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Brandywine Creek State Park: A Piedmont Jewel

Discover natural beauty and rich history in Delaware's Brandywine Creek State Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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Just north of Wilmington, Delaware, Brandywine Creek State Park offers a diverse landscape of rolling meadows, lush forests, and historic stone walls. Once part of the du Pont family's Winterthur estate, the park provides a natural escape with hiking trails, wildlife observation, and a glimpse into Delaware's rich history.

A brief summary to Brandywine Creek State Park

  • Monday 8 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike the longer trails.
  • Check the park's website for seasonal events or guided nature walks.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, as some trails can be uneven.
  • Remember to bring cash for the entrance fee, as credit cards are only accepted when the Park Office is open.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Brandywine Creek State Park is located at 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807. From I-95, take Exit 8B for Route 202 North. Follow 202 N for approximately 3 miles, then take the exit for Route 141 North. Continue on Route 141 N for about 2 miles, then turn left onto Montchanin Rd/Route 100 N. After about 1.5 miles, turn right onto Adams Dam Rd. The park entrance will be on your left. Parking is available within the park in designated lots. Entrance fees are in effect from March 1st to November 30th: $4 for Delaware residents and $8 for out-of-state visitors. Credit cards are accepted, but cash is required if the Park Office is not open.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Wilmington, take DART First State bus route 33 towards Brandywine Creek State Park. The bus runs regularly throughout the day. Stay on the bus for approximately 25 minutes and get off at the stop labeled 'Brandywine Creek State Park,' which is right by the entrance. A single ride on DART First State costs $2.00.

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Discover more about Brandywine Creek State Park

Brandywine Creek State Park, a 933-acre haven in northern Delaware, beckons visitors with its blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park's landscape, characterized by rolling meadows and the Piedmont region's gentle slopes, was once part of the du Pont family's Winterthur estate. The park officially became a state park in 1965. The park's history is etched in its striking stone walls, constructed in the late 1800s by Italian masons hired by the du Pont family. These walls, built from local blue gneiss stone, served as property markers for the family's dairy farm. Today, they stand as iconic features, dividing the park and adding to its rustic charm. Brandywine Creek State Park is home to Delaware's first two nature preserves: Tulip Tree Woods and Freshwater Marsh. Tulip Tree Woods boasts a majestic stand of 190-year-old tulip poplar trees, while Freshwater Marsh provides a habitat for diverse plant and animal life. The park also includes Flint Woods, a designated old-growth forest and the state's first, offering a glimpse into Delaware's primeval woodlands. With over 14 miles of trails, Brandywine Creek State Park caters to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The Brandywine Trail, a 2.9-mile crushed stone path, meanders along the Brandywine Creek, offering scenic views. The Rocky Run Trail, known as the park's longest, winds through mature forests and rocky terrain. Visitors can also explore the Creekside Trail, Hidden Pond Trail, and Longwall Trail, each offering unique perspectives of the park's diverse ecosystems. Beyond hiking, the park offers opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking. Brandywine Creek is known for its bass population, while Wilson's Run is stocked with trout. The park's meadows attract various bird species, including American Kestrels, Blue Birds, and Eastern Meadowlarks. In winter, the park's rolling hills become popular for sledding and cross-country skiing.

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