In the early 1800s, the D&H was built to provide a commercial transportation system from Northeast PA to markets along the Hudson River near and above New York City. Covering over 108 miles, this canal system was used largely to transport coal via barges to these markets. In the Upper Delaware region, the canal ran along the Delaware River as well as a portion of the Lackawaxen River. The canal was dug to a maximum depth of six feet, so shallow draft canal boats were used; they were powered by mule teams.

The D&H Canal system was in use through the 1800s, with improvements, such as being able to handle larger boats, as time went on. The improving rail network of the Erie Railroad, however, made the D&H Canal obsolete by the turn of the 20th century, and portions of the canal were filled in to make roads or fields, or gradually filled in by river floods and lack of maintenance.

Many areas where canal remnants still exist are on private land, but there is an area where you can take a short hike along a maintained area of the D&H Canal. The National Park Service maintains an easy-to-hike trail from the New York side of the Roebling Bridge; the hike proceeds about a half mile downstream. There is still water in a portion of the canal that provides a habitat for local wildlife, and the downstream end of the trail connects with another 0.4-mile trail that will bring you to the Barbara Yeaman Eagle Observation Area along Route 97. This is also a well maintained trail that offers good views of the river, as well as eagles and other birds that frequent the river. I saw ample bird life and budding leaves, as well as a bit-of-a-surprise species during my walk during the first week of April.