Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, NJ - Abbott Marshlands

ABOUT THE PARK:
Abbott Marshlands - Friends for the Abbott Marshlands

Although this separate section of the towpath is part of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, it is not mentioned on their site.

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 40.15635, -74.71839

Scenic overlook parking on I-295 southbound.

TRAIL MAP:
Abbott Marshlands: Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Towpath - NJ Trails Association

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HIKE DISTANCE:  8.65 miles

THE HIKE:
This was our first family hike with granddaughter Ellie who just turned 3 months old.

Scenic overlook of the Delaware River.

To get to the trail on the other side of I-295 there are steps and a ramp.

Descending on the other side of the interstate.  What could my son be pointing to down there?

It would be balloon #44 of the year.

On the trail.  At the fork we went right - left would be the return route.

Crossing the bridge to do the southern part first.

Delaware & Raritan Canal

There were tons of red-winged blackbirds everywhere - males, females and juveniles.

Granddaughter Ellie loves looking at trees.  We think she has the hiking gene.

The loooooooong bridge over Crosswicks Creek.

The southern end of this section ends at the Bordentown Yacht Club.

Although this entire trail runs right along railroad tracks, maybe half a dozen of these short, very quiet trains passed.

Heading back.

After the short bridge, we turned right to follow along the canal with the railroad tracks on the other side of the canal.

Marshlands in the distance.  Shawnee and I hiked the trails on that side in 2014 -  Bordentown Bluffs and Roebling Memorial Park

The trail becomes more woods roadish as it follows a petroleum pipeline.

Marshes on the left although hard to see with foliage.

Way up ahead yet more red-winged blackbirds.

Ellie wants to ride for a bit. That is Shawnee's stroller that the car seat (and our stuff) fits into very nicely.

Balloon #45 of the year.

Going under I-295.

The stroller also makes  a nice changing table.

Another train passing on the other side of the canal.

A memorial off of the trail.

The trail ends at Canal Boulevard but we went left to the intersection then left on Lamberton Road to see if there was a river view.

There was not but to the right is parking for the northern end of the trail.

Heading back along Canal Boulevard.

It's not far at all from that parking spot to the trail.

When we get separated from the others...

... Brodie likes to wait until we are all together again.

A snake shed its skin.

Part of the return hike, mostly through the power cut and petroleum pipeline cut, was now in full sunlight and the temps would reach 85 degrees.  It was hot!

Black rat snake.

The ducks were having a blast splashing in the canal.

Here we turn right to get back to the scenic overlook parking.

Taking the stairs this time.

Heading home.

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