Top 10 Most Popular 5 mile (or less) Bike Trails in Brookside, DE

Are you looking for the best 5 miles (or less) Bike trails around Brookside, Delaware?

Find the most popular shorter bike trails in Brookside; whether you're looking for an easy short bike trail or a longer bike trail, you'll find what you're looking for.

Brookside is a small Delaware neighborhood that adjoins a massive concentration of bike trails, which are essentially a publicly owned bike path system. There are two different bike trails at this particular location, which are commonly referred to as the North Trail and the South Trail. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) manages these trails in conjunction with Delaware State Parks and Recreation, and they are open to the public.

 

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1. Battery Park Trail

The trail runs 1.7 miles along the Delaware River in New Castle Battery Park. Battery Park, named after the cannons that once protected the city against coastal invasion, is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. The unassuming white railroad ticket office, built in the late 1800s to serve the defunct New Castle and Frenchtown Railroad, was restored in the 1950s and now serves as a museum.

There's no better place to enjoy the river than on the park's green. Walking and biking along a levee between reedy marsh and the river start on the green. To the Tasker Iron Works, the Gambacorta Marsh Dike was built. The trail passes Dobbinsville Park and Deemers Beach before crossing Army Creek and ending on another dike. An out-and-back trip of about 3 miles is possible via the Jack A. Markell Trail, a scenic wetlands rail trail leading north to Wilmington.

 

Battery Park Trail Facts

• States: Delaware
• Counties: New Castle
• Length: 1.7 miles
• Trail end points: Delaware Street and Army Creek
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt
• Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
• Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking

 

2. James F. Hall Trail

The James F. Hall Trail is a rail-with-trail that includes playgrounds, picnic areas, and access points. It's also non-stop from Phillips Park to Delaware Technology Park, with no roads to cross. The trail connects Newark neighborhoods to a regional transit station, the University of Delaware, and shopping centers.
Nearly every day, Amtrak, CSX, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority use the adjacent rail corridor (SEPTA).

A large fence separates the track from the active line to avoid getting too close. You'll pass three city parks (Phillips, Lewis, and Kells) on this route, each with its own unique set of amenities. The trail crosses streams, wetlands, and semi-forested areas. The trail is lit at night and has police call boxes every 0.1 miles.

East of S. Chapel Street, the 4.4-mile Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail connects to the James F. Hall Trail. This trail connects to the 5-mile Penndel Trail for hikers at White Clay Creek State Park.

James F. Hall Trail Facts

• States: Delaware
• Counties: New Castle
• Length: 1.8 miles
• Trail end points: Phillips Park at Bradford Ln. and Delaware Technology Park at Wyoming Rd. (Newark)
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt
• Trail category: Rail-Trail
• Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking

 

 

3. Newark Reservoir Trail

The Newark Reservoir, built-in 2006 to capture water from the nearby White Clay Creek watershed, has been transformed into a recreation asset, offering unrivaled views of the surrounding woods and downtown Newark. The path has become quite popular with area walkers and runners and the area's goose population, so be prepared to share the trail.
An unpaved trail leads from the reservoir to the city's William M. Redd Jr Park, which has several pathways through its wooded areas. To the south, the city is currently working on completing an off-road trail connection to the Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail through Curtis Mill Park, which should be completed by the end of 2021.

 

Newark Reservoir Trail Facts

• States: Delaware
• Counties: New Castle
• Length: 1.8 miles
• Trail end points: Old Paper Mill Road and Newark Reservoir
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt
• Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
• Activities: Bike, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking

 

4. Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail

The Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail connect the University of Delaware campus, Newark Shopping Center, DART Transit Hub, and the downtown area to White Clay Creek State Park's recreational amenities. The trail is mostly paved and relatively flat, allowing you to travel from Newark to scenic surroundings with few road crossings.
Continue on the connecting Penndel Trail off of Creek Road, which branches off the Pomeroy and Newark Rail Track to follow the west side of White Clay Creek. You can then take the James F. Hall Trail from this trail's southern end near S. Chapel Street.

 

Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail Facts

• States: Delaware
• Counties: New Castle
• Length: 4.4 miles
• Trail end points: Hopkins Rd. (White Clay Creek State Park) and James F. Hall Trail east of S. Chapel St. (Newark)
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt, Gravel
• Trail category: Rail-Trail
• Activities: Bike, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking

 

 5. Wilmington Riverwalk

Wilmington's Riverwalk trail (also known as the Christina River Walk) allows pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the city's renovated urban development along the banks of the Christina River. The boardwalk section begins with a statue of the marshy refuge's namesake, a former Delaware governor and prominent environmentalist.

A boardwalk section was built to allow trail users to explore the preserved wetlands with minimal environmental disturbance. The trail continues into New Castle, providing a scenic, flat route between the two cities.

In addition to its many benches and trail amenities, the Riverwalk offers residents and visitors beautiful views of the nearby river.

 

Wilmington Riverwalk Facts

• States: Delaware
• Counties: New Castle
• Length: 1.4 miles
• Trail end points: Rosa Parks Dr. & S Market St. and Jack A. Markell Trail (Peterson Wildlife Refuge)
• Trail surfaces: Boardwalk, Concrete
• Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
• Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking

 

6. Auburn Valley Trail

There is an asphalted loop trail through Delaware's Auburn Valley State Park, just south of the Pennsylvania border. There are tours of a former paper mill and the Marshall Mansion, which dates back to 1897 and now houses a museum collection dedicated to trains and Stanley Steam Cars.

The Auburn Valley Trail doubles as a path for steam cars, making for one of the most unusual share-the-trail scenarios you're likely to encounter.

After traversing the park's lightly wooded rolling hills, the park's short Trolley Trail and Yorklyn Bridge Trail provide additional recreation options. The Auburn Valley Trail has something for everyone, whether you want to learn about the area's history or just have a nice family picnic.

 

Auburn Valley Trail Facts

• States: Delaware
• Counties: New Castle
• Length: 1.2 miles
• Trail end points: Farm Lane and Auburn Valley State Park
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt
• Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
• Activities: Bike, Walking

 

 

7. Mill Creek Greenway (DE)

The Mill Creek Greenway is a paved multi-use path in suburban New Castle County. The trail follows a section of the creek, winding between residential neighborhoods.

The trail ends at McKennans Church Road, where the Delcastle Recreational Park and its loop trail provide fantastic opportunities to extend your recreation outing.

In addition to the trail, an asphalt sidepath along Middleton Drive connects neighborhoods to the Mill Creek's natural setting. The Mill Creek Greenway is a hidden gem of a recreation path for nearby residents, helping to link the community for cyclists and pedestrians.

 

Mill Creek Greenway (DE) Facts

• States: Delaware
• Counties: New Castle
• Length: 3.1 miles
• Trail end points: Stoney Batter Road and Duncan Road (Delcastle Recreational Park)
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt
• Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
• Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking

 

 

8. Brandywine Trail

The Brandywine Trail winds through Brandywine Creek State Park for over two miles, starting at the northern end at the entry to the Brandywine Valley area of First State National Historical Park.

The Brandywine Trail is mostly crushed stone, with some paved sections. Trail users can spot wildflowers, warblers, white-tailed deer, and other wildlife along the shaded path.

 

Brandywine Trail Facts

• States: Delaware
• Counties: New Castle
• Length: 2.9 miles
• Trail end points: Rockland Falls Rd. & Rockland Rd. and Ramsey Road
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Gravel
• Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
• Activities: Bike, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking

 

 

9. Capital City Trail

The Capital City Trail connects the three-mile Isaac Branch Greenway Trail to Dover's lovely Silver Lake Park, which has its own short trail. The trail runs through the heart of Dover, between Park Drive and the St. Jones River.

From there, it's a little walk to the historic state capitol campus, where visitors can learn about Delaware's rich history at the First State Heritage Park visitor center. From the capitol, the trail returns to concrete before turning south to follow the western side of Highway 13. This last stretch of trail isn't particularly scenic, but it connects to the Isaac Branch Greenway Trail, which takes a more wooded path closer to the river.

The Capital City Trail has something for everyone, welcoming visitors to Dover's parks and historic sites, or residents seeking a convenient commuter path.

 

Capital City Trail Facts

• States: Delaware
• Counties: Kent
• Length: 1.5 miles
• Trail end points: River Rd & Highway 13 and Park Dr (Silver Lake Park Trail)
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt, Brick, Concrete
• Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
• Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking

 

 

10. Isaac Branch Greenway Trail

The Isaac Branch Greenway Track offers over three miles of completed, paved trail, providing a mix of pleasant recreation paths and useful commuting routes.
The trail begins north of the Capital City Trail on Highway 13, near the Saint Jones River's snaky path. The trail continues along Public Safety Boulevard, passing a residential neighborhood and connector to reach President Drive under the highway.

The trail then heads south along State Route 1, but the trail is shaded by trees, which help to mask the sight if not the sound of traffic. A quarter-mile spur connects the trail to the Gateway South shopping mall on the southern side of State Route 10.

The Isaac Branch Greenway, while not as scenic as some riverside trails, is an excellent way for cyclists and pedestrians to safely navigate busy roads and highways while getting some exercise.

 

Isaac Branch Greenway Trail Facts

• States: Delaware
• Counties: Kent
• Length: 3.3 miles
• Trail end points: Highway 13 and State Route 10 (Gateway South)
• Trail surfaces: Asphalt, Concrete
• Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
• Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking