Iron Hill Park: A Blend of History and Nature

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Explore nature and history at Iron Hill Park in Newark, DE: hiking, disc golf, dog park, and historical mine remnants await!

Iron Hill Park in Newark, Delaware, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Once a site of iron mining dating back to Native American settlements, the park now features hiking trails, a disc golf course, a dog park, and various recreational amenities, making it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

A brief summary to Iron Hill Park

1337 S Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, Delaware, 19702, US
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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, as the trails can be uneven and hilly.
Bring your dog to enjoy the Bark Park, but remember to follow park rules and clean up after your pet.
Visit the nearby Iron Hill Museum to learn more about the park's history and the region's geology.
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's picnic areas.
Check the Friends of Iron Hill Park website for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Iron Hill Science Center

Iron Hill Science Center: Newark's Natural History Hub

Iron Hill School Museum

Iron Hill School Museum: A Window into the Past

Folk Memorial Park

Folk Memorial Park: A Community Oasis

Getting There

Driving

Iron Hill Park is accessible by car via I-95. From I-95, take DE-896 South. Turn right at the first light onto Old Baltimore Pike. The park entrance is approximately 0.7 miles on the right. Follow the park road to the main parking lot. Parking is free.
Public Transport

The Newark Train Station is approximately 4 miles from Iron Hill Park. From the train station, utilize the DART Connect on-demand microtransit service. This service can be requested via the DART Connect app or by calling 1-800-652-DART. The cost is $2 per ride.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From the Newark Train Station, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to Iron Hill Park will cost approximately $15-$25. The ride is about 4 miles and should take around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Discover more about Iron Hill Park

Iron Hill Park, located in Newark, Delaware, is a 335-acre park with a rich history dating back centuries. Originally known as "Marettico" by the local Native Americans, meaning hill of hard stone, the area was later identified as "Yron Hill" on Augustine Herman's 1670 map. The hill's name derives from the iron deposits that were mined extensively from the 18th through the late 19th centuries. The park's historical significance extends to the Revolutionary War, where General George Washington surveyed British troop movements from its summit before the Battle of Cooch's Bridge in 1777. The area was also used as a campsite during the War of 1812. Today, remnants of the old iron mines, including the Indian Jasper Mine and Whitaker Ore Pit, can still be seen within the park. Iron Hill Park offers a variety of activities for visitors. Hiking trails wind through the wooded areas, with varying degrees of difficulty for both pedestrians and mountain bikers. The Mason-Dixon Trail also passes through the park. A disc golf course provides a challenging and engaging sport for those interested. Other amenities include a bark park for dog owners, picnic areas, a playground, and a pavilion available for reservations. The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk, providing a natural escape and a place to explore the area's unique history.