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Battery Park Trail

Hiking trails & Routes

Battery Park Trail

Easy

2.6

(10)

hikers

Battery Park Trail

Q: Where can I park to access the Battery Park Trail?

You can find convenient parking at New Castle Battery Park . This park serves as a popular starting point for the trail.

Q: What is the terrain like on the trail?

The trail features a flat, paved asphalt surface, making it easily accessible for all ages and abilities. It's considered 'very low stress' and offers universal access.

Q: Is the Battery Park Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit the trail?

The trail is enjoyable year-round. However, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for walking, while summer provides lush scenery. The southern portion of the trail offers shade, which can be a welcome relief on warmer days.

Q: Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Battery Park Trail. It is free and open to the public.

Q: What can I see along the route?

As you walk, you'll enjoy views of the Delaware River, passing ships, and the distant Delaware Memorial Bridge. Keep an eye out for waterfowl in the reedy marshland. You might even spot the Kalmar Nyckel, a replica 17th-century Swedish ship, when it's docked nearby. The trail also offers easy access to Historic New Castle's charming shops and historical sites.

Q: Does the trail connect to other well-known paths?

Yes, the route is a section of the East Coast Greenway and also connects to the Jack A. Markell Trail, offering options to extend your outing. Other official trails along this route include the 9-11 Trail (Delaware) and USBR 201 (Delaware).

Q: Is the trail suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! Its flat, paved surface and easy accessibility make it ideal for families with children, strollers, and even bikes. The adjacent public park is also a popular spot for picnics.

Q: Are there amenities like restrooms or food options near the trail?

Yes, due to its proximity to Historic New Castle, you'll find charming shops, restaurants, and cafes just a short walk from the trail. Benches are also available along the route for resting.

Q: What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the trail?

Given its location alongside the Delaware River and marshland, you're likely to see various types of waterfowl. The area is a good spot for birdwatching.

01:29

5.93km

Hiking

The Battery Park Trail offers a delightful and universally accessible walking experience along the Delaware River in Historic New Castle. This easy 3.7-mile (5.9 km) paved path, with a minimal 9 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, provides continuous scenic views of the water, passing ships, and the distant Delaware Memorial Bridge. You can expect a very low-stress outing, perfect for families and beginners, with shaded sections and benches available for breaks.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible and parking is available at New Castle Battery Park. Since it's located right next to Historic New Castle, you'll have no trouble finding coffee shops, restaurants, and other amenities before or after your walk. The trail is suitable for all seasons, making it a reliable choice for a pleasant stroll any time of year.

Beyond its immediate charm, the Battery Park Trail is a segment of the much larger East Coast Greenway, offering opportunities for extended adventures. It also connects to the Jack A. Markell Trail, allowing you to add an extra 12 miles round trip towards the Wilmington Riverfront if you're feeling ambitious. The area is rich in history, with the trail itself named after cannons that once protected the city, and you might even spot the replica 17th-century ship Kalmar Nyckel docked nearby.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

321 m

New Castle Battery Park

Highlight • Parking

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.

Tip by

2.97 km

Battery Park Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

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.

Tip by

5.93 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.88 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.80 km

1.13 km

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Monday 6 July

27°C

20°C

93 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park to access the Battery Park Trail?

You can find convenient parking at New Castle Battery Park. This park serves as a popular starting point for the trail.

What is the terrain like on the trail?

The trail features a flat, paved asphalt surface, making it easily accessible for all ages and abilities. It's considered 'very low stress' and offers universal access.

Is the Battery Park Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.

What is the best time of year to visit the trail?

The trail is enjoyable year-round. However, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for walking, while summer provides lush scenery. The southern portion of the trail offers shade, which can be a welcome relief on warmer days.

Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Battery Park Trail. It is free and open to the public.

What can I see along the route?

As you walk, you'll enjoy views of the Delaware River, passing ships, and the distant Delaware Memorial Bridge. Keep an eye out for waterfowl in the reedy marshland. You might even spot the Kalmar Nyckel, a replica 17th-century Swedish ship, when it's docked nearby. The trail also offers easy access to Historic New Castle's charming shops and historical sites.

Does the trail connect to other well-known paths?

Yes, the route is a section of the East Coast Greenway and also connects to the Jack A. Markell Trail, offering options to extend your outing. Other official trails along this route include the 9-11 Trail (Delaware) and USBR 201 (Delaware).

Is the trail suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! Its flat, paved surface and easy accessibility make it ideal for families with children, strollers, and even bikes. The adjacent public park is also a popular spot for picnics.

Are there amenities like restrooms or food options near the trail?

Yes, due to its proximity to Historic New Castle, you'll find charming shops, restaurants, and cafes just a short walk from the trail. Benches are also available along the route for resting.

What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the trail?

Given its location alongside the Delaware River and marshland, you're likely to see various types of waterfowl. The area is a good spot for birdwatching.

Is the Battery Park Trail a loop or an out-and-back route?

The Battery Park Trail is primarily an out-and-back route, running alongside the Delaware River. You can turn around at any point to return to your starting location.