Great Places to Ride Your Bike in The First State
August 27th, 2009 by Pat Walker, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
Delaware was the very first state (of the original 13) to ratify the Constitution of the United States of America. And though it’s a tiny state-the second smallest in our nation-you’ll still find plenty of biking trails to make this a great biking destination. This small wonder is filled with rolling hills and fun challenges for bikers of all levels.
Take the whole family out to Lums Pond not far from Glasgow and enjoy a hilly 10-mile route that loops back to where you started. You can venture onto a dirt trail near the creek if you want, and there are bridges along the way to enhance the view. This trail can get muddy after heavy rains, though, so you may want to wait until the trails have dried up a bit before starting out. And be sure to bring bug spray. The insects can get a little aggressive. This trail is also used by horseback riders and hikers.
Local residents built a 10-mile bike trail abutting the Brandywine Creek State Park. Called Woodlawn Trustees, this trail area is not far from Wilmington and makes for a great ride with pleasant views. The fields and trees are especially beautiful and interesting during the summer and fall. And once you get started, you can head right on into the state park, as well, if you want to.
The trails within the Brandywine Creek State Park are more varied and rugged. Some have rocky sections, fallen logs, steep inclines, and there is one extended rocky trek downhill. Other trails are wider and covered with wood chips. Not all the trails are for biking, however. So be sure you check in at the park office and pick up a map. Bikers on non-designated trails are subject to fines or having their bikes confiscated.
In Newark you’ll find another section of trails built by area residents. Middle Run Park features multiple loops and lots of flat terrain that lets you pick up speed fast. It also has some technical stretches that include creek crossings, rocks, roots, and logs. You can ride one or more of the looping trails to make your ride quick and easy or long and extended-whichever you prefer. Check to see if there is a fee for the area, though, as this can vary based on the time of year.
Also in Newark, you’ll find one of the best technical trails for advanced riders anywhere along the entire East coast of our nation. Not far from the university, White Clay Creek features a 10-mile network of complex trails with steep drops and skinnies, rapid downhill descents, teeter-totter bridges, and fallen logs. These exciting trails are always being updated and maintained, and they’re worth a special trip to Delaware!
So Delaware doesn’t have any mountains. It does have beautiful parks, forests, rivers, and bridges-and the scenery is still awesome. So if you’re headed to Delaware, don’t forget to bring your bike and gear!
