Just Imagine the Discoveries You Can Make Along the Byway
Naturally fun outdoor recreation
Since the D&R Canal is an integral park of the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway, there’s plenty of recreational fun–on land and water. Hike, birdwatch, fish, photograph, kayak, canoe, sightsee, horseback ride or cycle while enjoying the scenic views. During your trip to the canal, stop by the Griggstown Bridgetender’s House that serves as the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open on weekends from April through October.
Delaware River Canal Towpath
Discover the rich history of the Valley
The Millstone Valley holds abundant history from the first inhabitants, the native Lenape, to the Revolutionary War, World War I and World War II. Visit the historic sites and villages along the byway—each with its own unique history. And learn about a time before railroads when the D&R Canal bustled with activity. The byway lies within the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area and part of the byway is on the Washington-Rochambeau National Heritage Trail.
Rockingham Historic Site
Immerse yourself in historic village and local culture
Seemingly frozen in time, the architecture design styles you’ll find along the byway include Dutch and English Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, Carpenter Gothic, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Craftsman. And with an array of one-of-a-kind stores, you’re sure to find something special.
Franklin Inn Historic Site
Local Cuisine and Lodging
A community with strong agrarian roots, the byway offers delicious and fresh produce to snack on as you explore. If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, the local neighborhood eateries are great places to stop by with the family.
For information on local restaurants and lodging, go to visitnj.org or the chamber of commerce for Somerset County, Middlesex County and Princeton-Mercer Region.
Blackwell Mills Picnic Area
What to Do on Your Byway Adventure
Old Millstone Forge in Millstone Borough
9 North River St., Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Learn the history of blacksmithing in rural America. Check their website for hours of operation.
Hillsborough Reformed Church in Millstone Borough
1 Amwell Rd., Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Visit the historic church and cemetery that dates back to 1766. A Lenape mortar stone is located in front of the church.
East Millstone Bridgetender’s House
Amwell Rd., Franklin Township, NJ 08873
This was the home of one of the bridgetenders who swung the bridge open to allow vessels to pass on the D&R Canal in the 1800s.
Franklin Inn, East Millstone
2371 Amwell Rd., Somerset NJ, 08873
The Franklin Inn, also known as the Van Liew Tavern, was built in 1752 by Cornelius Van Liew. He and his wife and their seven children lived in the house, which would remain in the Van Liew family until 1822.
Blackwells Mills Bridgetender’s House
598 Canal Rd., Somerset, NJ 08873
Built in the 1830s, the Blackwells Mills Bridgetender’s House was home to generations of bridgetenders who opened the swing bridge when canal boats came through.
Blackwell Mills Bridgetender’s House
Six Mile Run
Hiking, biking, horseback riding
625 Canal Rd., Somerset, NJ 08873
This 3,037-acre tract of land has scenic landscapes and offers pleasant walking and biking trails through forests and along streams.
Six Mile Run
Griggstown Reformed Church and Griggstown School House
1065 Canal Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540
In 1842, the Griggstown Reformed Church was built as the First Protestant Dutch Church of Griggstown. The one-room schoolhouse was restored by the Griggstown Historical Society and can be toured by appointment.
Millstone Valley Scenic Byway Visitor Center and Griggstown Bridgetender’s House
2 Griggstown Causeway, Princeton, NJ 08540
Visit the Byway Visitor Center on Saturdays and Sundays 1–4 p.m. from April through October to learn about the area’s natural and cultural treasures.
Griggstown Lock 9 and Locktender’s House
Located 0.7 of a mile south of the Griggstown Causeway on Canal Road. Franklin Township, NJ 08540
View the historic Locktender’s House and the beautiful scenery around it.
Rockingham Historic Site
84 Laurel Ave., Kingston, NJ 08528
This is the site of General George Washington’s final wartime headquarters where he awaited the news that the Treaty of Paris had been signed.
Fireplace at Rockingham Historic Site
Kingston Presbyterian Cemetery – Site of General Washington’s Conference on Horseback
Church Street at Route 27 Kingston, NJ 08528
General George Washington held a conference with his officers here and decided to turn left and proceed to Morristown instead of New Brunswick, a decision that likely prevented a critical American defeat during the Revolutionary War.
Kingston Lock 8 and Bridgetender’s House
4498 Route 27 Kingston, NJ, 08528
The Kingston Locktender’s House was built in 1834. Adjacent to the Locktender’s House is the tollhouse/telegraph station and the lock itself. Restrooms are located in the parking lot and are available seasonally May–October.
D&R Canal State Park Headquarters
Canoeing, kayaking, geocaching, birding, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, sightseeing
145 Mapleton Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540
Canoeing, kayaking, geocaching, birding, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and sightseeing are just some of the things you can do at the D&R Canal State Park.
Delaware Raritan Canal State Park
Colonial Park
Colonial Dr., Somerset, NJ 08873
If you use the Elizabeth Avenue entrance, the restrooms are just past the Parking Lot E on the right, outdoors.
Griggstown Causeway
Diagonally across the canal from the Byway Visitor Center
A scenic overpass across the Millstone River bridging River Road and Canal Road. Restroom open seasonally June–September.
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