Trail Town

Princeton

Mercer County, NJ

Historic university town

About Princeton

Princeton is a historic town in central New Jersey known for its academic heritage, walkable downtown, and scenic canal-side landscapes. Home to Princeton University, the community blends historic architecture, vibrant cultural life, and access to nearby parks and trails. The town sits along the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, whose historic towpath provides one of the region’s most popular multi-use trails. With its combination of historic sites, restaurants, and green spaces, Princeton offers trail users a welcoming stop along long-distance routes through central New Jersey.

Trail Access

In Princeton, the 9/11 National Memorial Trail follows the historic Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park towpath through central New Jersey. Approaching from the north, the route travels south along the canal corridor, utilizing the flat, tree-lined multi-use trail that parallels the canal through forests, parks, and historic lock sites. Within Princeton, the memorial trail passes near downtown and the Princeton University campus, providing convenient access to services, restaurants, and lodging while remaining on the canal towpath corridor. After passing through the town, the trail continues south along the canal toward Trenton, where it reconnects with the Delaware River corridor and additional regional trail routes.