Dear friends,

The Delaware & Raritan Canal is now a linear park some 70 miles in length that runs through Central New Jersey and keeps alive memories of a transportation method that flourished over a hundred years ago. The tow path once patiently trod by obedient mules is now enjoyed at a more energetic pace by joggers, bicyclists, and a never-ending stream of hikers intent on an invigorating diversion through the woods and along the water.

Everywhere you drive around Princeton and Montgomery Township, you seem to pass over the canal, and that is exactly the purpose that preserved the tiny village of Blackwells Mills, for this was a road crossing that originally had a swinging bridge and a house for the people who tended it.

As if a barge being pulled upstream, you are invited to scroll slowly right to follow this panorama of Blackwells Mills. Notice the small structure overhanging the water, probably where the bridge tender sat and waited for the next horse and carriage that would require a crossing.

A considerable overlap of technologies occurred during the life of the canal. The major cargo was coal, and both Rocky Hill and Kingston were transfer points where the coal was loaded onto railroad cars behind coal-fired locomotives. Then, as the 20th century began, automobiles took over the highways, and newer and stronger bridges were required at canal crossings. By the 1930s, competition was too great, and the D&R Canal finally closed its operations.

The entire area holds much historical significance, and it is fortunate that local friends continue to restore and preserve the past. The Blackwells Mills Canal House Association has managed this location since 1971, and the entire canal is now a New Jersey State Park and national historic site.

The Canal House has become a museum and hosts numerous events throughout the year. The grounds are always open, and there is convenient parking just west of the modern bridge. At the time of my visit, there appeared to be no picnic or restroom facilities, but Blackwells Mills is an interesting place to stop and walk around for a few delightful moments.

Across the road is a carefully manicured garden which was ablaze with colorful flowers during early June, and here is another panoramic rotation. The white house is a private residence that enjoys a remarkable view. During the warmer months, particularly weekends, there is lots of activity, mostly kayaks and canoes. The water is normally clear when there has not been torrential rain.

The Millstone River parallels the canal for several miles, with roads on both sides, and the Griggstown Causeway and this bridge are the only crossovers between Rocky Hill and East Millstone. The River often floods during periods of heavy rain, and this occurred again last week. You can check the current water level at a hydrograph that is measured at Blackwells Mills, at a small building visible from River Road as you turn east to cross over to the canal area.

Any season of the year, Blackwells Mills is a nice place to visit while driving around the Garden State. Zoom in on this map and follow country roads that lead to a quiet oasis in the middle of bustling suburbs. You will be rewarded with a few moments of solitude, as quiet it was when silent hulls rippled along this beautiful inland waterway.