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Middle Run Valley Natural Area: A Tranquil Escape

Discover nature's tranquility at Middle Run Valley Natural Area: hiking, birdwatching, and scenic trails await in this Newark, Delaware gem.

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Middle Run Valley Natural Area, located near Newark, Delaware, offers a peaceful retreat with over 850 acres of forests, fields, and streams. Perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature, it features well-maintained trails and diverse wildlife.

A brief summary to Middle Run Valley Natural Area

  • Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching; over 170 species have been spotted in the park.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the varied terrain, which includes dirt, gravel, and stream crossings.
  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
  • Check the New Castle County Parks website for occasional hunting schedules.
  • Explore the connection trails to White Clay Creek State Park for longer hikes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Newark, head east on Main Street, then turn onto DE-896 N. Walk approximately 1.5 miles before turning right onto Possum Hollow Road. The entrance to Middle Run Valley Natural Area will be on your right. The walk takes about 30-40 minutes. No cost.

  • Public Transport

    Take the DART First State bus route 40 from Wilmington or Dover towards Newark. Get off near the intersection of DE-896 and Possum Hollow Road. From there, walk south along Possum Hollow Road for about 15 minutes to reach the entrance. A one-way fare is typically around $2 - $4.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take exit 4B to merge onto DE-72 N/S College Ave toward Newark. Continue on DE-72 N for approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto Possum Hollow Road and continue for about 0.5 miles. The entrance to Middle Run Valley Natural Area will be on your left. Parking is free in the park's lot off Possum Hollow Road , though it can fill up quickly. No tolls.

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Discover more about Middle Run Valley Natural Area

Middle Run Valley Natural Area (MRVNA) is a serene 850-acre park in New Castle County, Delaware, providing a natural escape from urban life. Established in 1975, the park features a diverse landscape of forests, fields, creeks, and ponds. The park boasts over 15 miles of trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. These trails wind through mature hardwood forests of oak, maple, and hickory, offering scenic views and varying levels of difficulty. Key trails include the Lenape Trail, Double Horseshoe Trail, Possum Hollow Trail, and Snow Goose Trail, some of which connect to White Clay Creek State Park. MRVNA is a haven for wildlife, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, and numerous bird species. Birdwatchers will appreciate the specially designed birding trail, which traverses various habitats. The park also holds historical significance, with remnants of old farmsteads and stone walls scattered throughout. The park is managed by the New Castle County Department of Land Use and the Delaware Nature Society, focusing on biodiversity and conservation. The Middle Run Valley Reforestation Project has seen over 50,000 trees and shrubs planted since 1991. Visitors can also engage in environmental education programs.

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