Great hiking trails close to Wilmington and I want to tell you about a few of my favorites!
Both my wife and I, along with you, were stuck at home in the early Covid months of 2020, almost 4 years ago to the day! As you know, everything was shut down and there was not much anyone could do. Everything was closed!
But you know what was open? The great outdoors! We filled many days during that time with hikes close to home. Most of our hikes were in New Castle and Delaware Counties, and we made the drive down Route 1 to the Conowingo Dam in Maryland to do some hiking there.
For as long as we’ve been married my wife and I have been avid hikers. When the kids were very young, we would have them up in backpacks. As they got older we went on very short hikes, that turned into much longer hikes by the time they were teens and young adults.
We’ve had many great hikes in our region, up in the PA Endless Mountains and in New England.
But when Covid hit, the kids were long moved out and it was just the two of us. There was noting to do! Well, we did do plenty of yard work, until there was no more yard work to do! There was no traveling–so we rediscovered our local hiking trails.
Some of the great hiking trails close to Wilmington are challenging, but most are rather easy and family friendly.
Below I share some thoughts on great hiking trails close to Wilmington, info on how to locate them and some photos I took along the way!
So, fill up your water bottles and put some lunch and snacks into your backpack, and hit the trails!
Brandywine Creek State Park River Loop
Some of the most beautiful views along this one! If you do the entire loop its close to 5 miles. We love doing this one throughout the year. We prefer loop trails and this one does not disappoint! The starting point is at Brandywine Creek State Park office where you can get a free trail map!
Brandywine Creek State Park Indian Springs Trail
This one is a shorter Brandywine hike. It’s 2.3 mile loop. Some say it’s a bit challenging, but it takes under an hour to do. I love this one on quiet winter days.
Susquehanna State Park To Conowingo Dam
Do you love to watch eagles soar and land in close by trees where you can get kind of close to them? Then the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail is for you. Of course you can drive right to the parking area at Conowingo Dam which is just under an hours drive from Wilmington. But if you want to get a scenic hike in along the river along with your eagle watching go to parking area at Stafford and Craig’s Corner Roads along the Deer Creek. Park your car and cross the bridge and the trail head is just past the bridge over the creek. Be ready for a 7 to 8 mile hike from this point to the Conowingo Dam and back again. Totally worth it!
John Heinz Lake Loop
For a totally different hiking experience from the hikes mentioned above, do the John Heinz experience! I’m sure you’ve driven by it many times while going up and down I95 or going to catch a flight at PHL. But a trip to John Heinz Wildlife Refuge is totally worth it! Where else can you see the Philly skyline and be about a mile away from jets taking off and landing? And the birds taking off and landing are just as compelling to watch! This loop is 3.5 miles. When I’m in the mood for a flat run, this is the place!
First State National Historic Park
Did you know there is a National Park right on the boarder of Delaware and New Castle Counties? First State National Park is right at the end of Beaver Valley Road at Beaver Dam Road. Who knew such beauty was just miles from Route 202? There are great hiking trails on both the PA and the De side of the park A nice quick hike is The Rocks at Brandywine Creek Trail…it’s on 1.7 miles.
Ridley Creek State Park Blue Trail Loop
So many great hiking opportunities at Ridley Creek State Park in Delaware County PA. I’ve both hiked and trail ran on the Blue Loop. It’s 3.4 miles with steep hills and flat land along Ridley Creek. It’s a really pretty hike, especially in fall. The trail goes through an old homestead where there ruins of a house and farm equipment!
Ridley Creek State Park Orange Trail Loop
The Ridley Creek Orange Trail is 2 miles and goes up a hill and along the creek. Along the way is very scenic with nice views of Ridley Creek. It’s easy to get to via Gradyville Road.
Hildacy Preserve near Media PA
Hildacy Preserve is 55 acres of Natural Lands on the site of a former farm. We generally don’t follow a trail, but instead just wander making our own hike up as we go along. You can get in a good 3 to 6 mile hike here. Enjoy the meadows and Crum Creek. Keep your eyes and ears out for a pretty cool fountain! Find it at 1031 Palmers Mill Road in Media.
Darlington Trail in Middletown Township Delco
The Darlington Trail is in Middletown Township, Delaware County. This hike can be combined with the Rocky Run Trail located just off Baltimore Pike on Valley Road or at the Darlington Trailhead on Darlington Road.
These are some of my favorite hiking trails and I hope you enjoy them too!
