
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 FreshWater 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, September 26, 2023
7:30 PM
Get your chance to see the park at night! The naturalists will take participants on a walk through the park and discuss anything from nocturnal animals to astronomy. If we’re lucky we will get some great moon and star sightings! $6 per person, register online. Please call the main park office for more information.
Friday, September 29, 2023
7:30 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
Sunday, October 1, 2023
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. Register by phone 302-655-5740 or email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
10:00 AM
Come walk the Brandywine Trail and observe all of the nature that surrounds it. Hike a path that has been used for travel for hundreds of years! We will walk at a leisurely pace to have the chance to discuss some of the cool things we may see or hear. Meet at Thompson’s Bridge parking lot. Register by phone 302-655-5740 or email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free
Saturday, October 7, 2023
3:00 PM
Break out your camera and take a wagon ride to photograph the lovely fall foliage. We’ll talk about some photography tips and tricks, then set out to see the park! After your ride, enjoy some extra time to review your pictures around the campfire. Wheelchair accessible wagon available, please contact the park office. $12 per person. Pre-registration required. Please call the main park office for more information.
Saturday, October 7, 2023
4:00 PM
Break out your camera and take a wagon ride to photograph the lovely fall foliage. We’ll talk about some photography tips and tricks, then set out to see the park! After your ride, enjoy some extra time to review your pictures around the campfire. Wheelchair accessible wagon available, please contact the park office. $12 per person. Pre-registration required. Please call the main park office for more information.
Sunday, October 8, 2023
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 hayride 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 $130 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. There are multiple time slots, based on availability.
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
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, October 12, 2023
11:30 AM
Birding is a rewarding activity but if you’re new it can be very overwhelming! Bring your lunch and join the naturalists on the back porch of the nature center to watch for birds coming to the feeders and learn some tips about birding. We’ll also discuss bird feeders and their upkeep. Meet at the Nature Center. Register by phone 302-655-5740 or email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free
Saturday, October 14, 2023
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 hayride 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 $130 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. There are multiple time slots, based on availability.
Sunday, October 15, 2023
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 hayride 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 $130 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. There are multiple time slots, based on availability.
Friday, October 20, 2023
6:00 PM
Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats. Register online, $6 per person (adults and children)
Friday, October 20, 2023
6:30 PM
Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats. Register online, $6 per person (adults and children)
Friday, October 20, 2023
7:00 PM
Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats. Register online, $6 per person (adults and children)
Friday, October 20, 2023
7:30 PM
Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats. Register online, $6 per person (adults and children)
Saturday, October 21, 2023
6:00 PM
Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats. Register online, $6 per person (adults and children)
Saturday, October 21, 2023
6:30 PM
Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats. Register online, $6 per person (adults and children)
Saturday, October 21, 2023
7:00 PM
Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats. Register online, $6 per person (adults and children)
Saturday, October 21, 2023
7:30 PM
Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats. Register online, $6 per person (adults and children)
Sunday, October 22, 2023
6:00 PM
Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats. Register online, $6 per person (adults and children)
Sunday, October 22, 2023
6:30 PM
Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats. Register online, $6 per person (adults and children)
Sunday, October 22, 2023
7:00 PM
Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats. Register online, $6 per person (adults and children)
Sunday, October 22, 2023
7:30 PM
Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats. Register online, $6 per person (adults and children)
Friday, October 27, 2023
6:30 PM
Come explore the history spooky encounters along the Brandywine Creek. With the full moon high in the sky we will hike into the woods to and hear the legend of the Brandywine Creek werewolf! Pre-registration required. Please call the main park office for more information.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
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. Register by phone 302-655-5740 or email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free
Saturday, October 28, 2023
6:00 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, November 4, 2023
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 hayride 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 $130 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. There are multiple time slots, based on availability.
Sunday, November 5, 2023
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 hayride 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 $130 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. There are multiple time slots, based on availability.
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
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. Meet at the Thompsons Bridge parking lot. Register by phone 302-655-5740 or email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
10:00 AM
Explore some of the lesser known parts of Brandywine Creek on the Hidden Gems Hike! The naturalists will take you to explore the rocky forests on the steep hillside along the Longwall Trail. Free! Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
12:30 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.
Saturday, November 18, 2023
11:00 AM
Come celebrate National Hiking Day by exploring one of the more difficult trails at Brandywine Creek State Park. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle. We will meet at Thompson’s Bridge Parking Lot. Free! Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
10:00 AM
Explore some of the lesser known parts of Brandywine Creek on the Hidden Gems Hike! Come see the lovely fall colors in the meadow trails that can take you to many interesting places in the park! Free! Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov
Saturday, November 25, 2023
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. Register by phone 302-655-5740 or email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free
Monday, November 27, 2023
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
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
10:00 AM
Explore some of the lesser known parts of Brandywine Creek on the Hidden Gems Hike! Come along with the naturalists to visit the freshwater marsh, a unique site that can be easily missed. Meet at Hawkwatch parking lot. Register by phone at 302-655-5740 or email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free