However you plan to spend your time outdoors now that the weather is warmer, don’t sleep on the ample opportunities to bike through Delaware among the state’s cycling trails.
Whether you prefer a paved path or a rugged ride through the woods, Delaware’s bike trails are bound to have a journey fit for you.
Here’s where you can cycle in the First State, along with some new trails to look forward to.
Capital City Trail
Dover’s Capital City Trail offers a 4.5-mile route for walking, running and biking through the city and connects visitors to local historic attractions, parks, Dover Air Force Base and government offices.
This trail merges with the Silver Lake Trail at Division Street, past Legislative Hall and along Court Street to the Isaac Branch Trail and the Public Safety Boulevard Pathway.
Georgetown-Lewes Trail
The Georgetown-Lewes Trail features 10 miles of paths for cycling or walking. It includes a network of trails surrounding Lewes and Rehoboth, with plans to expand.
The trail currently extends from Gills Neck Road to Fisher Road. One extension is complete, the 17-mile trail will connect Lewes and Georgetown — with access to the Junction & Breakwater Trail from Lewes to Rehoboth Beach — and from Lewes into Cape Henlopen State Park,making it the single longest trail in Delaware, according to Delaware Greenways.
Isaac Branch Trail
The Isaac Branch Trail is a 2.6-mile asphalt segment of the St. Jones River Greenway that is designed for pedestrians and cyclists of diverse abilities.
The trail runs along the St. Jones River. Future expansion of the St. Jones River Greenway is expected to add a 14-mile-long riverside pathway that links the greater Dover area to the Delaware Bay.
James F. Hall Trail
The James F. Hall Trail in Newark is part of the Newark Bikeways’ Central Loop. It runs along the Amtrak railroad and passes through three of the city’s parks.
The 1.8-mile trail is paved and lighted, connecting locals to a transit station, the University of Delaware and shopping centers. The path also features adult exercise equipment and connects to the Pomeroy and Newark rail trails.
The path is a section of the East Coast Greenway, which covers 3,000 miles across 15 states — and has been designated a National Recreation Trail.
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Michael N. Castle Trail
The Michael N. Castle Trail in Bear provides a scenic route along the north shore of the Chesapeake &Delaware Canal. It is named after former United States Congressman and Governor Michael N. Castle.
The 12.1-mile trail is paved, has three trailheads and features amenities like benches, landscaping and kiosk comfort stations. Some sections of the trail are suitable for horseback riding. According to Delaware Greenways, the popular path sees 200,000 visitors annually.
Delaware State Parks
Delaware’s state parks system features 17 locations around the state suitable for various activities, including biking.
Looking for beachy views? There’s a state park trail for that.
Into a woodsier experience with forests and wildlife? There are plenty of state park trails for that, too.
Whatever you’re looking for, there’s bound to be a state park nearby with trails suitable for your biking desires.
Bike trail projects
In recent years, some of Delaware’s trails have been extended and remodeled to provide better accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists.
Here are updates on existing cycling trail projects around the state.:
Augustine Cut Off
As part of the Delaware Department of Transportation’s efforts to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in the state, the agency has prioritized improvements along the busy Augustive Cut Off in Wilmington.
The proposed plan includes connecting Trolley Square to the Incyte Campus, the trail network north of Route 202 and the Wilmington Friends School.
According to DelDOT, the study for the project is complete. Design changes that have occurred since the last public workshop include the removal of the crosswalk at the proposed Incyte expansion.
The project does not have a timeline yet, but a final study is available on DelDOT’s website for the project, said Charles McLeod, DelDOT’s director of community relations.
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Brandywine Heritage Trail
This 6-mile Brandywine Heritage Trail would connect the end of Brandywine Park at Market Street in Wilmington to the Brandywine Creek State Park and First State National Historical Park that extends into Pennsylvania.
The trail remains in the planning stages, with little movement on the project since last May, according to Delaware Greenways.
Jack A. Markell Trail
The Jack A. Markell Trail, also known as the “JAM” Trail, is named after the former governor and is a 5.5-mile path connecting the Wilmington Riverfront to New Castle’s Battery Park. It takes visitors through the Christina River’s tidal marsh refuge and over a 3,300-foot elevated boardwalk to historic New Castle.
In early 2023, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer announced that JAM trail extensions were in the works.
JAM expansion includes connecting it to Commons Boulevard, called the Commons Boulevard Pathway. As of mid-April, the county is negotiating easem*nts for the construction of phase 2 of the project, which focuses on a side path parallel to Commons Boulevard between Route 141 and Airport Road, said Brian Cunningham, a spokesperson for New Castle County.
Newport to Newark Pathway/Newport River Trail
For the past few years, New Castle County government has been involved in efforts to add a 2.3-mile extension, the Newport River Trail, to the JAM trail that would eventually connect Newport and Newark, providing access to open spaces, river viewsheds, parks and wildlife areas.
Last year, the project was in its final design phase. As of mid-April, the county is working on environmental and other permitting required for the project. The grant agreement with DelDOT is expected to conclude during the summer, said Cunningham.
Iron Hill Park to Glasgow Park pathway
Part of New Castle County’s Connecting Communities Initiative, a project to connect Iron Hill Park to Glasgow Park was created. The project would include a system of shared-use pathways within the Route 72 and Route 896 corridor.
As of mid-April, the pathway’s feasibility study was in its final phase, with the final report expected to be available soon, according to Cunningham.
Wilmington Loop
The Wilmington Loop is a proposed project that would create a continuous community trail around Wilmington. It could become the longest trail in Delaware, at 15.6 miles, and would be a natural extension of the Life Science Loop and seamlessly connect the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail and the JAM trail; Wilmington, Newport and New Castle; and multiple National Heritage sites.
The project is still in the early stages and has yet to begin fundraising for a planning study, according to Delaware Greenways.
Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin atkgriffin@delawareonline.com.
