Earlier today, I received a suggestion for a future trail to profile on RideTHISbike.com: the Delaware Canal Towpath. Several years ago, I found the Erie Canal Towpath from Rochester New York to Niagara Falls to be an excellent ride, so the Delaware path is certainly worthy of further study. Following are some reasons why.

The Region
As it winds along the border of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey, the Delaware Valley is "rich in history and natural beauty... Its meandering country roads, and hilly interior is ideal for the biking enthusiast..." Along the way, riders will see "300 year-old stone farmhouses (and) ancient wooden covered bridges..."

The Delaware Towpath
"The old mule path along the Delaware Canal is now a 60 mile long state park which offers 0 elevation and great canal and river views and an easy ride."

Lodging Suggestions Near Philly
Just outside Philadelphia, PA is the town of New Hope (named the #1 Arts destination for small cities/towns by American Craft Magazine for 2005/6). Besides being on the towpath, New Hope offers opportunities for backroads cycling and has two bike friendly inns (Wedgwood Inn and the Aaron Burr House. Both inns have a barn to store your bike and are just 1 block from a bike store that can repair or rent a bike (the Wedgwood is also just 1 block from the towpath).

For more about this area, Google "New Hope, Pa", "Bucks County, Pennsylvania" or "Hunterdon County, NJ".