We have been hiking in the Brandywine State Park often, for many years. We have several favorite approaches to various hiking trails in different parts of the park. Since you have to pay for parking for part of the year ( March -November) sometimes we park in free areas and hike to the trail heads. It is always beautiful and interesting. Some trails require hopping over the creek, climbing hills, most are obviously unpaved but there is an asphalt covered handicapped friendly road along the Brandywine river.The nature in the park is fantastic. Many species of flora and fauna. We like the ancient Tulip tree forest, a pleasant place for a walk.The State Park is now adjacent to the new National Park.

November 8, 2025 - Beautiful park. About a 2 mile paved walking trail. There are also natural trails off of the paved trail some go along the water. It had rained the night before so the trails were a little muddy and the wet leaves made things slippery so I stuck to the paved trail. One trailhead has restrooms and picnic tables. They allow bow and arrow deer hunting season but it is clearly marked. A family of deer crossed my path right in front of me. You can see one deer jumping across the path in one picture. The mom and baby crossed in front of me and I could hear rustling in the woods so I waited patiently for the dad to appear. Very peaceful. When the trails are not muddy, make sure you explore off on them. This is part of the Delaware Greenway system - make sure you check out all the other paths.

The indoor bathrooms were closed when I visited, and the trails were overgrown, which was more disturbing after seeing the tick warning sign. Didn’t have pants on or bug spray. Parts of the trails were also a bit overgrown, but it was pretty to see the creek once we finally got there. I think I meant to go to Brandywine Park instead, which is near downtown Wilmington has many more open spaces along the water. I highly recommend going there instead.

I am neutral about this park. Some of the views are great and the forests were quiet and beautiful. The struggle I had was with figuring the trails out (they are not well marked). You do have to pay to park here ($4 for in state residents, $8 for out of state residents). Staff were friendly and there are restrooms available along with a small gift selection.

I visited because there are parts of this area that have recently become part of the NPS's First State NHP. The visitor center houses the Passport Stamp. The staff at the visitor center was helpful and the area was beautiful.