D & H Canal Park at Lock 31
- 179 Texas Palmyra Hwy,
- Hawley 18428
- (570) 253-3240
The D & H Canal (Delaware & Hudson) Park at Lock 31 has 16 beautiful acres to explore. The site features the historic Daniels Farmhouse, circa the 1820s, the D&H Canal, and Canal Lock 31.
Throughout the park, you can read the many interpretive signs giving a brief history of the site. A walk along the towpath reveals many local tree varieties (some rare!), scenic views, and many species of wildlife living along the Lackawaxen River. The newly built ADA-accessible pavilion in the bed of the canal features a life-sized exhibit of the interior of a canal boat cabin.
Visit during the annual Canal Festival in August for living history demonstrations, guided tours, music, and vendors.
The Delaware & Hudson Canal is a 108-mile-long civil engineering achievement, built over three years largely by hand. It was conceived by the Wurts brothers as a means to transport anthracite coal from their Pennsylvania mines to the Hudson River at Kingston, New York, from where it was shipped downriver to New York City. This 108-lock waterway operated from 1828 until 1898.
Canal Park has handicap-accessible parking and ADA-approved blue stone sidewalks leading to Daniel’s Farmhouse. The footbridge over Lock 31 and towpath are wheelchair accessible.
“Great place for a walk through the woods and along the river. There is a new pavilion and a canal boat cabin diorama to explain what life was like on a canal. Call the Wayne County Historical Society if you would like to rent the pavilion for an event. The trail terrain is mostly flat, but wear sturdy shoes, and check for ticks (in season) when you’re done. There is an annual canal festival in August each year, and it is a great way to see the house and learn much more about the history of the building and the land. Much wildlife to see and if you are lucky, you can see The Stourbridge Line train while you walk along the river trail. There are many interesting signs filled with facts and information about the site. This is a great place to be with nature, in any season.”
