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Delaware
13

Delaware State Parks

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USA Parks
Delaware
Northern Region
Brandywine Creek State Park
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BRANDYWINE CREEK STATE PARK
BRANDYWINE CREEK STATE PARK
41 Adams Dam Rd.
Wilmington, Delaware   19807

Phone: 302-577-3534
Toll Free: 302-739-9220
Email: park email button icon
This 933-acre park is divided by grey stone walls built of local stone in the late 1800's. At that time the property was a dairy farm owned by the du Pont family. This unique area became a state park in 1965, one of the first parks in the nation to be purchased with Land and Water Conservation Funds.
Nature of the Area
Tulip Poplars and Freshwater Marsh

Delaware's first two nature preserves are located within Brandywine Creek State Park: Tulip Tree Woods, a majestic stand of 190-year-old tulip poplar, and Freshwater Marsh. An extensive meadow management program, active bluebird population program, and variety of habitats make Brandywine Creek State Park an outstanding place to see wildflowers, songbirds, deer, and other flora and fauna. Many species of hawks can be seen migrating over the valley from mid-September to mid-November.Hiking, Fishing and Special Events

The park maintains 14 miles of trails for fitness, wildlife observation, and photography; try the Rocky Run Trail or the Greenways Trail that winds along the creek.The open fields are excellent for picnics, kite flying, and disc golf; and in the winter, for sledding and cross-country skiing. Popular seasonal events such as the Halloween Haunted Trail are held for your enjoyment.

Anglers can fish for small mouth bass, bluegill, and crappie in Brandywine Creek and for trout in Wilsons Run. (A fishing license and trout stamp are required, and can be purchased at the park office. ) Canoeing and tubing are popular ways to experience the Brandywine, too. Canoeing is offered through the park's interpretive programs.
History of the Area
Located in northern Delaware, the park was originally a dairy farm owned by William Bancroft during the 19th century. In 1893, it became part of Wilmington's public park system under Bancroft's initiative. The area served as hunting and fishing grounds for local residents until its acquisition by the state in 1965. It officially opened to visitors as a state recreational site two years later in 1967.

The land has seen significant historical events such as Native American activities and Revolutionary War movements. Its diverse habitats have also been recognized with designations like "Important Bird Area" from Audubon Society.



Trails
- Rocky Run Trail: A 1.8-mile loop trail that features a river and is good for all skill levels; offers various activities like bird watching, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

- Hidden Pond Trail: This moderate difficulty level trail spans approximately 2 miles in length; it's known for its beautiful wildflowers during springtime as well as the hidden pond at the end of the path.

- Brandywine Creek Greenway North Loop: An easy to navigate hiking route spanning about 3.5 miles long with scenic views overlooking Wilmington cityscape from high elevation points on this track.

- Thompson's Bridge Trails (North & South): These trails are each around one mile long offering hikers serene woodland paths along creeper-covered trees leading towards historic stone bridges over tranquil streams.

- Indian Springs / Freshwater Marsh Boardwalks : Two short but picturesque boardwalk-style trails through marshlands providing opportunities to spot local birds or other wetland creatures while enjoying peaceful surroundings

- Bryan's Field Trial Area - Northern Route : Approximately two-and-a-half-miles-long hike featuring open fields ideal for dog walking or picnicking under large shade-providing trees

- Beaver Valley Woodlawn Wildlife Refuge Hiking Routes : Multiple interconnected routes within this refuge area ranging between half a mile up-to three miles allowing visitors an immersive experience into diverse habitats including meadows, forests and creek-side landscapes

- Nature Preserve Overlook Pathways : Shorter pathways less than half-a-mile taking you directly to panoramic overlook spots presenting stunning vistas across rolling hillsides blanketed by dense forest canopies

Nature Programs
Nature Center

The modern Brandywine Creek Nature Center offers interpretive nature programs for visitors, school groups, and organizations. Inside, a gift shop features environmental books, field guides, shirts, frisbees, and other items.

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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
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Pete's Outdoor Store
305 W State St
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(610) 444-0482
Area Cabins and Lodges
Sheraton Suites Wilmington
422 Delaware Avenue
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Ashland Nature Ctr Lodge
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(302) 239-2536
Landis Lodge
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Nearby Hotels
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Directions
Directions from Wilmington, Delaware:

- Start on N King St heading towards E 2nd St
- Turn right onto W 4th Street
- Continue straight to stay on W. Fourth street

Next steps:

- Take a slight left turn onto Greenhill Ave
- After about two miles, make another left into the park's entrance.

From Newark, Delaware:

- Begin by getting on DE-273 West.
- Merge with I-95 North and continue for approximately nine miles.

Continuing your journey:

- Exit at number eight for Concord Pike/US202-North toward West Chester.
- Make a U-turn at Rocky Run Parkway.

Final Steps:

- The destination will be located directly off of US Route 202 after making this U-Turn.


If coming from Dover, Delaware:

- Head northbound via State Rte 15/N Dupont Hwy until you reach Scarborough Rd,
- Then take exit ramp to merge with DE1-North,

Proceeding further :

- Stay in the middle lane while crossing Tybouts Corner then use any lane that turns slightly right leading to US13North/U.S40West/SouthDupontHighway,
- Keep following signs directing towards New Castle/Wilmington till merging happens with I295N/I495N through exist present within Left side which leads us closer our desired location i.e., Brandywine Creek State Park,

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Delaware
13

Delaware State Parks

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