This route takes place on the historic Delaware & Raritan Canal path in New Jersey and the historic Delaware Canal towpath in Pennsylvania. The canals and their towpaths were originally constructed in the 1830's and a portion of this route on the New Jersey side is a former rail line constructed in the 1850's.

This is an extremely popular area for recreation seekers. Weekends see the paths filled with walkers, runners and cyclists.

The Crab & Winkle Way takes its name from the railway line that once ran between the city of Canterbury and Whitstable, a seaside town. The Crab & Winkle Line, which the path follows closely, is claimed to be the world's first passenger railway and some features, such as a winding pond and the world's first railway tunnel, can be seen from the path.