Easy hikes and walks around Pennsville

In the Brandywine Park, the "Augustine Cut-off" features three significant bridges: a small pedestrian suspension bridge within the park, the stone arch CSX Brandywine River Railroad Bridge built in 1910 by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and the Augustine Bridge, a truss bridge originally built in 1885 for railroad use and converted to vehicular traffic in 1920. This area, historically notable for its water-powered industry and designed in part by Frederick Law Olmsted, is just downstream from the Augustine Paper Mill complex. The mill, with its seven 19th-century stone buildings, is largely replaced by modern construction, though Building 7, a three-story mill with thick stone walls and a slate roof, survives. It was acquired by the Container Corporation of America in 1942, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and redeveloped into a gated condominium complex in 1985.

Brandywine Park in Wilmington, Delaware, established in 1886, was the first city park developed by the city of Wilmington, Delaware and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spanning approximately 178 acres on both sides of Brandywine Creek, it features walking trails and scenic views down the water, and over several gardens and green spaces. The park includes wilderness areas, formal gardens (a rose garden and a cherry blossom garden), and active recreational facilities like playgrounds, athletic fields, and the Abessinio Stadium. It also houses the Brandywine Zoo, which occupies 4.75 acres in the southeastern part of the park.

Right at this spot, Alapocas Run cascades into the Brandywine Creek on the far western edge of Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, Delaware. You can reach these falls via the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail. Just a few hundred yards from here is a rock climbing wall set up in an old granite quarry, offering opportunities for climbing and rappelling.

Fort Delaware, located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, has a rich history dating back to its construction in the 1850s. Originally built as a coastal defense fortification, it played a significant role during the Civil War where it served as a Union fortress and prison for Confederate soldiers, holding over 33,000 prisoners throughout the war. Its formidable structure and strategic location made it an essential part of the Union's defense strategy. Visiting Fort Delaware State Park today offers a unique glimpse into the past. The journey begins with a .5-mile ferry ride across the river from either Delaware or New Jersey. Once on the island, you can explore the fort's well-preserved structures, including the massive granite walls, gun emplacements, and prison barracks. Guided tours led by costumed interpreters provide information about the fort and the daily lives of soldiers and prisoners during the Civil War era. The park also features living history demonstrations, reenactments, and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. Once you are done exploring the fort, there are some great nature trails on the island and observation areas that offer opportunities for birdwatching and for enjoying the island's natural beauty.

The only way to get to Fort Delaware State Park to visit the historic fort on Pea Patch Island is via ferry. You can catch the ferry from either Delaware City in Delaware, or Fort Mott State Park in New Jersey. The ferry runs every 30 minutes during the summer season, and although you can purchase tickets day of, reserving them in advance is highly recommended. You can do so at this site: https://delawarestateparks.reserveamerica.com/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=DE&parkId=360113 There is no food on the island so visitors are encouraged to bring picnic lunches and snacks. There are also no cars on the island, so you should wear good walking shoes and bring layers and any other items you might need for a day out on the island.

Battery Park is an expansive public park near the historic downtown of New Castle, Delaware. This spot is popular for picnicking, fishing, and walking down the scenic Battery Park Trail, a paved path that follows the shore of the Delaware River. Once you are done exploring by the water you can head into town and visit Historic New Castle and the New Castle Court House, part of the First State National Historic Park. The annual "Separation Day" celebration is held in Battery Park each year, commemorating the political division of Delaware from Pennsylvania.

The Battery Park Trail in Historic New Castle is a popular paved path for walking, hiking, and biking along the Delaware River. You get great views of waterfowl, ships, and the Delaware Memorial Bridge as you hike. The flat, asphalt trail is great people of all ages and abilities, and you can often seen people fishing along the shoreline.