![Picture of White Clay Creek](/wwwroot/images/parks/whiteClayCreek/WhiteClay-HERO.jpg)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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..
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.
Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Come along on a guided 1.5 mile hike through Judge Morris Estate as we learn about some of the many ways people utilize plants and discuss how our use of plants has shaped the modern landscape. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water for a gentle 2 hour walk through the woods. This program is provided by Master Naturalist Mary Osman. Pre-registration is required by calling 302-368-6900. Free, with paid park admission!
Monday, September 9, 2024 at 9:30 AM
For ages birth to 23 months. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900
Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM
For ages 2-4 we’ll spend about an hour with the toddlers/preschoolers and their adults investigating a variety of nature topics(register child/adult is free). Join our naturalists for a weekday morning program series, where we will explore something that is happening seasonally in our park with songs, a story and an outdoor adventure! $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900.
Friday, September 13, 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. $6 per person
Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Join us to learn about how to care for and protect nature while we are in the outdoors. We’ll do some Leave No Trace activities and learn about how we protect nature and animals at White Clay Creek State Park. Explore why this park is a vital resource to our area, and what you can do to help keep our forests and creeks healthy. Please call 302-368-6900 to register. Badges not provided, $6 per scout. Meets at the Chambers House Nature Center. Limited to 20 Daisy/Brownies and 20 Junior/Cadette/Seniors.
Monday, September 16, 2024 at 9:30 AM
For ages birth to 23 months. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900
Monday, September 16, 2024 at 11:00 AM
For ages 2-4 we’ll spend about an hour with the toddlers/preschoolers and their adults investigating a variety of nature topics(register child/adult is free). Join our naturalists for a weekday morning program series, where we will explore something that is happening seasonally in our park with songs, a story and an outdoor adventure! $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900.
Tuesday, September 17, 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.
Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Join our naturalist on a hike to look for signs of fall near the Autumnal Equinox. Dress for the weather, bring water and come ready for adventure! Registration required; meeting location provided upon registration. Call 302-368-6900, FREE.
Monday, September 23, 2024 at 9:30 AM
For ages birth to 23 months. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900
Monday, September 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM
For ages 2-4 we’ll spend about an hour with the toddlers/preschoolers and their adults investigating a variety of nature topics(register child/adult is free). Join our naturalists for a weekday morning program series, where we will explore something that is happening seasonally in our park with songs, a story and an outdoor adventure! $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900.
Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bundle up with your family group and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride in the straw, followed by 45-minutes around a blazing campfire. Bring your own refreshments and skewers (no alcohol permitted). Hayrides meet at Nine Foot Road parking lot. Traditional Straw ride on Saturdays, accessible wagon available for Sundays. Wagons run from 4 to 7 p.m.; check online for available dates and times. $150 per wagon
Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bundle up with your family group and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride in the straw, followed by 45-minutes around a blazing campfire. Bring your own refreshments and skewers (no alcohol permitted). Hayrides meet at Nine Foot Road parking lot. Traditional Straw ride on Saturdays, accessible wagon available for Sundays. Wagons run from 4 to 7 p.m.; check online for available dates and times. $150 per wagon
Monday, September 30, 2024 at 9:30 AM
For ages birth to 23 months. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900
Monday, September 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM
For ages 2-4 we’ll spend about an hour with the toddlers/preschoolers and their adults investigating a variety of nature topics(register child/adult is free). Join our naturalists for a weekday morning program series, where we will explore something that is happening seasonally in our park with songs, a story and an outdoor adventure! $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bundle up with your family group and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride in the straw, followed by 45-minutes around a blazing campfire. Bring your own refreshments and skewers (no alcohol permitted). Hayrides meet at Nine Foot Road parking lot. Traditional Straw ride on Saturdays, accessible wagon available for Sundays. Wagons run from 4 to 7 p.m.; check online for available dates and times. $150 per wagon
Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bundle up with your family group and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride in the straw, followed by 45-minutes around a blazing campfire. Bring your own refreshments and skewers (no alcohol permitted). Hayrides meet at Nine Foot Road parking lot. Traditional Straw ride on Saturdays, accessible wagon available for Sundays. Wagons run from 4 to 7 p.m.; check online for available dates and times. $150 per wagon
Monday, October 7, 2024 at 9:30 AM
For ages birth to 23 months. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900
Monday, October 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM
For ages 2-4 we’ll spend about an hour with the toddlers/preschoolers and their adults investigating a variety of nature topics(register child/adult is free). Join our naturalists for a weekday morning program series, where we will explore something that is happening seasonally in our park with songs, a story and an outdoor adventure! $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900.
Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM
New to the park? Ready to find a new favorite trail? Then join the park naturalist on this series to explore trails and discover nature in White Clay Creek State Park. Dress for the weather, bring bottled water and come ready for adventure! Pre-registration required, call 302-368-6900 by Friday at 3 p.m. Free
Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bundle up with your family group and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride in the straw, followed by 45-minutes around a blazing campfire. Bring your own refreshments and skewers (no alcohol permitted). Hayrides meet at Nine Foot Road parking lot. Traditional Straw ride on Saturdays, accessible wagon available for Sundays. Wagons run from 4 to 7 p.m.; check online for available dates and times. $150 per wagon
Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bundle up with your family group and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride in the straw, followed by 45-minutes around a blazing campfire. Bring your own refreshments and skewers (no alcohol permitted). Hayrides meet at Nine Foot Road parking lot. Traditional Straw ride on Saturdays, accessible wagon available for Sundays. Wagons run from 4 to 7 p.m.; check online for available dates and times. $150 per wagon
Monday, October 14, 2024 at 9:30 AM
For ages birth to 23 months. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900
Monday, October 14, 2024 at 11:00 AM
For ages 2-4 we’ll spend about an hour with the toddlers/preschoolers and their adults investigating a variety of nature topics(register child/adult is free). Join our naturalists for a weekday morning program series, where we will explore something that is happening seasonally in our park with songs, a story and an outdoor adventure! $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900.
Tuesday, October 15, 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.
Friday, October 18, 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. $6 per person
Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Join us at the pavilion at Carpenter Recreation area to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. We'll have a day of hikes, history and fun. No registration required.
Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bundle up with your family group and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride in the straw, followed by 45-minutes around a blazing campfire. Bring your own refreshments and skewers (no alcohol permitted). Hayrides meet at Nine Foot Road parking lot. Traditional Straw ride on Saturdays, accessible wagon available for Sundays. Wagons run from 4 to 7 p.m.; check online for available dates and times. $150 per wagon
Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bundle up with your family group and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride in the straw, followed by 45-minutes around a blazing campfire. Bring your own refreshments and skewers (no alcohol permitted). Hayrides meet at Nine Foot Road parking lot. Traditional Straw ride on Saturdays, accessible wagon available for Sundays. Wagons run from 4 to 7 p.m.; check online for available dates and times. $150 per wagon
Monday, October 21, 2024 at 9:30 AM
For ages birth to 23 months. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900
Monday, October 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM
For ages 2-4 we’ll spend about an hour with the toddlers/preschoolers and their adults investigating a variety of nature topics(register child/adult is free). Join our naturalists for a weekday morning program series, where we will explore something that is happening seasonally in our park with songs, a story and an outdoor adventure! $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900.
Friday, October 25, 2024 at 7:00 PM
White Clay Creek State Park is home to some very special owls. Learn about these night hunters, then hike along the creek to hear their calls. Pre-Registration is required, space is limited. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900. $5 per person
Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Join volunteer Mary Frank for an intro to orienteering. This is a fun sport that involves navigational skills. Call to register by October 24. 302-368-6900. Free program. Appropriate for ages 5 and up with an adult partner.
Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Enjoy a short hayride with White Clay Creek State Park’s Superintendent Laura Lee. Guests can then gather round for s'mores at the campfire after the ride.
Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bundle up with your family group and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride in the straw, followed by 45-minutes around a blazing campfire. Bring your own refreshments and skewers (no alcohol permitted). Hayrides meet at Nine Foot Road parking lot. Traditional Straw ride on Saturdays, accessible wagon available for Sundays. Wagons run from 4 to 7 p.m.; check online for available dates and times. $150 per wagon
Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bundle up with your family group and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride in the straw, followed by 45-minutes around a blazing campfire. Bring your own refreshments and skewers (no alcohol permitted). Hayrides meet at Nine Foot Road parking lot. Traditional Straw ride on Saturdays, accessible wagon available for Sundays. Wagons run from 4 to 7 p.m.; check online for available dates and times. $150 per wagon
Monday, October 28, 2024 at 9:30 AM
For ages birth to 23 months. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900
Monday, October 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM
For ages 2-4 we’ll spend about an hour with the toddlers/preschoolers and their adults investigating a variety of nature topics(register child/adult is free). Join our naturalists for a weekday morning program series, where we will explore something that is happening seasonally in our park with songs, a story and an outdoor adventure! $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bundle up with your family group and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride in the straw, followed by 45-minutes around a blazing campfire. Bring your own refreshments and skewers (no alcohol permitted). Hayrides meet at Nine Foot Road parking lot. Traditional Straw ride on Saturdays, accessible wagon available for Sundays. Wagons run from 4 to 7 p.m.; check online for available dates and times. $150 per wagon
Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Bundle up with your family group and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride in the straw, followed by 45-minutes around a blazing campfire. Bring your own refreshments and skewers (no alcohol permitted). Hayrides meet at Nine Foot Road parking lot. Traditional Straw ride on Saturdays, accessible wagon available for Sundays. Wagons run from 4 to 7 p.m.; check online for available dates and times. $150 per wagon
Monday, November 4, 2024 at 9:30 AM
For ages birth to 23 months. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900
Monday, November 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM
For ages 2-4 we’ll spend about an hour with the toddlers/preschoolers and their adults investigating a variety of nature topics(register child/adult is free). Join our naturalists for a weekday morning program series, where we will explore something that is happening seasonally in our park with songs, a story and an outdoor adventure! $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900.
Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM
New to the park? Ready to find a new favorite trail? Then join the park naturalist on this series to explore trails and discover nature in White Clay Creek State Park. Dress for the weather, bring bottled water and come ready for adventure! Pre-registration required, call 302-368-6900 by Friday at 3 p.m. Free
Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Honor Veterans at the park’s annual Apple Pie Social. Veterans and guests are invited for pie and conversation in the lovely Judge Morris Estate. Local veterans will have displays of their military service or current veteran activities. Contact 302-368-6900 for more information. We will be serving coffee and pie, courtesy of Perkins Restaurant. Free to veterans and their guests.
Friday, November 15, 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. $6 per person
Monday, November 18, 2024 at 9:30 AM
For ages birth to 23 months. Bring your little ones out for their first nature programs at the park! Cost includes one parent /guardian with child. $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900
Monday, November 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM
For ages 2-4 we’ll spend about an hour with the toddlers/preschoolers and their adults investigating a variety of nature topics(register child/adult is free). Join our naturalists for a weekday morning program series, where we will explore something that is happening seasonally in our park with songs, a story and an outdoor adventure! $30 per child. Register online. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6900.
Tuesday, November 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.
Friday, November 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Visitors enjoy the scenic views along White Clay Creek and its tributaries, however, 19th-century landowners valued the upland meadows even more because they were better suited to farming. Join local historian Dr. Jim Jones on a hike to examine the relationship between “upland” and “lowland,” and the unique multi-racial community that developed along Hopkins road in the era before the Civil War. Be prepared for a 2-3 mile hike on uneven terrain. For meeting location and to pre-register call 302-368-6900, space is limited.
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Join us for a cup of coffee in the cozy Judge Morris Estate during our wreath making workshop. Bring clippers and gloves. $32 per person, includes greens, base and accents for one holiday wreath.
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Join us for a cup of coffee in the cozy Judge Morris Estate during our wreath making workshop. Bring clippers and gloves. $32 per person, includes greens, base and accents for one holiday wreath.