The Chesapeake & Delaware Canal (C&D Canal) is a 14-mile-long, 450-foot wide and 35-foot deep ship canal that connects the Delaware River with the Chesapeake Bay. You will be crossing the C&D Canal as you traverse the Delaware Bayshore Byway via the Reedy Point Bridge just south of Delaware City.

It opened in 1829 and carries about 40% of all sea traffic heading into the port of Baltimore – over 25,000 ships per year.

In Delaware City’s Battery Park, you will notice one of the original locks used to regulate the level of the canal. While all of the other original locks were removed, this was retained as a historic display following the expansions of the canal in the 20th century to allow passage of the large commercial ships. However, in it’s heyday, you would see people gathered at the Battery Park lawn to watch the great ships bring goods through the lock and into the canal. 

From Delaware City, you can take the 0.4 mile Branch Canal trail to the Michael N. Castle Trail which runs along the north side of the C&D canal, giving you a great opportunity to bike or walk this historic waterway. If you take the Branch Canal Trail, watch for the African Union Church Cemetery on your right just after you join the Castle Trail.

Logistics:
Street parking is available in Delaware City.

This is the best place to see the beginning of the C&D canal and to view the existing historical lock.

Admission:
Free

Getting Here:
Address: Clinton St., Delaware City
For GPS directions, please use 30 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706
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