Even though Delaware is the second smallest state in the union, there is some great biking to experience here. Most of the state is rolling terrain, so dont expect a lot of mountainous climbs, but there is still plenty to challenge and interest you regardless of your experience level.
Lums Pond near Glasgow is a great ride for the entire family. This 10-mile loop is mostly easy rolling terrain. There are some bridges and even a non-paved trail that follows the creek for added interest. Watch out for equestrians and hikers and bring lots of insect repellent. Also, you might not want to ride right after a heavy rain. It can get a little muddy.
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.
Within Brandywine Creek State Park, there are lots of different trails, but not all are designated for biking. On your way in, get a map from the park office so you can stick to the bike trails because otherwise you could get a fine or even have your bike confiscated. Again, these trails can be slippery when they are wet and muddy, so use caution or postpone your ride until the trails dry up. Or stick to the trails with a foundation of wood chips. The wood chips can make things a little challenging, but the steep uphill inclines, fallen logs, rocky terrain in some areas, and one very lengthy rough descent are what more advanced riders dream of!
Another trail constructed by local residents is the Middle Run Park in Newark. There are no hills in this one, but this means you can really fly through this trail at high speeds if you’re looking for adventure. And just because it’s flat doesn’t mean there aren’t other challenges to make it fun and interesting. This series of looping trails has some technical routes that include creek crossings, fallen logs, tree roots, and rocks. Check to see if there is a fee to ride here, as there may be a charge in the summer months.
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!
With all of the beautiful forests, parks, and rivers in Delaware, you’ll never even think about the fact that there are no mountains. The magnificent scenery more than makes up for it! So what are you waiting for? Time to head out for a bike ride in our nation’s second smallest state!
