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Iron Hill Park: A Blend of History and Nature

Explore the historical trails and scenic beauty of Iron Hill Park in Newark, Delaware, a natural escape with a rich past.

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Iron Hill Park in Newark, Delaware, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Once a site of iron ore mining dating back to the 1700s and earlier, the 335-acre park now features wooded trails, a disc golf course, a dog park, and remnants of its past, including old ore pits and a Revolutionary War-era stone wall.

A brief summary to Iron Hill Park

  • Monday 8 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-8 pm
  • Friday 8 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking the trails, as some areas can be uneven or rocky.
  • Visit the Iron Hill Museum near the park entrance to learn more about the area's history.
  • Bring your dog to enjoy the Bark Park, but remember to keep them leashed in other areas of the park.
  • Try your hand at disc golf on the park's challenging 18-hole course.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Iron Hill Park is located at 1337 S Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, DE 19702. From I-95, take DE 896 South. Turn right at the first light onto Old Baltimore Pike. Drive 0.7 miles and turn right into the park entrance. Follow the park road to the main parking lot. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Iron Hill Park, you can take a DART bus to Newark and then a taxi or ride-sharing service to the park. A one-way bus fare within Newark is typically $2.00. A taxi or ride-share from Newark to the park will cost approximately $10-$15.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Iron Hill Museum, you can walk to the park entrance at 1337 S Old Baltimore Pike. The park entrance is located just east of the museum. Follow Robert L. Melson Lane to the park's main entrance.

Unlock the Best of Iron Hill Park

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Discover more about Iron Hill Park

Iron Hill Park, located in Newark, Delaware, is a captivating destination where history and nature intertwine. The park's story stretches back centuries, serving as a vital source of iron ore from before recorded history until the early 20th century. Originally known as "Marettico" by Native Americans, meaning hill of hard stone, the area was later mined by Welsh settlers who arrived in the early 1700s. The iron extracted here was crucial for crafting essential items like tools and barrel staves. During the American Revolution, Iron Hill played a strategic role. General George Washington, along with Generals Nathaniel Green and Lafayette, surveyed British troop movements from its summit before the Battle of Cooch's Bridge in 1777. While the mining operations have ceased, the landscape still bears witness to this industrial past, with visible ore pits and remnants of historical structures. Today, Iron Hill Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Miles of trails wind through the wooded terrain, welcoming hikers and mountain bikers. The park also features a popular disc golf course, a bark park for dogs, a playground, and picnic areas. The Mason-Dixon Trail also passes through the park. Visitors can delve deeper into the area's history at the nearby Iron Hill Museum, which showcases artifacts and stories from the region's past. The Friends of Iron Hill Park, a non-profit organization, actively promotes the park's preservation and offers educational opportunities.

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