From Laurel to Wilmington, Delaware has an array of natural spots, including parks, nature reserves and wildlife areas. And between these sites, there are more than a handful of notable trails, including wilderness treks and historic strolls. While few of them can really pose the challenge that experienced hikers used to genuine mountains may prefer, they’re certainly worth checking out if you like the outdoors (and who doesn’t?).
Outdoor Delaware compiled a list of some of the best trails in the First State, highlighting the aspects that make them notable.
First, though, we offer a few brief tips for novice hikers and walkers:
- If you get lost easily, bring a map, which you can usually find online or at the trailhead. Consider printing one out ahead of time, though, in case you don’t have cellular service.
- Invite a friend, whether to ensure you stay on the right track or just to share pleasant conversations while checking out the outdoors. A walk can often be a nice date idea too.
- If it’s hot, pack a bottle of cold water. Hydration is vital!
- Stay on the trail rather than seeking to forge your own path.
- Pace yourself. Unless you’re training for a marathon, you don’t need to complete a trail within a certain time.
- Stay to the right. Trails are often used by bikers and runners, so sticking to one side of the trail is a good way to stay out of their way. And, if you’re biking or running and need to pass, politely let those in front of you know you are coming up behind them.
- Hiking with a dog can be even more fun than going with a human friend, but remember to keep your pup on a leash at all times. Don’t forget to bring bags for their poop, and make sure your furry friend stays hydrated too.
- Don’t leave any trash behind. State parks, in particular, are carry-in, carry-out, meaning they do not have trash cans and you are expected to take any refuse you generate with you.
Best for Biking
Jack A. Markell Trail
One of the state’s newest trails is a fitting tribute to the governor who biked across the country after the end of his term in 2017. The Jack A. Markell, or JAM, Trail, runs from the Wilmington Riverfront to New Castle and opened in 2018. It stretches 5.5 miles and makes it possible to walk from Wilmington’s Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station to New Castle’s Battery Park.
The trail, which replaced an abandoned rail line with a pleasant path suitable for both bikers and pedestrians (including dog-walkers) alike, runs by the DuPont Environmental Education Center and adjoining Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge. It crosses the Christina River on a 300-foot bridge and passes through foliage and underpasses en route to New Castle, easily one of Delaware’s most historic municipalities. It’s also a good choice for parents pushing a jogging stroller.
Northern Delaware Greenway Trail (Wilmington)
The Northern Delaware Greenway Trail is a mostly paved path just north of Wilmington that’s part of the larger East Coast Greenway Trail. Touted as the state’s longest and oldest off-road trail, the pathway runs through Bellevue State Park, Rockwood Park, Alapocas Run State Park and Wilmington State Parks. A connector to Fox Point State Park from Bellevue is planned.
The 10.4-mile trail also passes by the Brandywine Zoo, which is always worth a visit.
Best for Families with Kids
Creekside Trail, Brandywine Creek State Park
Located in northern Delaware, Brandywine Creek State Park is a good place to take your kids for an enjoyable natural outing. In particular, the park’s Creekside Trail stretches alongside the winding Brandywine Creek for almost 2.6 miles. Park at the Thompson’s Bridge lot, then the trailhead starts just after a paved path and pedestrian Rocky Run bridge. Follow the narrow footpath to the right after exiting the bridge. At the end of the trail, you will come across a small dam, a remnant of an old mill.
It’s a nice environment as long as the weather is suitable, which means that for a majority of the year this makes for a relaxing stroll next to a running river. If it’s warm enough, you might see kayakers or tubers passing by in the water.
If you’re really inclined, you can even bring a fishing rod and spend some time casting your line in hopes of reeling in some of the small mouth bass, bluegill or crappie that live in the creek. Just make sure you have a Delaware fishing license!
The grassy trail is generally shaded, making it nice on a hot summer day. It runs next to the forested Brandywine Trail, which is made of crushed stone with a gentle grade. The Creekside Trail is not a loop, so when you’re done, you’ll have to either take it or the Brandywine Trail back to your starting location. If you get hot, you can always hop in the creek to cool off.
And while you’re at the park, why not check out some of the other 12 miles of trails? The park boasts a remnant old-growth forest and is known for its blue gneiss stone walls that used to mark property boundaries when the land was used for agriculture and milling.
Enchanted Woods, Winterthur Museum and Gardens
How many people are aware Delaware has a fairy-tale village of its own? Located at the historic Winterthur estate, the Enchanted Woods includes fairy cabins, a human-sized bird nest, a quaint stone bridge, an outdoor tearoom and a circle of giant toadstools. The three-acre site encourages children to dream and use their imagination, and even adults who visit can experience the wonder of being a child again.
The Enchanted Woods are extra special during the summer, when Winterthur hosts crafts, storytelling, games and more.
Best for Horseback Riding
Headquarters Tract Loop, Redden State Forest
The Redden State Forest Headquarters Tract Loop is a 4-mile trail near Georgetown. As the name suggests, it’s part of Redden State Forest, the largest state forest here at almost 13,000 acres.
This forested trail forms a loop, which many would argue is ideal for hiking. It’s fairly wide (as least in some places) and is relatively isolated, though it does see a fair number of horseback riders, so if you plan to ride your equine here, keep in mind you might cross paths with other like-minded visitors.
The larger Redden State Forest contains more than 44 miles’ worth of trails, including some camping sites and a small pond, and is used for deer hunting. Don’t fear though — the hunting and hiking areas are pretty much separate, so you’re unlikely to cross paths with hunters during your walk.
Equestrian Trail, Bellevue State Park
Bellevue State Park’s designated horseback-riding trail stretches for 3 miles. Made of packed earth, it runs past garden plots, the park’s nature preserve, the arts center and the equestrian training facility. The park was formerly owned by a DuPont who was also an avid equestrian and added stables, indoor training venues and an oval track. This is a good track for less-experienced horseback riders or those simply looking for something that isn’t strenuous for their horse.
The park contains spaces for tennis, volleyball and disc golf, though you’ll have to leave your horse behind if you intend to take advantage of those amenities.
Best for Distance Hiking
Little Jersey Trail, Lums Pond State Park
Perhaps needless to say, Delaware isn’t exactly the West when it comes to challenging long-distance hikes. Easily one of the longest nature trails here is the Little Jersey Trail at Lums Pond State Park. The 7.9-mile pathway winds all around the state’s largest freshwater pond, crossing several smaller trails in the process.
The Little Jersey Trail loops through forests and along fields and is made of crushed stone. It’s open not just to pedestrians but to bikers and horseback riders as well.
The park also includes the Go Ape Treetop Course, a campground, a boathouse and a nature center, making it an overall excellent place to visit if you need something to do outdoors one weekend.
Michael N. Castle Trail
The Michael N. Castle Trail deserves mention here too. Running along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal from Chesapeake City, Maryland, to Delaware City, the trail includes 12.1 miles of paved surface. It actually comes within less than half a mile of Lums Pond State Park at one point, meaning a really ambitious walker can start in Maryland, cross onto the Castle Trail, take an 8-mile detour around Lums Pond and then finish the walk to Delaware City, having done something like 22 miles on foot.
Best for Steep Climbs
Rocky Run Trail, Brandywine Creek State Park
We don’t exactly have a huge supply of options, as Delaware is actually the flattest state in the country. The steepest hiking trails here are Brandywine Creek State Park’s Rocky Run Trail and White Clay Creek State Park’s Wendel Cassel Trail, with both topping out at about 370 feet.
Made of packed earth, Rocky Run Trail stretches 1.8 miles and branches out from the Creekside and Brandywine paths. One of three Trail Challenge Loops in Brandywine Creek State Park, it has an average grade of 8% with a maximum of 30%.
Shoutouts to Brandywine Creek’s Cross Country Course, which has a lone steep hill.
Wendel Cassel Trail, White Clay Creek State Park
Located in Newark, White Clay Creek State Park contains 37 miles of trails, a nature center, a disc golf course and a creek that is the most heavily stocked body of water in the state. The 1.4-mile Wendel Cassel Trail lies in the park’s northern portion, coming very close to the Pennsylvania state line. Speaking of which …
Best for History Buffs
Tri-State Marker Trail, White Clay Creek State Park
This 3.1-mile trail takes you through woods and into a magical land known as Pennsylvania. The trail, which forms a loop, has a stone marker indicating where Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland meet. Located by the formerly disputed wedge formed by the intersection of the Mason-Dixon line and the 12-Mile Circle, it is part of the Mason-Dixon Trail. The Tri-State Marker Trail gives you the opportunity to imagine you’re a surveyor mapping out boundaries centuries ago, when the future states sometimes had overlapping land claims.
Dover Green
The Dover Green may not be a hiking path, that much is true. But walking an urban trail can be just as enjoyable as hiking through the woods, and Dover certainly has plenty of history to show off.
A part of First State National Historical Park, which consists of six sites throughout Delaware with ties to our state’s founding, the Dover Green is surrounded by old homes and historic buildings. There’s the Old State House, the state’s first permanent capitol, where you might find historic interpreters who can wax poetic about Delaware’s role in the Revolution and its early days as a part of the United States. There’s the John Bell House, which dates to the middle of the 18th century and is one of the oldest workshop-tavern complex outbuildings still standing in the country, as well as the single oldest wooden-frame structure in Dover.
And, of course, there’s Legislative Hall, which is open to tours at times, and the State Archives. All of these attractions are well worth a visit for anyone who appreciates history, and the fact they lie along a nice paved path that winds its way through the state capital’s “government district” is a great bonus.
This is definitely worth a visit for children learning about Delaware history in school.
Best for Oceanside Views
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park actually offers stunning views of multiple bodies of water. Located in Lewes, this park contains 6 miles of coastline along both the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Its aptly named Seaside Nature Trail runs right up against the bay, while the Gordons Pond Trail stretches along the ocean, albeit with a slight detour around the body of water known as (you guessed it) Gordons Pond. Both are well worth checking out.
The park is also home to several fire control towers built during World War II to guard against a possible German invasion. Visitors can check out Fort Miles, which was used as a military installation during the early 1940s in part to protect the vital shipping channel that is the Delaware Bay.
Cape Henlopen State Park also boasts a nature center, a swimming beach, wildlife habitat and several spots for camping, including both tent sites and cabins. It’s a good place for biking too, with free bikes available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Seaside Nature Center.
Battery Park
OK, technically, it’s riverside rather than oceanside, but the point still stands. New Castle’s Battery Park boasts a waterside trail that runs right next to the Delaware River, allowing for excellent views out across the roughly mile-and-a-half-wide waterway. Starting by New Castle Pier, the paved trail stretches for about 1.7 miles and is popular with pedestrians, bikers and dog-walkers.
Visitors may see waterfowl, commercial fishing boats and even the historic Kalmar Nyckel, a replica of the Swedish ship that brought settlers to Delaware in 1638. You can look across the water to New Jersey and be thankful you’re on this side of the Delaware River.
Purportedly the site where Pennsylvania founder William Penn first set foot in the Americas, the park also contains amenities you’d expect, like a playground and basketball court. It’s very close to a number of historic sites in New Castle itself, making this location a good one for history fans as well.
Most Accessible
Glasgow Park
New Castle County’s Glasgow Park is a good choice for wheelchair users and others with disabilities who enjoy a calm trek through the outdoors. A 2.8-mile paved path encircles much of the park, making it an excellent option for those seeking accessibility.
Visitors will pass by a pond, a skate park, basketball and tennis courts, a dog park, woods and buildings from the area’s days as a dairy farm.
The park also has a playground — the H!GH5 Autism Park — designed specifically for individuals with autism, who are prone to experiencing sensory issues.
Glasgow Park is a fairly popular visitation spot for those living in the greater Newark area, so keep in mind you’ll likely have to share the path if you choose to go, but overall it’s a welcoming location, especially for those who may struggle to find accessible trails.
Bob Trail, Trap Pond State Park
One of Delaware’s oldest state parks, Trap Pond contains a 4.5-mile trail that was resurfaced relatively recently to make it more accessible to people of all abilities. The Bob Trail, which loops around Trap Pond, is made of crushed stone and meets many guidelines set forth by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, including a grade of less than 10%, a width of more than 3 feet and limited obstacles. The trail runs past bald cypress trees, wetlands, a campground and sports fields and courts.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has made accessibility a key goal in its most recent strategic plan as it seeks to ensure our state’s many wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities can be enjoyed by as many people as possible. The Bob Trail is an excellent example of DNREC’s commitment to all residents and visitors.
Submitted by Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control