Picture of White Clay Creek

White Clay Creek State Park


Recording of the January 7, 2024 public meeting on the status of reconstruction of the former Big Pond in White Clay Creek State Park which may present high hazard risks and require several more million dollars of funding.

Please note the meeting content starts at the 11 minute mark. The application automatically started recording when people first joined in advance of the start time.

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Find Your Adventure at White Clay Creek

White Clay Creek is stocked with trout

Go Fish

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.

Trail at White Clay Creek State Park

Explore A Diverse Trail System

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.

Chambers House Nature Center at White Clay Creek State Park

Visit the Chambers House Nature Center

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.

Sanguinaria canadensis bloodroot at White Clay Creek State Park

Discover a Wild and Scenic River

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.

 

Disc golf is popular at White Clay Creek State Park

Play Disc Golf

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!

 

Bryans Field trail at White Clay Creek State Park

Superintendent’s Pick: Bryan’s Field Trail

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!

About the Park

Named for the clay that was once mined in the area, White Clay Creek State Park’s natural vistas, woodlands and creek with its many small tributaries span piedmont ridges and stream valleys along Delaware’s northern edge. White Clay Creek, a National Wild and Scenic River, is stocked with fish for anglers. The forest provides critical habitat for migrating and nesting birds, including the rare cerulean warbler. More than 37 miles of trails welcome hikers, bikers and runners on the most diverse trail system in Delaware. The rich history of the park, woven through natural and cultural resources, is still evident in the ruins and buildings found here, like the 1790s Judge Morris Estate and Chamber’s House Nature Center.

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 expanded the park to over 3,600 acres. The park 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. Today, the park continues to serve as a vital protected area of scenic and recreational open space in northern Delaware. White Clay Creek State Park also features a pavilion, a bandshell and stage, a playground, accessible fishing docks, disc golf course, and more.

Master Plan

After significant input from the public, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has adopted the White Clay Creek Master Plan. The plan will provide the park with a vision and framework for the next 10 years. Top strategies include infrastructure improvements to the White Clay Creek Nature Center area to meet the demand of programs and relocation of the park office to the Maxwell House.

Freshwater Fishing

The Smith Mill Pond offers accessible docks for bluegill fishing, and a catch-and-release program for largemouth bass can be found at Judge Morris Estate. 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 in October through November. Fly-fishing is only allowed north of the Chambers Rock Bridge up to the Pennsylvania border. The creek closes to all fishing two weeks prior to the opening day of trout season. Get information on fishing permits..

Hiking and Biking

White Clay Creek Bridge

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.

Upcoming Events

Stroller Ramblers

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Do you want to hike stroller friendly paths with a Naturalist? Come explore our parks, learn about and share the nature we encounter with your little ones, and meet other caregivers and parents. Free Program, pre-register and get meeting location by calling 302-368-6900 by the day before.

Add to Calendar 3/19/2024 10:00:00 AM 3/19/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Stroller Ramblers Do you want to hike stroller friendly paths with a Naturalist? Come explore our parks, learn about and share the nature we encounter with your little ones, and meet other caregivers and parents. Free Program, pre-register and get meeting location by calling 302-368-6900 by the day before. White Clay Creek

Full Moon Friday

Friday, March 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Join our park naturalist for an evening hike near the full moon. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900 prior to 3 p.m. Meeting location provided upon registration.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 3/22/2024 7:00:00 PM 3/22/2024 9:00:00 PM America/New_York Full Moon Friday Join our park naturalist for an evening hike near the full moon. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900 prior to 3 p.m. Meeting location provided upon registration. White Clay Creek

Tracking

Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 1:00 PM

Learn how to identify animals by their tracks. This program starts indoors and includes a short hike to look for tracks around the Nature Center. Call 302-368-6900 to register, free program.

Add to Calendar 3/23/2024 1:00:00 PM 3/23/2024 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Tracking Learn how to identify animals by their tracks. This program starts indoors and includes a short hike to look for tracks around the Nature Center. Call 302-368-6900 to register, free program. White Clay Creek

The Wedge, the Arc and the Horn

Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 1:00 PM

The Arc Corner Monument signifies and interesting land swap between Pennsylvania and Delaware. Join local historian Mike Ott for a hike to the Arc Corner Monument and to another marker on the DE Arc for some interesting history of these boundaries. Degree of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Space is limited, pre-registration is required by noon, Thursday, March 26. Free Program. Meet at the Chambers House Nature Center. Free.

Add to Calendar 3/24/2024 1:00:00 PM 3/24/2024 2:30:00 PM America/New_York The Wedge, the Arc and the Horn The Arc Corner Monument signifies and interesting land swap between Pennsylvania and Delaware. Join local historian Mike Ott for a hike to the Arc Corner Monument and to another marker on the DE Arc for some interesting history of these boundaries. Degree of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Space is limited, pre-registration is required by noon, Thursday, March 26. Free Program. Meet at the Chambers House Nature Center. Free. White Clay Creek

Nature Babies Session 1

Monday, March 25, 2024 at 10:00 AM

For ages birth to 2 1/2 years. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child for the series. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900

Register Online

Add to Calendar 3/25/2024 10:00:00 AM 3/25/2024 11:15:00 AM America/New_York Nature Babies Session 1 For ages birth to 2 1/2 years. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child for the series. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900 White Clay Creek

Orienteering Adventure

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM

Join volunteer Mary Frank from the Delaware Valley Orienteering Association for an intro to orienteering. This is a fun sport that involves navigational skills. Call to register by March 29. 302-368-6900. Free program. Appropriate for ages 5 and up with an adult partner.

Add to Calendar 4/2/2024 1:00:00 PM 4/2/2024 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Orienteering Adventure Join volunteer Mary Frank from the Delaware Valley Orienteering Association for an intro to orienteering. This is a fun sport that involves navigational skills. Call to register by March 29. 302-368-6900. Free program. Appropriate for ages 5 and up with an adult partner. White Clay Creek

Nature Babies Session 2

Monday, April 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM

For ages birth to 2 1/2. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child for the series. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/8/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/8/2024 11:15:00 AM America/New_York Nature Babies Session 2 For ages birth to 2 1/2. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child for the series. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900 White Clay Creek

Solar Eclipse Viewing

Monday, April 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Join the naturalists for the partial solar eclipse viewing.Delaware will experience a partial solar eclipse (close to 85%) with the peak occurring at about 3:15 p.m. The eclipse is not something to watch with the naked eye. We will have a LIMITED number of eclipse viewing glasses available. Call to register, 302-368-6900. FREE

Add to Calendar 4/8/2024 2:00:00 PM 4/8/2024 3:30:00 PM America/New_York Solar Eclipse Viewing Join the naturalists for the partial solar eclipse viewing.Delaware will experience a partial solar eclipse (close to 85%) with the peak occurring at about 3:15 p.m. The eclipse is not something to watch with the naked eye. We will have a LIMITED number of eclipse viewing glasses available. Call to register, 302-368-6900. FREE White Clay Creek

Nature Nuggets

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM

For ages 2-5, we’ll spend about 45 minutes with the preschoolers and their adults investigating a variety of nature topics(register child/adult is free). Join our naturalists for a weekday morning program series. Each Month we will explore something that is happening seasonally in our park with songs, a story and an outdoor adventure! Must pre-register by calling 302-368-6900. $5 per child

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/9/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/9/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Nature Nuggets For ages 2-5, we’ll spend about 45 minutes with the preschoolers and their adults investigating a variety of nature topics(register child/adult is free). Join our naturalists for a weekday morning program series. Each Month we will explore something that is happening seasonally in our park with songs, a story and an outdoor adventure! Must pre-register by calling 302-368-6900. $5 per child White Clay Creek

Nature Babies Session 2

Monday, April 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM

For ages birth to 2 1/2. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child for the series. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/15/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/15/2024 11:15:00 AM America/New_York Nature Babies Session 2 For ages birth to 2 1/2. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child for the series. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900 White Clay Creek

Hiking Series

Monday, April 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM

New to the park? Ready to find a new favorite trail? Join our naturalist to explore our trails and learn a bit about the park while you’re out. Dress for the weather, bring bottled water and come ready for adventure! Registration required by calling 302-368-6900; meeting location provided upon registration.

Add to Calendar 4/15/2024 2:00:00 PM 4/15/2024 3:30:00 PM America/New_York Hiking Series New to the park? Ready to find a new favorite trail? Join our naturalist to explore our trails and learn a bit about the park while you’re out. Dress for the weather, bring bottled water and come ready for adventure! Registration required by calling 302-368-6900; meeting location provided upon registration. White Clay Creek

Stroller Ramblers

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Do you want to hike stroller friendly paths with a Naturalist? Come explore our parks, learn about and share the nature we encounter with your little ones, and meet other caregivers and parents. Free Program, pre-register and get meeting location by calling 302-368-6900 by the day before.

Add to Calendar 4/16/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/16/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Stroller Ramblers Do you want to hike stroller friendly paths with a Naturalist? Come explore our parks, learn about and share the nature we encounter with your little ones, and meet other caregivers and parents. Free Program, pre-register and get meeting location by calling 302-368-6900 by the day before. White Clay Creek

Full Moon Friday

Friday, April 19, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Join our park naturalist for an evening hike near the full moon. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900 prior to 3 p.m. Meeting location provided upon registration. $6 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/19/2024 7:30:00 PM 4/19/2024 8:30:00 PM America/New_York Full Moon Friday Join our park naturalist for an evening hike near the full moon. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900 prior to 3 p.m. Meeting location provided upon registration. $6 per person White Clay Creek

How Healthy is the Creek?

Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM

In addition to being picturesque features in our parks, streams and ponds play an important part in the local ecosystem. This Earth Day join one of our programs to explore how the health of these waterways are monitored. Come discover some living indicators of water quality in the White Clay Creek. Be prepared to get your feet wet. Pre-registration required, call 302-368-6900. Free Program.

Add to Calendar 4/20/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/20/2024 11:30:00 AM America/New_York How Healthy is the Creek? In addition to being picturesque features in our parks, streams and ponds play an important part in the local ecosystem. This Earth Day join one of our programs to explore how the health of these waterways are monitored. Come discover some living indicators of water quality in the White Clay Creek. Be prepared to get your feet wet. Pre-registration required, call 302-368-6900. Free Program. White Clay Creek

Mason and Dixon's Post Mark'd West History Hike

Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM

Join guest speaker Mike Ott for this exciting program. The Mason Dixon Line often cited in reference to the Civil War was really a survey to mark two large land holder’s properties. The east-west boundary line began its history right here in the park. Join us on a moderate hike to this historic marker. Bring plenty of water. Space is limited, pre-registration is required by noon, Friday, April 19. Call 302-368-6900 to register and for meeting location.

Add to Calendar 4/21/2024 1:00:00 PM 4/21/2024 2:30:00 PM America/New_York Mason and Dixon's Post Mark'd West History Hike Join guest speaker Mike Ott for this exciting program. The Mason Dixon Line often cited in reference to the Civil War was really a survey to mark two large land holder’s properties. The east-west boundary line began its history right here in the park. Join us on a moderate hike to this historic marker. Bring plenty of water. Space is limited, pre-registration is required by noon, Friday, April 19. Call 302-368-6900 to register and for meeting location. White Clay Creek

Nature Babies Session 2

Monday, April 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM

For ages birth to 2 1/2. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child for the series. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/22/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/22/2024 11:15:00 AM America/New_York Nature Babies Session 2 For ages birth to 2 1/2. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child for the series. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900 White Clay Creek

Orienteering Adventure

Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Join volunteer Mary Frank from the Delaware Valley Orienteering Association for an intro to orienteering. This is a fun sport that involves navigational skills. Call to register by April 25. 302-368-6900. Free program. Appropriate for ages 5 and up with an adult partner.

Add to Calendar 4/27/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/27/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Orienteering Adventure Join volunteer Mary Frank from the Delaware Valley Orienteering Association for an intro to orienteering. This is a fun sport that involves navigational skills. Call to register by April 25. 302-368-6900. Free program. Appropriate for ages 5 and up with an adult partner. White Clay Creek

Stroll with the Superintendent

Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 1:00 PM

Hike with Park Superintendent Laura Lee along one of her favorite trails. Dress for the weather; bring plenty of water, and plan about 1 ½ hours of hiking and chatting. Call for meeting location, pre-registration required by noon on April 26. Free.

Add to Calendar 4/28/2024 1:00:00 PM 4/28/2024 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Stroll with the Superintendent Hike with Park Superintendent Laura Lee along one of her favorite trails. Dress for the weather; bring plenty of water, and plan about 1 ½ hours of hiking and chatting. Call for meeting location, pre-registration required by noon on April 26. Free. White Clay Creek

Nature Babies Session 2

Monday, April 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM

For ages birth to 2 1/2. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child for the series. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/29/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/29/2024 11:15:00 AM America/New_York Nature Babies Session 2 For ages birth to 2 1/2. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child for the series. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900 White Clay Creek

White Clay Creek Fest

Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 12:00 PM

Join Delaware State Parks, White Clay Wild and Scenic Program, National Park Service, Veolia Water and other organizations to celebrate the White Clay Creek. We will have displays and exhibits related to the healthy water, healthy people, energy, recycling and our natural world. Also enjoy games, hikes, live music, a live bird show, kid’s activities and more! For more info visit www.whiteclay.org. Free

Add to Calendar 5/4/2024 12:00:00 PM 5/4/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York White Clay Creek Fest Join Delaware State Parks, White Clay Wild and Scenic Program, National Park Service, Veolia Water and other organizations to celebrate the White Clay Creek. We will have displays and exhibits related to the healthy water, healthy people, energy, recycling and our natural world. Also enjoy games, hikes, live music, a live bird show, kid’s activities and more! For more info visit www.whiteclay.org. Free White Clay Creek

Nature Babies Session 2

Monday, May 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM

For ages birth to 2 1/2. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child for the series. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/6/2024 10:00:00 AM 5/6/2024 11:15:00 AM America/New_York Nature Babies Session 2 For ages birth to 2 1/2. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child for the series. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900 White Clay Creek

Full Moon Friday

Friday, May 17, 2024 at 8:00 PM

Join our park naturalist for an evening hike near the full moon. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900 prior to 3 p.m. Meeting location provided upon registration. $6 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/17/2024 8:00:00 PM 5/17/2024 9:00:00 PM America/New_York Full Moon Friday Join our park naturalist for an evening hike near the full moon. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900 prior to 3 p.m. Meeting location provided upon registration. $6 per person White Clay Creek

National Kids to Parks Day: White Clay Creek Flotilla

Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Let your creative juices flow by making and decorating a vessel to sail in the creek. Using recyclable materials and the laws of physics, make a boat and test it before our grand parade of ships in the creek. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/18/2024 2:00:00 PM 5/18/2024 3:00:00 PM America/New_York National Kids to Parks Day: White Clay Creek Flotilla Let your creative juices flow by making and decorating a vessel to sail in the creek. Using recyclable materials and the laws of physics, make a boat and test it before our grand parade of ships in the creek. All children must be accompanied by an adult. White Clay Creek

Hiking Series

Monday, May 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM

New to the park? Ready to find a new favorite trail? Join our naturalist to explore our trails and learn a bit about the park while you’re out. Dress for the weather, bring bottled water and come ready for adventure! Registration required by calling 302-368-6900; meeting location provided upon registration.

Add to Calendar 5/20/2024 2:00:00 PM 5/20/2024 3:30:00 PM America/New_York Hiking Series New to the park? Ready to find a new favorite trail? Join our naturalist to explore our trails and learn a bit about the park while you’re out. Dress for the weather, bring bottled water and come ready for adventure! Registration required by calling 302-368-6900; meeting location provided upon registration. White Clay Creek

Creek Exploration

Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 1:00 PM

Join us to explore the Wild and Scenic White Clay! We’ll use buckets and nets to see what may be living in the creek as well as learn a little about the geology of the area. Be prepared to get your feet wet, closed toed water shoes or old sneakers recommended. Pre-registration require, call 302-368-6900. Free program.

Add to Calendar 5/25/2024 1:00:00 PM 5/25/2024 12:00:00 AM America/New_York Creek Exploration Join us to explore the Wild and Scenic White Clay! We’ll use buckets and nets to see what may be living in the creek as well as learn a little about the geology of the area. Be prepared to get your feet wet, closed toed water shoes or old sneakers recommended. Pre-registration require, call 302-368-6900. Free program. White Clay Creek

Map and Directions