armory canal trail

Trail was not exactly well marked or groomed but we could find it and created our own trails on occasions. Water was delightful, spectacular and so peaceful. Exactly what we needed after an extremely stressful work week. We will be back soon. Take time to do it. Bring your wading shoes and a towel. Lots of swimmers and waders. Next time we will!!!

Ruins of the canal and industrial buildings in an absolutely delightful forest easily accessible by foot from town, the bus stop or the first satellite parking lot (which fills up very early).

Although I loved the historic old town too, my favorite thing to do in Harper's Family was walk along the canal trail.I started from the main visitor's center, and walked the trail (fairly steep, with some steps) down to the armory canal trail. Like the name implies, it goes along the old canal. The canal is now mostly marshy, and teems with wildlife: I saw a blue heron, huge fish (carp, I think), and the biggest turtles I've ever seen in the wild.The trail also goes by an old factory, and several other ruins. Plus there's a bridge you can walk over. The canal area really has a gothic, romantic feel to it. It reminded me of something you'd see down south.Best of all, most visitors seem to stick to the main town, so many times I had the trail to myself. The farther you walk from the town, the marshier/less crowded the trail gets.

Very enjoyable walk along the canal path, reading placards for history and enjoying nature. Wear bugspray in summer.