The best walks and hikes around Delaware City

Yes, many trails in the area are welcoming to dogs on a leash. Fort DuPont State Park is a great choice, with its Riverview Trail offering scenic paths along the Delaware River. The trails at Lums Pond State Park are also pet-friendly, providing a more traditional woodland and lakeside hiking experience for you and your canine companion.

For a gentle and accessible walk, the Battery Park Trail — New Castle is an excellent option. It's a relatively short, flat trail through a waterfront park. Another family-friendly choice is the Little Jersey Trail at Lums Pond State Park, which is a wide, multi-use path suitable for all ages and skill levels.

The region is rich in history. Fort Delaware State Park, located on Pea Patch Island and accessible by ferry, offers a unique experience combining Civil War history with nature trails. The Prison Camp Trail there winds through wooded areas and past historical fortifications. You can find more information about the park and ferry schedules on the official tourism website.

The Michael N. Castle C&D Canal Trail is a paved, multi-use path that is generally flat and well-maintained. This makes it suitable for hiking, cycling, and is accessible for strollers. The paved surface provides a smooth and reliable walking experience year-round, with great views of the canal traffic.

While the region is mostly flat, you can find longer and more strenuous routes. The Jack A. Markell Trail offers a significant distance of nearly 20 km, providing a good endurance challenge. For a more rugged, natural surface trail, the Swamp Forest Trail is a moderately difficult hike with some varied terrain through the woods around the pond.

The area excels in waterfront trails. The Michael N. Castle Trail runs directly alongside the C&D Canal, offering constant views of the water and passing ships. For river views, the Riverview Trail in Fort DuPont State Park follows the Delaware River, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching in the tidal marshes.

Access to many trails, like the C&D Canal Trail, is free. However, state parks such as Lums Pond State Park, Fort DuPont State Park, and Fort Delaware State Park typically charge an entrance fee per vehicle. These fees support the maintenance and preservation of the park facilities and natural habitats.

The diverse habitats around Delaware City support a rich variety of wildlife. Along the C&D Canal and in the state parks, it's common to see deer and wild turkeys. The area is a major birding destination; Fort Delaware State Park is a renowned nesting site for herons and egrets, while Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a critical stop for migratory birds.

Yes, for those looking to cover more ground, the C&D Canal trail system offers extended routes. The Michael N. Castle-Ben Cardin C&D Canal Recreational Trail is a great example, stretching over 22 km and connecting to Chesapeake City, Maryland.

The trails here are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the combination of natural scenery and historical points of interest. The well-maintained, flat paths along the C&D Canal are frequently mentioned for their accessibility and unique views of the active waterway.

There are several dedicated parking areas and access points along the Michael N. Castle C&D Canal Trail. Key lots can be found in Delaware City at the eastern end of the trail, near the Reedy Point Bridge, and further west in St. Georges. These lots provide convenient starting points for an out-and-back hike.