Northern Delaware Greenway Trail - Wilmington

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2023 Photo Contest Winner: Health and Fitness. Photo by Terri Jones, Delaware Greenways

Scenic views of the Alapocas Run Blue Rocks along the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail. Photo by Delaware State Parks.

New erosion control structure diverts runoff off the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail to allow for sustainable use. Photo by Delaware State Parks.

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The Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, constructed in the segment with the most recent section, was completed in 2009. The trail links existing parks between the Delaware River and the Brandywine River. The purpose of the Greenway trail is to help protect water quality, safeguard historic and cultural resources, improve air quality, maintain plant and animal biodiversity, sustain and enhance Delaware's scenic beauty, and provide space for recreation and active transportation. The trail serves many people in the greater Wilmington area, giving residents in nearby neighborhoods easy access to parkland.

Trail stewards serve an important role in maintaining the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail. The trail stewards are the eyes and ears for the trail managers. They assist trail users with directions and advice, promote the use of the trail, report trail conditions, and assess visitor needs and safety concerns. All trail stewards are volunteers and they choose their own time to perform their service. In return, they receive an identification badge, gear, and free entrance into all Delaware State Parks.

Linked together by the trail, Bellevue State Park, Bringhurst Woods, Rockwood Park, Alapocas Run State Park, and Brandywine Park, are the trail's foundation.

In Brandywine Park, the trail is a wide, paved surface. Trail users can take in views of the Brandywine River, and Jasper Crane Rose Garden, or use the trail to walk to the Brandywine Zoo. A connecting trail leads along Kentmere Parkway to the Delaware Art Museum and Rockford Park.

In Alapocas Run State Park, the trail is wide and may have a crushed stone or paved surface. Trail users can experience Piedmont forests and streams, open spaces, historic features, and recreation areas. Connecting pathways lead from Rockland Road to West Park Drive, Augustine Cut-off to West Park Drive, and Rockford Road to Hill Road.

In Bellevue State Park, the trail is a wide, paved surface. Bike rentals are available at Bellevue State Park, and a special adaptive tricycle is available for teenagers and adults with disabilities. From the Cauffiel House, a Colonial revival-style home, catch panoramic views of the Delaware River and Fox Point State Park. The trail passes the historic Mount Pleasant Meeting House and Parsonage, and Bellevue Hall mansion and its gardens which was the former estate of William H. DuPont, Jr. Follow the trail as it winds through wooded areas, fields, and over brooks. The trail connects to the former horse track, now a popular walking oval. A connector trail begins on Carr Road at the Corporate Center entrance, continuing along Carr Road and into Bellevue State Park.

The trail crosses Marsh Road and then enters Bringhurst Woods Park eventually leading into Rockwood Park. From Rockford Park, along Washington Street, connector trails lead to the Rockwood Museum, a Gothic revival-style home built by Joseph Shipley, a Quaker merchant banker.

Allowed Uses:

Other Activities

• Heritage and history
• Wildlife viewing / observation

• Certified as an NRT
  May 29, 2013