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Carpenter Recreation Area: Approximately 2 miles north of Newark on Route 896. Entrance is on the right. Preserve Area: Take Route 896 north from Newark to Hopkins Rd. Turn right and continue east to left turn for Nature Center. Park at the Nature Center. For Possum Hill Area: Take Route 896 north from Newark to Hopkins Rd. Turn right and continue to Thompson Station Rd. and turn left. for Nature Center. Parking is at the Park Office.
General Description: Declared a National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1991, the White Clay Creek watershed is one of only a few relatively unspoiled, ecologically-functioning river systems in the urbanized corridor between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Newark, Delaware. The park includes four linked areas: the Carpenter Recreation area, White Clay Creek Preserve, Possum Hill and the Judge Morris Estate. White Clay Creek State Park is a popular spot for bird watching as many species make their home or stop here on migration paths. The Nature Center hosts a number of fantastic educational programs. A day-use area with large picnic area is also available.
Trail Description: The trails trace along gentle hills, woods and rushing streams through the Mid-Atlantic flood plain near the state's northern border. About 35 miles well-groomed, multi-use trails wind throughout the 4 areas of the Park. The Middle Run Natural Area is situated between the main parkland and the eastern part of the park (Judge Morris Estate). Mountain bike riders can travel two miles by trail from the Judge Morris Estate, through the county-owned Middle Run Valley Natural Area, to Possum Hill. These trails are especially nice for beginners and families or an afternoon of mountain bike riding with your significant other. The trails are well-maintained, smooth and hard-packed with very few rocks or obstructions. There are a few climbs, drops and long downhill sections, however nothing is too difficult. Note: Throughout the Park, especially along the creek area in the Preserve, birds like to nest in the bushes, along the creek, field edges and undergrowth. It is important to stay on the trails in order not to inadvertently harm wildlife. Watch where you put those knobbies, hiking boots or hooves.
Nature Preserve/Possum Hill Area: The Possum Hill section contains deciduous hardwood forests, many open fields, hedgerows and several ponds. There are four main loop trails. Short "connector" trails between the loops allow for all kinds of ride designs. You can do one large loop of all three trails or a series of figure eights. White Clay Creek Trail: 3.6 mile loop The west side of the loop, 1.8 miles one-way, is a romantic, scenic ride along White Clay Creek. It makes for a nice out-and-back ride. Bryan's Field Trail: 3.6 mile loop Easy, mostly single-track trail that travels over rolling farmland through scenic wooded areas. There is a cut-off midway for a shorter ride option. To access the Middle Run Natural Area trails, cross Polly Drummond Hill Rd. Watch out for traffic. Whitely Farms Trail: 3.4 mile loop. The south end of the parking area is a good starting point. The trail is well-marked, easy single track which travels through corn fields and some hilly, wooded sections with tight, twisty turns. You will encounter some long climbs and downhill sections. David English Trail: 2.5 mile loop. There are lots of field edges and hedgerows along this trail. The park office located on Thompson Station Road is a good starting point. The trail parallels the righthand side of Thompson Station Rd. for awhile, then veers right and leads up the hill towards a tranquil meadow with two small ponds. It then descends into deep woods with abundant wildflowers and ferns to follow a small stream back towards the parking lot.
Judge Morris Estate Area: Chestnut Hill Trail: 3.6 mile loop. A nice route for beginners to practice developing their bike handling skills. Moderate level cyclists will also enjoy the mostly smooth, hard-packed single-track that travels through woods. There are a few technical sections, hills, tight turns and bumps to make things interesting. Nothing is too difficult. Occasionally, you may come across some downed trees on the trail but those are usually cleared quickly. Trail maintenance is superb. If you wish to avoid the longer uphills on this route, ride the trail clockwise. Of course, then downhills will be faster. Watch out for hikers. From the trailhead it is easy to cross Polly Drummond Hill Rd. to access more challenging trails at Middle Run Nature Area.
Carpenter Recreation Area: Twin Valley Trail: 3.5 miles This is the oldest part of White Clay Creek State Park, and the most heavily used for recreation (picnicking, frisbee golf etc). Dense brush, hedgerows and fields dominate the landscape, although there are some wooded areas. Starting from the main parking lot, this trail winds through portions of the White Clay Creek Natural Area. As you bike the hills and valleys, you will pass the Mason-Dixon monument that marks the beginning of the 12-mile arc that forms Delaware's northern boundary.
The Tri-Valley Trail: 6 miles one way. Connects the Preserve, Possum Hill, Middle Run Natural Area and Judge Morris Estate.
For more information: White Clay Creek State Park Phone: (302) 368-6900
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