
A portion of the Twin Valley/Mason Dixon Trail is closed until further notice. A bridge spanning a ravine was destroyed by a fallen tree, and the bridge is not safe. Please access the Arc Corner Monument from the Carpenter Trailhead. Posted 10/21/19
White Clay Creek is the most heavily stocked water in the state of Delaware! Try fly-fishing, or casting your line from the creek’s edge. The park offers catch-and-release fishing for largemouth bass, and Smith Mill Pond offers accessible docks for anglers of all abilities.
With 37+ miles of trails, this is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, runners, and mountain bikers! Hikers of all abilities can enjoy paved trails, and historical monuments throughout the park tell the history of White Clay and the state of Delaware.
Visit the 200-year-old Chambers House Nature Center to learn the history of the park and the natural and cultural resources of this piedmont stream valley. Hike along the creek trail to enjoy views of the creek, wildlife and geologic outcroppings.
White Clay Creek is a nationally-designated Wild and Scenic River. Check out the spring wildflowers that bloom along the creek, including trout lily, spring beauty, bloodroot, nodding trillium, and mayapple.
The disc golf course at the Carpenter Recreation Area is an 18-round course that meanders through wooded areas. Even better: the course is located near picnic areas and pavilions!
Hike or mountain bike this trail for great wildlife viewing opportunities and access to hunting and fishing areas. For advanced bikers, there is a challenging mountain biking skills course. Don’t forget to check out the Post Mark’d West!
The land that is today known as White Clay Creek State Park includes parts of the boundary line made famous by Mason and Dixon, who began their historic survey at “a post mark’d west,” a location that lies within the park.
As overdevelopment in the northern part of the state became a matter of increasing concern in the late 1960s, the state began to purchase lands adjoining a small recreational park, which in 1975 became known as Walter S. Carpenter State Park. State land acquisitions and donations from the Du Pont family and others eventually enlarged the park to over 3,600 acres. It was renamed White Clay Creek State Park in 1995. The White Clay Creek was named a National Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service in 2000, which added an additional layer of protection to the area.
The Division of Parks and Recreation is beginning the process of creating a master plan for White Clay Creek State Park. The purpose of this master plan is to provide a vision and a framework for the stewardship and use of the park.
Millstone and Cattail Ponds offer year-round fishing for bluegill and crappie, and a catch-and-release program for largemouth bass. The White Clay Creek offers anglers the opportunity to fish for stocked rainbow and brown trout. Trout fishing opens the first Saturday in April. A fishing license is required at all times when fishing. A trout stamp is required April through June 30th and again October through November. The creek closes to all fishing two weeks prior to the opening day of trout season. Get information on fishing permits..
Over 37 miles of trails lead explorers to historic sites and scenic vistas overlooking lush valleys and impressive rock outcrops. Hikers and mountain bikers enjoy the large number of easy-to-moderate trails throughout the park. Of special interest are those at Possum Hill and the Judge Morris Estate, along with the Pomeroy Rail-Trail, which runs alongside White Clay Creek.
Built in 1790, the former home of Delaware native Judge Hugh M. Morris is perfect for weddings, private parties, and business gatherings. Private tours of the Judge Morris Estate are available for groups up to 15 people. Multiple tours can be arranged for larger groups. Hold your event at the Judge Morris Estate
Monday, June 21, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Join us this week to explore the creek and surrounding forest valley in search of wildlife and fun. Nature can be the best playground and classroom. Come make friends while playing in and around the creek. Nature games and crafts will be a part of this camp.
Monday, June 28, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Frogs are hopping, birds are chirping and the creek is flowing during this fun summer camp! Campers will dig deeper into our animal world at the creek with nets searching for frogs and toads, and on hikes looking for owls and forest friends. Plenty of creek time, active games, crafts and time outside.
Monday, June 28, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Ever wonder if you have what it takes to survive in the wild? This week is all about learning the skills needed to help you in a wilderness setting. Campers will use a map to find their way, make survival bracelets and participate in lots of outdoor activities.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Spend the week exploring the creek! Meet new friends and make fun crafts! Play awesome outdoor games as we discover the habitats of the animals in the park.
Monday, July 12, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Explore the enchanted “kingdom” of the White Clay Valley during this week of crafting fairy homes and castles, and use your imagination during many other themed crafts and games. Visitors to camp may include our Natural Resource “Knights” and Naturalist Forest “Fairy.”
Monday, July 12, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Enjoy exploring outdoor sports here at White Clay Creek with hiking, tubing and beginner mountain biking. (Mountain bikes are available to borrow or bring your own.) We’ll wrap up the week with a bike ride to a cool spot in town. Campers must bring a properly fitted, CPSC-approved helmet and be able to swim.
Monday, July 19, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Campers will explore the differences between wild animals and pets and how we care for both. There will be plenty of time for outdoor play near the creek this week! Animal themed crafts and live animal guests will be a part of this camp.
Monday, July 19, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Park Rangers have an exciting and important job when it comes to protecting and conserving our park. Spend the week exploring the park through the eyes of a Park Ranger, which includes meeting wildlife guests, animal tracking, and special conservation activities.
Monday, July 26, 2021 at 9:00 AM
This camp is specifically designed for experienced bikers with six or more miles of all-terrain experience. Join other avid young bikers from the region for a week-long mountain biking experience. The week includes rides all around at White Clay Creek and Middle Run Trails. Bike repair, riding techniques and coolin’ off in the creek are all part of this week. Campers should bring their own mountain bike (bikes are also available to borrow), a properly fitted, CPSC-approved helmet, bike gloves and be able to swim.
Monday, July 26, 2021 at 9:00 AM
There is nothing like a summer splash in the creek! Campers enjoy a week full of creek play, making and floating their own boats, animal crafts, and enjoying what nature has to offer with their new friends.
Monday, August 2, 2021 at 9:00 AM
The creek and its surrounding areas offer lots of natural materials to be used for crafts and activities! During this fun-filled week learn about the creek’s gems, conduct cool experiments, and of course enjoy time playing in and around the creek.
Monday, August 2, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Are you familiar with things like obsidian and mycelium in the virtual world? How great would it be to see and touch the real thing in the natural world? Explore many amazing geologic and natural features of the Earth with a week of hands-on construction and experimentation, along with plenty of time for fun at the creek.
Monday, August 9, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Argh you ready for a pirate week? Spend your “shipwrecked” days searching for treasure, panning for gems and meeting new pirate friends while learning about the incredible treasures that make up our natural world.
Monday, August 9, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Enjoy a little bit of everything in this fun-filled camp! Pan for creek gems, make nature gnomes, play games, hike through the park, create amazing art and go fishing for awesome fun. Must be able to swim.
Monday, August 16, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Join us on an expedition in this action packed week of exploring the creek and woods. Learn about wildlife this week through awesome outdoor games, crafts and lots of creek time!