The afternoon managed deer hunt scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 16, at Brandywine Creek State Park has been canceled. The park office will open at noon Wednesday. The Dec. 16 morning managed shotgun hunt will proceed as scheduled with an on-site lottery for pin and stand sites at the Hawk Watch pavilion at 5 a.m. Those interested in entering the lottery must arrive by 4:30 a.m. to register.
Known for its meadowland views and blue gneiss stone walls built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Brandywine Creek State Park sits within northern Delaware’s piedmont region with more than 14 miles of trail and a remnant old-growth forest. Brandywine Creek State Park oversees four Nature Preserves including Flint Woods, the Carney Tract, Tulip Tree Woods and Fresh Water Marsh. Chipmunks can often be seen around the park’s stone walls, which were used to mark property lines when the land supported a rich agricultural industry. Another popular industry that once took place on the park lands was milling along the park’s namesake creek. The rolling meadows provide habitat to native pollinators, ground nesting birds and rare native plants, some of which can be seen by taking a stroll through the pollinator garden. American Kestrels, Blue Birds and Eastern Meadowlark are common sights for birders. Wilson’s Run is stocked annually for anglers and the sweeping meadows are perfect for disc golf.
Anglers can fish for small mouth bass, bluegill, and crappie in Brandywine Creek, and for trout in Wilson’s Run (fishing license and trout stamp required). Canoeing, kayaking and tubing are also popular ways to experience the Brandywine. Canoeing is offered through the park's interpretive programs, and local outfitters rent canoes, kayaks and tubes.
The park maintains trails for fitness, wildlife observation, and photography; try the Rocky Run Trail or the Brandywine Trail that winds along the creek.
The open meadows are excellent for picnics, kite flying, and disc golf, and in the winter, for sledding and cross-country skiing.
An extensive meadow management program, active bluebird population program, and variety of habitats make Brandywine Creek State Park an outstanding place to see wildflowers, songbirds, deer, and other flora and fauna. Many species of hawks can be seen migrating over the valley from mid-September to mid-November.
Tulip Tree Woods Nature Preserve – surrounded by a three-foot stone wall this nature preserve contains old growth Tulip Poplar. This forest canopy also includes American Beech, Red Oak, Black Oak, and White Oak. The forest floor is carpeted with spring ephemeral wildflowers including Nodding Trillium, and Blood Root.
Amenities: Loop Trail (pedestrian only), parking at Nature Center parking lot, bathrooms in Nature Center
Acreage: 24 acres
Flint Woods Nature Preserve – The Flint Woods Nature Preserve protects over 40 acres of mature Piedmont hardwood forest. The Preserve contains a Golden Saxifrage Forested Seep Community, of which there are fewer than six known to occur in the state. It serves as an anchor, along with Brandywine Creek State Park to the south, for more than 2,000 acres of protected lands (including 1100 acres of Conservation Easements and private Nature Preserves) creating a corridor between Brandywine Creek State Park and open space in Pennsylvania’s portion of the Brandywine Creek watershed. Six first order streams that ultimately flow to Brandywine Creek originate on the Flint Woods Nature Preserve. Two of these flow northward into Pennsylvania.
Amenities: Loop Trail (pedestrian only), parking along Rt. 52 in Centreville, DE
Acreage: 138 acres
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
6:00 PM
Ring in the start of spring at Brandywine Creek State Park. Explore the science of the spring equinox and the changing of the seasons. Hike through the meadows and learn what animals might be up to in early spring! Register over the phone at (302) 655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Friday, March 22, 2024
10:00 AM
Bring your little ones while we enjoy the sights and sounds of the stroller friendly Brandywine Trail. The walk is open to all as we take in nature at a leisurely pace. This program will meet at Thompson’s Bridge parking lot. Register over the phone at (302) 655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Saturday, March 23, 2024
10:00 AM
Fires aren’t always the worst thing to happen to a landscape, they can be incredibly rejuvenating. Take a hike through the meadows and learn about controlled burns. We’ll discuss why burning is good for the meadows and bad for invasive species! Register over the phone at (302) 655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Saturday, March 23, 2024
1:00 PM
Come on a grand adventure across the park! Visit several historic sites and learn the purposes they have served over the years. Discover what makes this a Historic Vernacular Landscape. This hike will be around 2 miles over several steep hills in the meadows. $6 per person, register online.
Monday, March 25, 2024
8:00 PM
Join the park's naturalists for a hike under the wide open skies and look for the beautiful full moon. Learn a bit about the moon and some of the folklore that it stars in. Discover where the moon's nicknames come from. Online registration closes 24 hours before the program. $6 per person
Thursday, March 28, 2024
10:00 AM
Explore some of the lesser known parts of Brandywine Creek on the Hidden Gems Hike. We’ll hike the Creekside Trail to explore the creek habitat. This program will meet at the Thompsons Bridge parking lot. This is a moderate hike with uneven terrain that is about 3 miles. Register over the phone at (302)655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Saturday, March 30, 2024
8:00 AM
The monthly bird walk is back on the last Saturday of every month! Our expert volunteer birder from the Delaware Ornithological Society will lead the group, providing tips and advice to all interested bird watchers. Register over the phone at (302) 655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Saturday, April 6, 2024
10:00 AM
Spring ephemerals are short lived wildflowers that emerge in early spring before the leaves on the trees have fully opened. Come explore the forest and learn about the spring ephemerals that can be found in the park. Register over the phone at (302)655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Saturday, April 6, 2024
2:00 PM
Join the naturalists to prepare for the April 8th partial Solar Eclipse. Learn about the science of eclipses and create your own type of eclipse viewer. Register over the phone at (302) 655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission but registration is required.
Monday, April 8, 2024
1:00 PM
Come join us at the park for some unique solar system activities! Delaware will experience a partial solar eclipse, with the peak occurring at about 3:15 p.m. The eclipse is not something to watch with the naked eye, so be sure to bring your eclipse viewing devices! Check our social media for more information. Free with park admission!
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
9:30 AM
Calling all park loving 3-6 year olds! Join the naturalists for a fun new weekday morning program series. Each month we'll explore a different topic with a story, craft and (if the weather is good) an outdoor adventure! Register online, spaces limited, $5 per child.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
5:30 PM
Calling all park loving 3-6 year olds! Join the naturalists for a fun new weekday morning program series. Each month we'll explore a different topic with a story, craft and (if the weather is good) an outdoor adventure! Register online, spaces limited, $5 per child.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
11:30 AM
Birding is a rewarding activity, but may seem overwhelming to newcomers. Bring your lunch and join the naturalists on the back porch of the Nature Center to watch for birds and learn some tips about birding! Discover the ins and outs of bird feeders and their upkeep. The program will meet in the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302) 655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Saturday, April 13, 2024
12:00 PM
Let's go fly a kite! Come enjoy the wind at Hawk Watch and try your hand at kite flying. Please bring your own kite. Check our Facebook page for up-to-date information. Free with park admission.
Thursday, April 18, 2024
10:00 AM
Explore some of the lesser known parts of Brandywine Creek on the Hidden Gems Hike. the rocky forests on the steep hillside along the Longwall Trail. This is a moderate hike with rocky terrain that is about 3 miles. Register over the phone at (302)655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Saturday, April 20, 2024
12:00 PM
Water quality is an important indicator for stream health. Stop by between 12 and 2 p.m to go netting for creatures and test the water quality of Wilson’s Run, by the park entrance. Register over the phone at (302)655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
8:00 PM
Join the park's naturalists for a hike under the wide open skies and look for the beautiful full moon. Learn a bit about the moon and some of the folklore that it stars in. Discover where the moon's nicknames come from. Online registration closes 24 hours before the program. $6 per person
Saturday, April 27, 2024
8:00 AM
The monthly bird walk is back on the last Saturday of every month! Our expert volunteer birder from the Delaware Ornithological Society will lead the group, providing tips and advice to all interested bird watchers. Register over the phone at (302) 655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
1:00 PM
Join the naturalist for a hike exploring some of the ruins and remnants of the park's Quaker past. Enjoy the beauty and interesting stories of this historic landscape under the golden light of a summer evening. Leaving from the Hawk Watch parking lot, this program will discuss the farmers, millers, and community leaders who called this place home. $6 per person, register online.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
10:00 AM
Hike through the Tulip Tree Woods down to the Hidden Pond while enjoying the sights and sounds of spring! Learn about the history and ecology of the area and find the mysterious Hidden Pond. This is a 2 mile rocky and hilly trail. Be sure to bring a full water bottle. The program will meet at the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302)655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Saturday, May 11, 2024
11:30 AM
Birding is a rewarding activity, but may seem overwhelming to newcomers. Bring your lunch and join the naturalists on the back porch of the Nature Center to watch for birds and learn some tips about birding! Discover the ins and outs of bird feeders and their upkeep. The program will meet in the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302) 655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
9:30 AM
Calling all park loving 3-6 year olds! Join the naturalists for a fun new weekday morning program series. Each month we'll explore a different topic with a story, craft and (if the weather is good) an outdoor adventure! Register online, spaces limited, $5 per child.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
5:30 PM
Calling all park loving 3-6 year olds! Join the naturalists for a fun new weekday morning program series. Each month we'll explore a different topic with a story, craft and (if the weather is good) an outdoor adventure! Register online, spaces limited, $5 per child.
Thursday, May 16, 2024
11:30 AM
Birding is a rewarding activity, but may seem overwhelming to newcomers. Bring your lunch and join the naturalists on the back porch of the Nature Center to watch for birds and learn some tips about birding! Discover the ins and outs of bird feeders and their upkeep. The program will meet in the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302) 655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
1:00 PM
Wander back in time with the naturalists to one of the old tenant farms. See how the land has changed and explore the ruins of the old Indian Springs Farm. Learn the history of this farm as well as the surrounding area during the turn of the 20th century. This hike will be about a mile over rocky, muddy, and hilly terrain. $6 per person, register online.
Thursday, May 23, 2024
9:00 PM
Join the park's naturalists for a hike under the wide open skies and look for the beautiful full moon. Learn a bit about the moon and some of the folklore that it stars in. Discover where the moon's nicknames come from. Online registration closes 24 hours before the program. $6 per person
Saturday, May 25, 2024
8:00 AM
The monthly bird walk is back on the last Saturday of every month! Our expert volunteer birder from the Delaware Ornithological Society will lead the group, providing tips and advice to all interested bird watchers. Register over the phone at (302) 655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with park admission.