A Relaxing Oasis

The lush greenery and sparkling streams of White Clay Creek State Park offer a refreshing change of pace from the encroaching urban development of New Castle County. Whether it's an activity at the Carpenter Recreation Area, a retreat into the pristine White Clay Creek Preserve, a hike along the peaceful trails of Possum Hill, or just a few hours of fishing in the creek, visitors of all ages will enjoy the natural beauty of the White Clay Valley.

White Clay Creek State Park was created in 1968 when the state purchased 24 acres of land. The park has since grown to 3384 scenic acres in the continuing effort to preserve and protect the natural resources of the valley.

Scenic Trails

Of the many activities available at the park, hiking is one of the most popular. Thirty-seven miles of trails lead explorers to scenic vistas overlooking lush valleys and impressive rock outcrops.

Hikers and mountain bike riders can travel two miles by trail from the Judge Morris Estate, through the county-owned Middle Run Valley Natural Area, to Possum Hill. Follow the Lifecourse Fitness Trail in Carpenter Recreation Area to help stay physically fit, or hike the former rail line, now the Pomeroy Rail-Trail, to the pedestrian bridge over White Clay Creek.

Hikers can also stroll through history at this beautiful park.  The Twin Valley Trail leads hikers to the Arc Corner Monument, which marks one end of the curved boundary between Pennsylvania and Delaware. The monument in the Possum Hill section of the park replaces a lost wooden post that Mason & Dixon called "Post Marked West (PMW)."  From there, the famous survey team ran a line due west that stretched over 200 miles.  The section that lies west of the Maryland-Delaware boundary, is the Maryland-Pennsylvania boundary that is better known as known as the Mason-Dixon Line.

Activities

White Clay Creek State Park offers a variety of other activities throughout the year. The Nature Center hosts a number of interesting and educational interpretive programs. Many outdoor activities are also available at the park, including birdwatching (Delaware Birdlist) and disc golf.

A large picnic area and pavilion afford a special place for a barbecue with family and friends. Evening concerts and other special events provide entertainment throughout the summer. Sledding and cross-country skiing are among the many wintertime activities available at the park.

This page last updated 9/4/2007

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Preservation

White Clay Creek State Park is the legacy of a dynamic partnership forged among government agencies, private citizens, conservation organizations, and corporations to protect the natural resources of the White Clay Creek Valley. The timeless beauty of this region is sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor to White Clay Creek State Park.

The White Clay Creek watershed is one of only a few relatively unspoiled, ecologically-functioning river systems in the urbanized corridor between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Newark, Delaware. To protect this great resource, the White Clay Creek watershed became part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System in June 2001. Wild and Scenic River designation will ensure for generations to come that the White Clay will continue to be a resource of national significance and a local treasure.