Are you feeling sluggish after all the holiday shopping and party festivities of December? This month is a great time to enjoy the beautiful winter landscapes in North Delaware and get revitalized with an outdoor activity in the brisk winter air. Here’s where to go:
Michael Castle Trail
Delaware City, DE 19706
A scenic 9-mile route along the north shore of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in northern Delaware. The C&D Canal opened in 1829, linking the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River via a 14-mile route through what were once swampy marshlands. Today, the canal continues to be one of the world’s busiest, as much of the shipping traffic to and from the Port of Baltimore—one of the largest ports in the United States—makes its way through the channel. The park offers picturesque views, park benches, native wildflowers, and paved trails.
Northern Delaware Greenway Trail
Wilmington, DE 19803
The Northern Delaware Greenway Trail spans 10 miles of northern New Castle County from Bellevue State Park on the Delaware River to Brandywine Creek in Wilmington. The surface varies along the way from asphalt to crushed stone. At its western end, the urban trail connects with Wilmington’s waterfront path system, combining to link residential communities, schools, businesses, parks and cultural sites. Much of the trail is filled with rolling curves and short drops, so leave the in-line skates at home and instead enjoy a nice stroll or a fun bike ride with family and friends. The segment adjacent to Park Drive in Wilmington was built on a former rail corridor, offering a more level surface for a change.
In northern Wilmington, a particularly scenic stretch runs through Alapocas Run State Park, where visitors can check out the Blue Ball Barn. The converted dairy barn is now home to the Delaware Folk Art Collection featuring works from more than 50 local artists. Two hiking trails provide additional opportunities to explore the wooded park on foot.
Parking for the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail can be found at the three state parks along its route: Brandywine Park in downtown Wilmington, Alapocas Run State Park in northern Wilmington and Bellevue State Park in eastern Wilmington (near Bellefonte).
White Clay Creek State Park
80 New London Rd., Park Office is at 750 Thompsons Station Road, Newark, DE 19711
To further enjoy the natural surroundings, continue your journey through the park on the connecting Creek Road Trail, which branches off from the Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail to follow the west side of White Clay Creek. If you wish to continue through the city instead, hop on the James F. Hall Trail from this trail’s southern end near S. Chapel Street.
Parking and Trail Access
Parking lots are available at the University of Delaware’s General Services Building (222 S. Chapel Street), just off Wyoming Road. Please note: Parking permits are required on campus – visitors must use meters or display visitor passes
Riverview Trail
Lighthouse Road to Fox Point State Pa
Park at Fox River State Park, Hay Road, Wilmington. From I-495 South take Exit #4B (Edgemoor Road) and turn right. At first intersection, turn left on Hay Road. The park entrance is 0.4 mile stra
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