Picture of Brandywine Creek State Park

Brandywine Creek State Park


Special Notice: Afternoon Managed Hunt Canceled

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.

About the Park

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.

On the Water

Boy sitting on the banks of Brandywine Creek with a fishing pole

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 outside of the guided trips, visitors are also welcome to bring and use their own canoes, kayaks, and tubes. Most people leave a car at Thompson’s Bridge parking lot and then shuttle up to either the Brandywine River Art Museum or the Smith’s Bridge Parking lot (NPS) to drop in and start their journey downriver.

Outdoor Recreation

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.

Nature Preserves

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

Upcoming Events

Park Pals

Wednesday, October 23, 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, $6 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 10/23/2024 9:30:00 AM 10/23/2024 10:15:00 AM America/New_York Park Pals 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, $6 per child. Brandywine Creek

Park Pals

Wednesday, October 23, 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, $6 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 10/23/2024 5:30:00 PM 10/23/2024 6:15:00 PM America/New_York Park Pals 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, $6 per child. Brandywine Creek

Monthly Bird Walk

Saturday, October 26, 2024

8:00 AM

The monthly bird walk is back on the last Saturday of every month! Bring your eyes, ears, and a comfortable pair of hiking boots. Our expert volunteer birder from the Delaware Ornithological Society will lead the group, provide tips and advice to all interested bird watchers. Meets at the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with paid park admission!

Add to Calendar 10/26/2024 8:00:00 AM 10/26/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Monthly Bird Walk The monthly bird walk is back on the last Saturday of every month! Bring your eyes, ears, and a comfortable pair of hiking boots. Our expert volunteer birder from the Delaware Ornithological Society will lead the group, provide tips and advice to all interested bird watchers. Meets at the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with paid park admission! Brandywine Creek

Autumn Wagonride

Saturday, October 26, 2024

1:00 PM

Come enjoy the fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve a wagon for your family, school, work, church group or birthday party. You'll enjoy a fun-filled wagonride around the park followed by a cozy 45-minute campfire. Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing 30-minute trip; rides leave on time. Wheelchair accessible wagon available, please contact the park office. Pre-registration required. Online registration closes 24 hours before. Cost is $150 for the whole wagon (up to 20 adults/children). Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel, we must receive 2 weeks notice in order for you to get a refund in the form of credit for another wagon ride (good for 1 year). If we need to cancel due to rain or hazardous conditions, we will give you a credit refund or reschedule you for the rain-date.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 10/26/2024 1:00:00 PM 10/26/2024 7:30:00 PM America/New_York Autumn Wagonride Come enjoy the fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve a wagon for your family, school, work, church group or birthday party. You'll enjoy a fun-filled wagonride around the park followed by a cozy 45-minute campfire. Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing 30-minute trip; rides leave on time. Wheelchair accessible wagon available, please contact the park office. Pre-registration required. Online registration closes 24 hours before. Cost is $150 for the whole wagon (up to 20 adults/children). Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel, we must receive 2 weeks notice in order for you to get a refund in the form of credit for another wagon ride (good for 1 year). If we need to cancel due to rain or hazardous conditions, we will give you a credit refund or reschedule you for the rain-date. Brandywine Creek

Whisper Walk: Zen Hike in Tulip Tree Woods

Thursday, October 31, 2024

1:00 PM

Take a break from the wildness of the fall season and go for a quiet walk through our forest. We’ll slow down to fill our senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of our old growth forest. Meet at the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with paid park admission!

Add to Calendar 10/31/2024 1:00:00 PM 10/31/2024 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Whisper Walk: Zen Hike in Tulip Tree Woods Take a break from the wildness of the fall season and go for a quiet walk through our forest. We’ll slow down to fill our senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of our old growth forest. Meet at the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with paid park admission! Brandywine Creek

Autumn Wagonride

Saturday, November 2, 2024

1:00 PM

Come enjoy the fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve a wagon for your family, school, work, church group or birthday party. You'll enjoy a fun-filled wagonride around the park followed by a cozy 45-minute campfire. Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing 30-minute trip; rides leave on time. Wheelchair accessible wagon available, please contact the park office. Pre-registration required. Online registration closes 24 hours before. Cost is $150 for the whole wagon (up to 20 adults/children). Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel, we must receive 2 weeks notice in order for you to get a refund in the form of credit for another wagon ride (good for 1 year). If we need to cancel due to rain or hazardous conditions, we will give you a credit refund or reschedule you for the rain-date.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/2/2024 1:00:00 PM 11/2/2024 7:30:00 PM America/New_York Autumn Wagonride Come enjoy the fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve a wagon for your family, school, work, church group or birthday party. You'll enjoy a fun-filled wagonride around the park followed by a cozy 45-minute campfire. Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing 30-minute trip; rides leave on time. Wheelchair accessible wagon available, please contact the park office. Pre-registration required. Online registration closes 24 hours before. Cost is $150 for the whole wagon (up to 20 adults/children). Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel, we must receive 2 weeks notice in order for you to get a refund in the form of credit for another wagon ride (good for 1 year). If we need to cancel due to rain or hazardous conditions, we will give you a credit refund or reschedule you for the rain-date. Brandywine Creek

Autumn Wagonride

Sunday, November 3, 2024

1:00 PM

Come enjoy the fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve a wagon for your family, school, work, church group or birthday party. You'll enjoy a fun-filled wagonride around the park followed by a cozy 45-minute campfire. Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing 30-minute trip; rides leave on time. Wheelchair accessible wagon available, please contact the park office. Pre-registration required. Online registration closes 24 hours before. Cost is $150 for the whole wagon (up to 20 adults/children). Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel, we must receive 2 weeks notice in order for you to get a refund in the form of credit for another wagon ride (good for 1 year). If we need to cancel due to rain or hazardous conditions, we will give you a credit refund or reschedule you for the rain-date.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/3/2024 1:00:00 PM 11/3/2024 4:30:00 PM America/New_York Autumn Wagonride Come enjoy the fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve a wagon for your family, school, work, church group or birthday party. You'll enjoy a fun-filled wagonride around the park followed by a cozy 45-minute campfire. Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing 30-minute trip; rides leave on time. Wheelchair accessible wagon available, please contact the park office. Pre-registration required. Online registration closes 24 hours before. Cost is $150 for the whole wagon (up to 20 adults/children). Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel, we must receive 2 weeks notice in order for you to get a refund in the form of credit for another wagon ride (good for 1 year). If we need to cancel due to rain or hazardous conditions, we will give you a credit refund or reschedule you for the rain-date. Brandywine Creek

Public Autumn Wagonrides

Sunday, November 3, 2024

4:00 PM

Come enjoy the fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve single tickets in a 18-person wagon for your family, friends or small get together. You'll enjoy a fun-filled wagonride around the park followed by a cozy 45-minute campfire. Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing 30-minute trip; rides leave on time. No extra persons may join you at the campfire. Wheelchair accessible wagon available, please contact the park office. Pre-registration required. Online registration closes 24 hours before. Cost is $10 per ticket. Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel, we must receive 2 weeks notice in order for you to get a refund in the form of credit for another wagon ride (good for 1 year). If we need to cancel due to rain or hazardous conditions, we will give you a credit refund or reschedule you for the rain-date.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/3/2024 4:00:00 PM 11/3/2024 5:30:00 PM America/New_York Public Autumn Wagonrides Come enjoy the fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve single tickets in a 18-person wagon for your family, friends or small get together. You'll enjoy a fun-filled wagonride around the park followed by a cozy 45-minute campfire. Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing 30-minute trip; rides leave on time. No extra persons may join you at the campfire. Wheelchair accessible wagon available, please contact the park office. Pre-registration required. Online registration closes 24 hours before. Cost is $10 per ticket. Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel, we must receive 2 weeks notice in order for you to get a refund in the form of credit for another wagon ride (good for 1 year). If we need to cancel due to rain or hazardous conditions, we will give you a credit refund or reschedule you for the rain-date. Brandywine Creek

Invasive Plant ID

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

10:00 AM

Even in the late fall landscape invasive plants stand out. Join the naturalists for a hike down the Brandywine Trail as we discuss invasive plants and their damage to our ecosystem. The program will meet at the 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!

Add to Calendar 11/6/2024 10:00:00 AM 11/6/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Invasive Plant ID Even in the late fall landscape invasive plants stand out. Join the naturalists for a hike down the Brandywine Trail as we discuss invasive plants and their damage to our ecosystem. The program will meet at the 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! Brandywine Creek

Park Pals

Wednesday, November 13, 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, $6 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/13/2024 9:30:00 AM 11/13/2024 10:15:00 AM America/New_York Park Pals 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, $6 per child. Brandywine Creek

Park Pals

Wednesday, November 13, 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, $6 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/13/2024 5:30:00 PM 11/13/2024 6:15:00 PM America/New_York Park Pals 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, $6 per child. Brandywine Creek

Full Moon Hike

Friday, November 15, 2024

5:00 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

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/15/2024 5:00:00 PM 11/15/2024 6:00:00 PM America/New_York Full Moon Hike 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 Brandywine Creek

Legend of the Brandywine Werewolf

Saturday, November 16, 2024

7:00 PM

Come explore the history of werewolf encounters along the Brandywine Creek! With the full moon high in the sky we will delve into the woods to see what spooky sights and sounds of the Brandywine Creek werewolf we can suss out today. Beware there may be some jump scares! Pre-registration required. Suitable for ages 13+. Meets at Hawk Watch Parking Lot. $6 per person.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/16/2024 7:00:00 PM 11/16/2024 8:00:00 PM America/New_York Legend of the Brandywine Werewolf Come explore the history of werewolf encounters along the Brandywine Creek! With the full moon high in the sky we will delve into the woods to see what spooky sights and sounds of the Brandywine Creek werewolf we can suss out today. Beware there may be some jump scares! Pre-registration required. Suitable for ages 13+. Meets at Hawk Watch Parking Lot. $6 per person. Brandywine Creek

Legend of the Brandywine Werewolf

Saturday, November 16, 2024

9:00 PM

Come explore the history of werewolf encounters along the Brandywine Creek! With the full moon high in the sky we will delve into the woods to see what spooky sights and sounds of the Brandywine Creek werewolf we can suss out today. Beware there may be some jump scares! Pre-registration required. Suitable for ages 13+. Meets at Hawk Watch Parking Lot. $6 per person.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/16/2024 9:00:00 PM 11/16/2024 10:00:00 PM America/New_York Legend of the Brandywine Werewolf Come explore the history of werewolf encounters along the Brandywine Creek! With the full moon high in the sky we will delve into the woods to see what spooky sights and sounds of the Brandywine Creek werewolf we can suss out today. Beware there may be some jump scares! Pre-registration required. Suitable for ages 13+. Meets at Hawk Watch Parking Lot. $6 per person. Brandywine Creek

Ruins & History Hike: Quakers But Not Oats

Saturday, November 23, 2024

11:00 AM

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.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/23/2024 11:00:00 AM 11/23/2024 12:30:00 PM America/New_York Ruins & History Hike: Quakers But Not Oats 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. Brandywine Creek

Monthly Bird Walk

Saturday, November 30, 2024

8:00 AM

The monthly bird walk is back on the last Saturday of every month! Bring your eyes, ears, and a comfortable pair of hiking boots. Our expert volunteer birder from the Delaware Ornithological Society will lead the group, provide tips and advice to all interested bird watchers. Meets at the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with paid park admission!

Add to Calendar 11/30/2024 8:00:00 AM 11/30/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Monthly Bird Walk The monthly bird walk is back on the last Saturday of every month! Bring your eyes, ears, and a comfortable pair of hiking boots. Our expert volunteer birder from the Delaware Ornithological Society will lead the group, provide tips and advice to all interested bird watchers. Meets at the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free with paid park admission! Brandywine Creek