opportunity to take a look at Prallsville Mills which dates back to the 18th century.
In addition to all the history along this Byway, there are many different parks and areas for outdoor recreation. The views that this area provides are breathtaking with perfect angles of the Delaware River and Valley. The parks placed all over this route give visitors a chance to stop and enjoy the scenery on foot by traveling on one of the many trails. Whether it be hiking, fishing, photography, bird watching, or even horseback riding, there is an activity for just about everyone no matter what you enjoy.
If the nature is not enough, no need to worry! The local towns and shops provide endless opportunities for both fun and relaxation. Towns along the Byway include the state capitol of Trenton, Titusville, Lambertville, Stockton, Raven Rock and Frenchtown. The culture and art presence within these towns are evident after just one drive through, and there are many opportunities to learn some of these techniques. There are various classes provided along this route, teaching visitors painting, sculpting, photography, writing, acting, music, and even filmmaking. In addition to these amazing classes, there are always a plethora of events or festivals going on in this region. For example, Bastille Day festivities in Frenchtown draw huge crowds to celebrate French culture as well as supporting local business. Another event is Spring Shad Fest in Lambertville, where locals and tourists celebrate the importance of fishing in the area and throw a yearly festival.
Since the towns along this Byway are very compact and close by, there will always be an opportunity to stop in and grab some food. Every town has great local restaurants that visitors can enjoy along their trip. There are plenty of options throughout the area, such as the downtown areas of Frenchtown, Stockton, and Lambertville. If you want to have lunch or dinner with a waterfront view, Titusville and Ewing are great options to enjoy a meal with beautiful scenery.
The Delaware River Byway has activities for everybody, including families or even just a solo trip to take in the scenery. This area of the country is full of history that has remained untouched and preserved, which should be appreciated by all who visit. Just about anybody can find something to appreciate and enjoy throughout these thirty-five miles of road and can create memories that last a lifetime.
Driving Directions
This route runs right along the Delaware River and goes through many other towns throughout the state. This includes the state capitol of Trenton, and others such as Titusville, Lambertville, Stockton, Raven Rock and Frenchtown. The route is a total of thirty-four miles long and no shortage of activities and scenic views.
Points of Interest
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Washington Crossing State Park & Visitor Center Museum
Washington Crossing State Park is located exactly where George Washington Landed during his historic crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night of 1776. Now Visitors can take in the history of the area while also engaging in one of the many activities available at the park.
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Old Barracks Museum
A great spot full of colonial and revolutionary history. This museum hosts many battle re-enactments in addition to other events throughout the year.
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D&R Canal State Park
Stop by this wonderful 70-mile park that runs right along the Delaware River. There is plenty of access for recreational activities in this park including hiking, cycling, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, and geocaching.
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Goat Hll Overlook
Near the Delaware River and Goat HIll Preserve, great views.
Itinerary
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Travel along the Delaware River
Starting from the State Capital of Trenton, the Delaware River Scenic Byway is a straight road north along route 29. Before you get started along the road, there are so many different possibilities to have fun in and around Trenton. This includes the Old Barracks Museum, the State Capitol Building, and the New Jersey State Museum and Planetarium. Once you get started along the Byway, the first views that you can see of the Delaware River and the Lower Trenton Bridge which coins the slogan “Trenton Makes, The World Takes”. Heading north, not too long after your departure from Trenton, you will eventually reach Baldpate Mountain and Washington Crossing State Park where there are so many opportunities to travel along one of the many hiking trails to view this beautiful area.
If you continue, you will reach Historic Lambertville, which has shops and restaurants galore and is a wonderful halfway point to stop at if that is what you are looking for. D&R Canal State Park can also be found here, which is incredibly historic, and visitors can gain a lot when stopping here. Heading north afterwards is a perfect chance to just take in the natural beauty of the Delaware River. There are parks and recreation areas along the way for you to stop by and fully experience one of the most significant rivers in our nation’s history. This Byway ends in Frenchtown, where there is also plenty of restaurants, shops, and even lodging available for visitors at the end of your journey!
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