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Delaware
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Delaware State Parks

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White Clay Creek State Park
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WHITE CLAY CREEK STATE PARK
WHITE CLAY CREEK STATE PARK
750 Thompson Station Road
Newark, Delaware   19711

Phone: 302-368-6900
Email: park email button icon
A Relaxing Oasis

Come to White Clay Creek to escape the encroaching development of New Castle County. The park's lush greenery and sparkling streams offer a refreshing change of pace and countless opportunities for outdoor fun and relaxation.

Activities

There are plenty of year-round activities available at White Clay Creek. The Nature Center hosts fun and interesting public programs, and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, birdwatching or disc golf.

Families may take advantage of the large picnic area and pavilion for a reunion or to host a casual barbecue with friends, followed by an evening concert or other special event throughout the summer. Sledding and cross-country skiing are among the many winter activities available at the park.
History of the Area
Located in Newark, Delaware, the park was established on March 27th, 1968. It spans over 3,647 acres of land and waterways. The area has a rich history dating back to Native American tribes who inhabited it for centuries.

In colonial times (1600s-1700s), European settlers used its resources extensively for farming and milling operations. In the late eighteenth century specifically, paper mills were prevalent along White Clay Creek due to abundant natural resources.

During World War II (1941-45), part of this region served as an army training camp known as Camp Hoopes before being decommissioned post-war.

The state purchased lands from private owners during the mid-twentieth century with intentions of preserving nature's beauty while providing recreational opportunities like hiking or fishing.

Today it is home to diverse wildlife species including birds such as warblers and hawks; mammals like deer; reptiles/amphibians etc., making it popular among birdwatchers/nature enthusiasts alike.



Guided Tours
Judge Morris Estate

This house, circa 1790, is the former home of Judge Hugh M. Morris, a Delaware native, respected attorney and distinguished federal judge. Today, the estate is perfect for special events or business gatherings. Guests will enjoy the charm of this historic home and the serenity of the grounds and nearby pond.Private Tours

Private tours of the Judge Morris Estate are available for groups up to 15 people. Multiple tours can be arranged for larger groups. To schedule a tour, call the Nature Center Manager at White Clay Creek State Park (302)368-6560.Judge Morris House Tour

Discover the lovely Judge Morris Estate, a Delaware State Park treasure. Tour the house, learn its history, hear tales of its residents, and enjoy the Colonial Revival-style estate that the Morris family called "home." The Judge Morris House Tour is available year-round and lasts about 40 minutes.

Morris Family Tour

Meet the Morris family! Get to know Hugh, Emma, and their daughter, Mary as you tour their home. Find out who "wore the pants" in the family, who believed in using both head and heart to make important decisions, and who was the shrewd investor. The Morris Family Tour is available year-round and lasts about 60 minutes.

Chestnut Hill Farm Tour

The history of this property extends more than two centuries into the past. Explore the house, discover traces of former owners, and investigate old photographs to reveal evidence of its origin, growth, decline and rescue. The Chestnut Hill Farm Tour is available as weather permits, and lasts about 1? hours.
Trails
Scenic Trails

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park. Thirty-seven miles of trails lead explorers to historic sites and scenic vistas overlooking lush valleys and impressive rock outcrops.

Hikers and mountain bike riders can travel through the Middle Run Valley Natural Area to Possum Hill, follow the Lifecourse Fitness Trail in Carpenter Recreation Area, or hike the Pomeroy Rail-Trail to the pedestrian bridge over White Clay Creek.

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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Slicer's Camping Trailers
4101 Old Capitol TRL
Wilmington, DE
(302) 994-9537
Slicer L C Sporting Goods
4101 Old Capitol Trl
Marshallton, DE
(302) 994-9537
Pete's Outdoor Store
305 W State St
Kennett Square, PA
(610) 444-0482
Eastern Marine
931 S Chapel St
Newark, DE
(302) 737-6603
Captain's Choice
15 Melanie Dr
New Castle, DE
(302) 325-1227
Area Cabins and Lodges
Ashland Nature Ctr Lodge
3511 Barley Mill Rd
Hockessin, DE
(302) 239-2536
Landis Lodge
2915 Newport Gap Pike
Wilmington, DE
(302) 998-5913
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Directions from Wilmington, Delaware:

- Start on N King St heading towards E 11th St.
- Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
- Merge onto I95 S via the ramp to Newark/Baltimore.

From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

- Begin by getting on I76 W from South Penn Square and John F Kennedy Blvd.
- Follow I476 S and US202 S to DE41 in Kennett Township. Take exit 8 for PA926/Street Rd toward Unionville/West Chester.
- Continue straight until you reach White Clay Creek State Park.

From Baltimore, Maryland:

- Get started going northbound on Light Street
- Use left lane to merge with Jones Falls Expressway/I83 North through Interstate highway sign
- Keep following signs for York Pa/Timonium/Northern Pkwy

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Delaware
9

Delaware State Parks

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