Trip Planning - Tidal Delaware River Bristol to Neshaminy and Pen Ryn
Boaters putting at Burlington, NJ will need to cross the Delaware River along the southern end of Burlington Island to see points of interest along the Pennsylvania shoreline.
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Boaters putting in from the Florence, NJ ramp will need to travel downstream about 4 miles to Bristol, but can get a view and explore the entire length of Burlington Island.
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Near the town of Bristol, you'll find yourself at the mouth of Bristol Marsh (118.8), which is one of the few remaining fresh water tidal marshes in the Mid-Atlantic. It supports six rare native plants and serves as a stop for migratory birds. The marsh offers viewing platforms, a walking trail, and interpretive signage to educate visitors. Nearby Silver Lake Nature Center offers guided walks to the marsh.
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Travel a short distance upstream to check out two historic Bristol buildings:
Margaret R. Grundy Museum (River Mile 119.3) was home to the Grundy family, whose ancestors were among the first to arrive in the river Delaware. Joseph Grundy, a local industrialist, banker, farmer, newspaperman, and US Senator, demonstrated his commitment to the Bristol community by directing that his home be used as a museum of local history and dedicated to the memory of his beloved sister Margaret. All furnishings and objects in the home were owned and used by the family.
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Farmers National Bank of Bucks County (River Mile 119) is a 19th century bank featuring Greek Revival architecture. Bucks County’s first bank was created in 1814 and located in Hulmeville, alleviating the need for businessmen to travel up and down the river to conduct their banking. In 1833 the bank moved to Bristol along the Delaware River. The building continues to serve as a bank today.
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Continue downstream to Neshaminy State Park (River Mil 116). Located where Neshaminy Creek meets the Delaware River, the park features 4 miles of hiking trails, tidal marsh, swimming pool, picnic pavilions, fishing and a nearby theatre workshop. The property was a gift to the Commonwealth by a descendent of William Penn’s secretary James Logan
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Head farther downstream to check out Pen Ryn Mansion (River Mile 113.2), a Colonial mansion first built by a wealthy shipping merchant featuring a tree-lined drive, river views and gardens on 100 acres. The mansion was later expanded to include an art gallery and library. The property was privately purchased and restored in the late 1980’s. Tours available.
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Head farther downstream from Pen Ryn to see Andalusia (River Mile 112.5), a mansion that features Greek Revival architecture and was home to the nation’s most powerful early 19th Century banker, Nicholas Biddle. The house contains American and European furnishings once owned by Biddle, while the grounds include graperies where hothouse grapes were grown, and a modern rose garden.
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Boaters may also wish to venture up Neshaminy Creek to the Rt 1 bridge.
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Boaters can also head a few miles upstream from the Florence boat ramp for a view of Pennsybury Manor (River Mile 125.5). This was William Penn's country estate. The grounds feature reconstructed buildings including Penn's house, stable and barn, and gardens. There is also a visitor's center with an audio visual presentation, changing exhibits and picnic grounds. Several buildings can be seen from the river, call ahead for access to the site via river.
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From the launch point, you’ll find yourself at the mouth of Bristol Marsh (118.8), which is one of the few remaining fresh water tidal marshes in the Mid-Atlantic. It supports six rare native plants and serves as a stop for migratory birds. The marsh offers viewing platforms, a walking trail, and interpretive signage to educate visitors. Nearby Silver Lake Nature Center offers guided walks to the marsh.
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From there you can travel towards the center of the Delaware River to see a more natural shoreline along Burlington Island. Be cautious as you will need to go through the shipping lane.
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If you’re willing to travel a short distance upstream (it shouldn’t be too difficult even against the tide), you can check out two historic Bristol buildings:
Margaret R. Grundy Museum (River Mile 119.3) was home to the Grundy family, whose ancestors were among the first to arrive in the river Delaware. Joseph Grundy, a local industrialist, banker, farmer, newspaperman, and US Senator, demonstrated his commitment to the Bristol community by directing that his home be used as a museum of local history and dedicated to the memory of his beloved sister Margaret. All furnishings and objects in the home were owned and used by the family.
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Farmers National Bank of Bucks County (River Mile 119) is a 19th century bank featuring Greek Revival architecture. Bucks County’s first bank was created in 1814 and located in Hulmeville, alleviating the need for businessmen to travel up and down the river to conduct their banking. In 1833 the bank moved to Bristol along the Delaware River. The building continues to serve as a bank today.
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Continue downstream to Neshaminy State Park (River Mil 116). Located where Neshaminy Creek meets the Delaware River, the park features 4 miles of hiking trails, tidal marsh, swimming pool, picnic pavilions, fishing and a nearby theatre workshop. The property was a gift to the Commonwealth by a descendent of William Penn's secretary James Logan
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Note: Neshaminy State Park marks the turnaround point for round-trip paddlers. The following points of interest are seen on the one-way excursion only.
One way excursion paddlers will continue past Neshaminy State Park unless arrangements have been made for pick-up at the access ramp near the Park.
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Head farther downstream to check out Pen Ryn Mansion (River Mile 113.2), a Colonial mansion first built by a wealthy shipping merchant featuring a tree-lined drive, river views and gardens on 100 acres. The mansion was later expanded to include an art gallery and library. The property was privately purchased and restored in the late 1980’s. Tours available.
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Just outside the course:
Paddlers near Pen Ryn may wish to venture a short distance farther downstream (about .7 miles one way) to see Andalusia (River Mile 112.5), a mansion that features Greek Revival architecture and was home to the nation's most powerful early 19th Century banker, Nicholas Biddle. The house contains American and European furnishings once owned by Biddle, while the grounds include graperies where hothouse grapes were grown, and a modern rose garden.
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Paddlers may also wish to venture up Neshaminy Creek on the Pennsylvania side, or up Rancocas Creek or Assicunk Creek on the New Jersey side.
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