Delaware River Walk: Trenton to Bordentown via Forgotten Canal and Rail

Join us for a walk through New Jersey’s overlooked industrial corridor—from Trenton to Bordentown—where canals, railroads, and rivers once defined the region’s economy and movement.

We begin at Trenton Transit Center, heading west through historic streets toward the Delaware River. This route passes the ruins of Trenton Water Works, the towering Hog Island Cranes, and the remnants of the southern D&R Canal—a section not included in the official D&R Canal State Park, but rich in forgotten infrastructure.
Following the river south, we’ll arrive in Bordentown, where the Delaware & Raritan Canal once met the Camden & Amboy Railroad, one of the first railroads in America. This small town served as a key 19th-century transit hub connecting canal barges to trains bound for Camden and South Amboy.
Expect river views, hidden ruins, and layered history on this one-way urban hike.

Distance: 8–9 miles (option to extend ~4 miles)
Those interested can explore more of historic Bordentown or add ~4 miles to visit Point Breeze, former estate of Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon’s brother), with remnants of stone grottoes, tunnels, and romantic garden features.

Meet: Trenton Transit Center (New Jersey)
End: Bordentown (Return Trenton via NJ Transit River Line.)
From NYC: Get a round-trip ticket Penn Station–Trenton. Download the NJ Transit app for easy train and Light Rail tickets.

Bring: Water, sun protection, Lunch