This canal was built in the early 1800s as a link connecting New York and Philadelphia. Today, 36 miles of the main canal and 22 miles of the feeder canal still exist. Along this corridor lies the D&R Canal State Park exists.

The main and feeder portions of the canal contain a variety of self-supporting warmwater species, including bass, sunfish, perch and pickerel. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife also stocks the canal with trout each spring, so the chance to catch a trout or two exists.

On canal waters, only craft powered by oars or electric motors are permitted. Launch facilities are limited to those suitable for cartoppers. You can rent canoe from private concessionaires in Griggstown and Princeton.

For anglers seeking more of a challenge, it's only a short distance to the Delaware River from most portions of the park. During the summer months, the primary focus on the river will be smallmouth bass. Boats can be launched at the Bulls Island Recreation Area on the Delaware. There is no horsepower restriction.

Allaire Village -- known as the Howell Works during the early 19th century when the town was active -- contains the remnants of cast and pig iron production.

During a break in the fishing action, your family can check out these features of the D&R Canal State Park:

• Prallsville Mills, near Stockton, a charming 19th-century mill complex, contains both grist and linseed oil mills.
• Griggstown, in Somerset County, is the site of a wooden canal bridge, the Mule Tenders Barracks, the Bridge Tenders House as well as the Griggstown Mill.
• About a mile away, a pleasant walk along the towpath, is found the Griggstown Lock. Picnic tables and grills are found at the lock.
• Additional canal structures are located in Blackwells Mills (also in Somerset County). Picnic tables and grills overlook the river.

The park contains multi-use trails as well as the towpath. The Main Canal Trail is 34 miles in length, and the Feeder Canal Trail is 31.5 miles long. Both are ADA accessible. The Six Mile Run Reservoir Site provides recreational resources for biking, hiking and horseback riding.

Parking is available in designated parking lots along the canal towpath. The main canal runs from Trenton to New Brunswick, with a break at the Route 1 crossing. The feeder canal stretches from Trenton north to Frenchtown along the Delaware River. Camping is not available within the state park, but can be found at the Bulls Island Recreation Area, which has 69 tent and trailer sites. Call (609) 924-5705 for more information on the D&R Canal State Park.

AUGUST
Janes Island State Park,
MARYLAND
Vacationers can expect to find peaceful surroundings and a variety of fishing opportunities when they plan a trip to Janes Island State Park in August. Janes Island is found along the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay in Somerset County.

Headboats fishing out of nearby Crisfield probably provide the best option for the serious anglers in your family. Depending on migration patterns and weather, the species present will include croaker, summer flounder and sea trout. Some fishing is also available from docks and canals located within the park.