Whether you’re fixing to hike through the woods, relax by the creek, or explore some of Delaware’s most historic sites, White Clay Creek State Park is a terrific place to visit.
Situated in Newark, the park comprises 3,647 beautiful acres within the pristine White Clay Creek Valley.
Made up of lush forests, undulating hills and airy, open fields, it is a perfect spot for hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife watching.
One of the park’s main attractions is the White Clay Creek, a popular spot for fishing and tubing during the summer months. It is also home to several historic sites, including the Judge Morris Estate, which features a restored 18th-century home and gardens.
Visitors to this Delaware state park can also enjoy several other amenities including picnic areas, playgrounds, and a nature center.
While there are no camping facilities directly onsite, there are several campgrounds in the surrounding area in which you can base yourself.
Activities
This picturesque park provides visitors with several different ways to enjoy its diverse landscape.
Presented below is a brief synopsis of some of the most popular outdoor recreational activities you can enjoy while at White Clay Creek State Park.
Fishing at White Clay Creek State Park
One of the main reasons people come to the park is to fish in its streams and ponds.
Trout fishing is particularly popular at White Clay Creek, with the park’s streams stocked annually with rainbow, brown, and brook trout. The trout fishing season typically begins in early April and lasts through September.
In addition to trout, the park’s streams and ponds also provide opportunities for bass fishing, with both largemouth and smallmouth bass found in its waterways.
Catfish and sunfish are also plentiful, and can be caught using a variety of baits and lures.
Judge Morris Estate at White Clay Creek State Park
Judge Morris Estate is one of many historic properties located within White Clay Creek State Park.
A unique and picturesque venue, the estate is named after Judge Hugh M. Morris, a prominent Delawarean who lived in the house from the 1920s until his death in 1966.
Built in 1790, it features a classic Georgian architecture style and can be viewed through guided tours. These tours also incorporate a large, landscaped garden, a stone patio, and a pergola.
Hiking at White Clay Creek State Park
White Clay Creek State Park is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts. Overall it offers more than 37 miles of trails that are open to hikers of all skill and fitness levels.
Ranging from easy to a strenuous degree of difficulty, these trails enable visitors to explore the diverse landscape of the park which includes rolling hills and dense forest.
Most visitors to the park attempt the Pomeroy Rail Trail. This easy, 2.5-mile path follows the former route of the Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington Railroad and presents a flat, level surface that is pretty straightforward to traverse.
For those who want something a bit more challenging, the White Clay Creek Trail is a 7.5-mile trail that follows the creek through the park’s forested areas. This trail is rated as moderate, and hikers will encounter some rocky terrain and stream crossings along the way.
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing the hiking trails at White Clay Creek State Park:
Disc Golfing at White Clay Creek State Park
The park is home to one of the best disc golf courses in the region, providing a unique and challenging experience for players of all abilities. Its 18-hole course features tee boxes and baskets located throughout its picturesque landscape.
The course winds through a wooded area, offering players the opportunity to play around trees and over hills. It is open year-round, although most people play in the spring, summer, and fall when the foliage is at its most colorful.
Players can bring their own discs or rent them from the park office. In addition, there are several tournaments and events held throughout the year at the park.
Picnicking at White Clay Creek State Park
While at the park, many people choose to enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
Scattered throughout it, the park has several designated picnic areas that offer scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their meals.
One of the most popular is the Possum Hill Picnic Area, which you will find near the park office. Overall, it has 25 picnic tables, three large grills, and a playground for children, making it a perfect family eating area.
Pets
Pets are allowed at the park, although there are certain rules and regulations in place that relate to their presence.
Dogs are expected to be well behaved and restrained on a leash at all times and owners are required to clean up after they have made a mess.
There are also certain areas of the park where pets are not allowed including the park buildings and the Judge Morris Estate.
If you intend to bring your pet with you to the park it might be a good idea to contact the main office for further clarification of their pet policy.
Camping
While White Clay Creek State Park does not offer any camping facilities, there are several campgrounds located near the park that offer a variety of amenities and activities.
One option is Lums Pond State Park, which is located just 20 minutes away from White Clay Creek State Park. This park has several campgrounds that offer both primitive and full hook-up campsites. It also presents several opportunities for recreational activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and disc golfing.
Another nearby campground is the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort. This is just 15 minutes from White Clay Creek State Park and has a variety of camping options, including tent and RV sites and cabin rentals.
If you stay here you will also be able to make use of a swimming pool, playground, arcade, and mini-golf course.
Park Location
White Clay Creek State Park
Park Office, 750 Thompson Station Rd
Newark, DE 19711
Phone: 302.368.6900
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