Trip Planning - Tidal Delaware River Bristol to Neshaminy and Pen Ryn
Escape the wild urban landscape and step into historic town centers and natural spaces. From Bristol Township down through Neshaminy State Park to Pen Ryn mansion, boaters will get a river experience like that of Native Americans, founding fathers and colonial merchants.
Bristol Township sits at the lower end of the Delaware Canal, a parallel waterway to the Delaware River that was used to ship coal, steel, and other goods from Bristol to Easton. Historic buildings line the waterfront, and the town features one of the few freshwater tidal marshes in the state.
See a cross section of towns, industrial centers and ecology as you travel downstream to Neshaminy State Park. There you can relax among the trees, enjoy a picnic lunch, or keep up your adventure with hiking trails, fishing and other activities. The property was once owned by a descendant of James Logan, colonial secretary to William Penn.
As you go farther downstream, you’ll end up at Pen Ryn mansion. Pull up to the shoreline and emerse yourself in colonial-era luxury as you tour the grounds and mansion. The manion dates back to 1744 when, a wealthy shipping merchant named Abraham Bickley selected the site as his country residence.
Your tour can be combined with a visit to historic Bristol Township and the towpath along the Delaware Canal.