By Lisa Watt,  Interpretive Programs Manager at Brandywine Creek State Park

With almost 1,000 acres and 14+ miles of trails to explore, Brandywine Creek State Park offers a natural oasis near the city of Wilmington. Visitors will be surrounded by historic stone walls, sweeping vistas of the meadow, old-growth forests and nature preserves, and the beauty and life of the Brandywine Creek. Check out these trails on your next hiking adventure at Brandywine Creek State Park!

Hidden Pond Trail

Take a step back in time as you enter the nature preserve among stands of 200-year-old tulip poplar trees. Designated as Delaware’s first Old Growth Forest in 2018, this 2 mile easy to moderate loop trail begins near the nature center. Then you’ll hike into the deep forest canopy, stroll through tucked away meadows, and enjoy quiet views of the Brandywine Creek before ending back at the nature center.

Rocky Run

Follow the Brandywine Trail until you hit the Rocky Run Bridge, turn left, and enter the Rocky Run Trail. This hike is a moderate 2-mile trail with a gradual ascent on rocky terrain, shallow creek crossings, and a mature mixed forest. While Thompson’s Bridge parking lot area is often busy with visitors, you can always find a quiet spot to enjoy nature along the Rocky Run Trail.

Meadow Trail

This 2.5-mile trail follows along much of the cross-country trail through the meadows. You will be surrounded by Brandywine Creek State Park’s iconic grey stone walls while you enjoy the sweeping vistas of the meadows and surround yourself in the beauty of the park.

Creekside Trail

You can follow the 2.6-mile Creekside Trail from the Thompson’s Bridge parking lot, down the Brandywine, and over the Rocky Run bridge. Follow the narrow footpath to the right after exiting the bridge. You can view the remnants of the Rockland Mill as you hike. Make your hike a loop by returning via the Brandywine Trail.

Long Wall Trail

Enter the trail from the Garden of Eden entrance and hike this boulder-filled 1.1-mile trail that feels like no other place in Delaware. Hiking is moderately difficult.

Brandywine Trail

The Brandywine Trail is a segment of the Northern Delaware Greenway, which traverses several state and county parks in northern New Castle County. The Brandywine Creek State Park section is a 2.9-mile long accessible hike. The trail is wide on a gentle grade with a crushed stone or paved surface. It’s a great trail to see the flora and fauna along the creek. Enter from the Rockland or Thompson’s Bridge parking areas.

Plan your next visit to Brandywine Creek State Park.