Alapocas Run State Park is a beautiful urban park in Wilmington, Delaware that features a variety of attractions and outdoor recreational activities.
The main one is the historic Alapocas Run gristmill, which was built in the late 1700s and is open to visitors for tours. But aside from this, the park also features the Alapocas Run, a scenic stream that runs through the park and features a stunning waterfall.
Spanning over 400 acres, this Delaware state park also has a number of excellent hiking and biking trails, as well as a dedicated rock climbing area, which offers challenging climbs for experienced climbers.
Additionally, it hosts several community events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. This ensures that most people who live in the area go there on a regular basis.
Activities
The park enables visitors to engage with its stunning landscape in several different ways.
Here is a short summary of some of the main attractions and activities that you can see and do while at Alapocas Run State Park in Delaware.
Alapocas Run Gristmill at Alapocas Run State Park
The Alapocas Run Gristmill is a historic building that dates all the way back to 1790, when it was used to grind grains into flour for the local community.
Today, the mill has been restored and is open for tours and educational programs. Park guests can learn about the history of the mill and the process of grinding grains into flour.
The mill is operated by water from the nearby Alapocas Run, which flows through a millrace to the mill. The millrace can be viewed from the nearby walking trail, providing visitors with a glimpse of the power source that operated the mill.
The Gristmill is a popular attraction in the park, and provides visitors with a fascinating insight into Delaware’s early agricultural history.
Waterfall at Alapocas Run State Park
Alapocas Run State Park is home to the beautiful Alapocas Falls, a stunning waterfall located in the heart of the park.
The falls are the result of the Alapocas Run, a tributary of the Brandywine Creek, cascading down a series of rocks and boulders.
To see them, park guests can take a short hike through the park’s trails to reach the falls and enjoy the picturesque views.
The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for a picnic or a peaceful break in nature. They are especially beautiful during the spring and after rainfall, when the water flow is at its highest.
In addition to the main waterfall, the park also features several smaller cascades and pools along the creek, adding to the overall beauty of the area.
Rock Climbing at Alapocas Run State Park
If you are into rock climbing, the park provides a unique opportunity to scale the Piedmont rock formations that are found throughout it.
The park’s rock climbing area is known as the Alapocas Rock Climbing Area and features over 70 established routes of varying difficulty levels. Climbers can challenge themselves on routes up to 90 feet high, making it one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the mid-Atlantic region.
Some of these routes feature fixed anchor points, bolts, and other safety equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable climbing experience. It is recommended that climbers use helmets, harnesses, and other safety equipment while climbing.
Hiking and biking at Alapocas Run State Park
Hiking and biking are also favored activities at Alapocas Run State Park.
Overall the park offers a variety of trails, that wind through its lush greenery and scenic vistas.
For hikers, the park’s Blue Ball Barn Trail is a must-see, taking visitors past the historic Blue Ball Barn and through the park’s scenic woodlands. The Paws Trail is also a pet-friendly trail that meanders through the park’s open fields and is a great option for those looking to hike with their furry friends.
Biking enthusiasts will enjoy the challenging trails that the park has to offer, including the acclaimed Rock Wall Trail. This 3-mile long trail includes steep climbs and challenging descents, which makes it a favorite among experienced riders.
In addition to the park’s trails, the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail runs through the park, providing access to miles of additional biking and hiking opportunities.
Pets
Pets are welcome at Alapocas Run State Park in Delaware, but visitors must abide by certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety of all park visitors and their pets.
For instance, pets must be kept on a leash that is no longer than six feet at all times, and visitors must clean up after their pets.
In addition, pets are not allowed in certain areas of the park, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and designated swimming areas.
It is also important for pet owners to ensure that their pets are well-behaved and do not disturb other visitors or wildlife.
For a full overview of the park’s pet policy you should contact the staff at the main office.
Camping
Alapocas Run State Park is a popular day-use park in Delaware, and it does not offer camping facilities.
However, visitors can choose to stay at one of the nearby campgrounds or RV parks. Lums Pond State Park, located about 30 minutes away, offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins.
Alternatively, White Clay Creek State Park, located about 20 minutes away, provides primitive tent camping options in designated areas.
Both parks present a range of amenities, including restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and hiking trails. While Lums Pond also has a marina where visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats.
Park Location
Alapocas Run State Park
1914 W Park Drive
Wilmington, DE 19803
Phone: 302.577.1164
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video with some drone footage of Alapocas Run State Park:
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