Cycling Enthusiast

Bike trails abound throughout Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley — there’s a reason Delaware was named the second most bike-friendly state east of the Mississippi.
The varied landscape of New Castle County — ranging from flat terrain to gently rolling hills — is excellent for road biking, and our many beautiful parks have miles of dedicated trails to explore. 

For road bikers, the crown jewel of northern Delaware is the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway, which runs north for 12.25 miles along Routes 52 and 100, from downtown Wilmington to the Pennsylvania border. You’ll pass close by countless cultural and historic attractions, including the Delaware Art Museum, Hagley Museum and Library, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Mt. Cuba Center, the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, and the Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa. (We suggest a lunch stop at Montchanin, whose restaurant, Krazy Kat’s, serves farm-to-table cuisine in a delightfully and eccentrically cat-themed ambiance.)

Those who prefer to ride along a dedicated trail (or who have less accomplished riders and/or kids to consider) will love the Jack A. Markell (JAM) Trail. It leads from the Wilmington Riverfront (where you can rent bikes from Fin Outdoor Adventures) south for 5.5 miles, mostly along paved pathways and elevated boardwalks. The trail ends in Historic New Castle, whose colonial architecture is well worth exploring on bike or foot. For lunch in an authentic historical atmosphere, stop at Jessop’s Tavern. 

Mountain bikers will find challenging terrain in New Castle County as well. Local favorites are White Clay Creek State Park, which boasts more than 37 miles of trails from the creek’s edge to the ridge of the piedmont, and Brandywine Creek State Park, whose mountain-biking trails range widely in length and difficulty level. 

No matter whether your ride took you south, north, or along the challenging terrain of one of our state parks, we suggest finishing your day back at the Riverfront, with a filling dinner and après cycle beer at Iron Hill Brewery.

By the way, if you’re looking for guided experiences or just want some local expertise along for your trip, consider signing up for a ride with the White Clay Bicycle Club. The club’s busy schedule makes it easy to join an event year-round.