Delaware Canal State Park – Bethlehem Steel Plant loop from Ringing Rocks County Park
Delaware Canal State Park – Bethlehem Steel Plant loop from Ringing Rocks County Park
2.7
(3)
54
riders
Delaware Canal State Park – Bethlehem Steel Plant loop from Ringing Rocks County Park
06:59
87.6km
330m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 23.7 km for 55 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
23.0 km
Delaware Canal State Park
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
23.7 km
Billy's Downtown Diner
Highlight • Restaurant
29.4 km
Dam Vista
Viewpoint
38.1 km
Laubach Island
Highlight • River
43.5 km
Bethlehem Steel Plant
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
84.4 km
Delaware Canal Lock 20 and Grist Mill
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
87.6 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
40.7 km
22.4 km
17.8 km
4.43 km
1.32 km
975 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
51.2 km
20.7 km
7.96 km
7.28 km
583 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (100 m)
Lowest point (40 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Sunday 12 July
28°C
18°C
28 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a truly epic touring bicycle adventure that blends history, nature, and industrial heritage, the Delaware Canal State Park – Bethlehem Steel Plant loop from Ringing Rocks County Park is a difficult 54.5-mile (87.7 km) route with 1078 feet (328 metres) of climbing, taking roughly 6 hours and 58 minutes. This long-distance ride is best suited for experienced cyclists ready for a full day on varied terrain.
What to expect on Delaware Canal State Park – Bethlehem Steel Plant loop from Ringing Rocks County Park
This route offers a rich tapestry of experiences. You'll start with the natural beauty of the Delaware Canal towpath, enjoying shaded riverside views, farm fields, and wooded forests, often spotting wildlife like turtles and birds. The historic canal, a National Historic Landmark, features quaint bridges and offers a peaceful ride on generally flat, crushed stone surfaces. As you approach Bethlehem, the scenery dramatically shifts to industrial heritage, with humbling views of the dormant blast furnaces of the Bethlehem Steel Plant from Sand Island. While much of the towpath is easy to moderate, some segments of the D&L Trail, particularly unpaved sections, can be challenging and require good fitness, making a hybrid or mountain bike a wise choice.
Planning your visit
Starting from Ringing Rocks County Park, this loop connects you to a vast network of trails. The Delaware Canal towpath is generally well-maintained, though some sections, especially in Upper Bucks, have been reported as washed out, so be prepared for potential detours. The flat, car-free design of much of the towpath makes it family-friendly in parts, but the overall distance and varied surfaces of this specific loop mean you should plan for a full day. Check local conditions before you go, especially after heavy rain, as natural surface trails can be affected.
Trail details
- Distance: 54.5 miles (87.7 km)
- Elevation gain: 1078 feet (328 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 6 hours and 58 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free