DE / 01 • NEWARK, NEW CASTLE COUNTY
WHITE CLAY
CREEK.
Northern Delaware’s largest state park and a local favorite for good reason: miles of rolling, flowy singletrack through creek valleys, open fields and rocky outcrops, with enough route options to ride a different loop every weekend.
37+ MI
Of trail across 13 named trails
3,600 AC
Of creek valley, woods and fields
$5 DAY
DE plates ($10 out of state). Free on bike or foot
BLUE
Mostly intermediate, a few easy rides
THE PLACE
BIG PARK. ENDLESS LOOPS.
White Clay Creek State Park covers more than 3,600 acres around the White Clay Creek valley just north of Newark, and it keeps going: across the state line the White Clay Creek Preserve in Pennsylvania continues the same valley. Delaware State Parks calls it a mountain bike paradise, with elevation changes, rock outcrops and trails ranging from easy to moderate.
For riders that means variety. Long, rolling loops like Tri-Valley and Whitely Farms, punchier stuff on the Cart Path and the skills trail, and the easy Pomeroy Newark rail trail when someone in the group just wants to spin.
MAIN ENTRANCE
750 Thompson Station Road
Newark, DE
HOURS
Open daily 8 a.m. to sunset.
FEES
$5 per day for Delaware-registered vehicles, $10 for out-of-state. Walking or riding in is free.
CONTACT
Park office: 302-368-6900
THE TRAILS
PICK A LOOP.
ANY LOOP.
MTB Project lists about 20 miles of mapped bike trail here across 11 trails. These are the ones that make up most big days.
TRI-VALLEY
The longest single trail in the system at nearly 4 miles.
WHITELY FARMS
Another long intermediate loop, in the Whitely Farms section of the park.
DAVID ENGLISH
Nearly 3 miles of intermediate singletrack.
POMEROY NEWARK
The old rail line, now a national recreation trail. Wide, easy and great for warm-ups or the kids.
Trail lengths and ratings from MTB Project. Ratings are a guide; ride what you’re comfortable with.
HOW WE RIDE IT
HOW WE RIDE IT.
There’s no single official loop here, which is half the fun. Tri-Valley, Whitely Farms, David English and Bryan’s Field link together into rides from an hour to a full morning, and the Cart Path and WCC Skills Trail add something rougher when you want it.
The network is big, so load a map on your phone before you head out.
ON CAMERA
OUR RIDES HERE.
Every video in our
White Clay playlist.
BEFORE YOU GO
RIDE IT RIGHT.
FEES + HOURS
Bring cash or a card for the vehicle fee, or grab an annual pass if you ride here a lot. Gates open at 8 a.m.
HUNTING SEASON
Some trails close during hunting season. Check the Delaware State Parks trail closure notices before you go.
SHARE THE TRAIL
This is a busy park with hikers, runners and dogs. Call out on blind corners and slow down near the trailheads.
Sources: Delaware State Parks, MTB Project. Conditions and rules change; check the official page before you ride.