Family bike trails & rail-trails near Wilmington
The right trail makes all the difference with kids on bikes — flat, paved, and ideally car-free. These are the family rides near Wilmington, from the loop where everyone learns to pedal to the longer rail-trails worth a trip. Facts come from each place's page.
1. Bellevue State Park
Wilmington
A 1.2-mile car-free loop on the old du Pont horse track (crushed stone), plus the paved Greenway through the park for smoother riding.
2. Brandywine Park
Wilmington
Flat, paved creekside paths in the city — short and easy, good for trikes and balance bikes.
3. White Clay Creek State Park
Newark
Paved portions of the Tri-Valley Trail and natural-surface mountain-bike routes offer very different rides. Check the map for road crossings and construction near the nature center.
4. Brandywine Creek State Park
Wilmington
For gentler riding, start with the Brandywine Trail's broad crushed-stone and paved sections. Rocky woodland routes are a different level of ride.
5. Lums Pond State Park
Bear
The wide Little Jersey Trail is mostly crushed stone and shared with walkers and horses. The shoreline Swamp Forest Trail has roots, rocks, and tighter turns for experienced riders.
6. Junction & Breakwater Trail
Lewes
Down at the beach: a flat trail between Lewes and Rehoboth with paved and crushed-stone sections. Choose a short out-and-back for new riders.
Good to know
- • The Jack A. Markell Trail links the Wilmington Riverfront and New Castle over about 5.5 miles of paved path and boardwalk. The full connection to Battery Park includes road crossings and an on-road section through Historic New Castle; it isn't car-free end to end. source
Questions parents ask
Where can a kid learn to ride a bike near Wilmington?
At Bellevue State Park, the paved Northern Delaware Greenway suits wobbly first rides, and the 1.2-mile car-free track loop (crushed stone) is next once they're steady. Brandywine Park's creekside paths are another easy, flat option.
Is there a paved bike trail in Wilmington?
Yes — the Jack A. Markell Trail has paved paths and boardwalk between the Riverfront and New Castle. Allow for road crossings and an on-road section if continuing to Battery Park. Junction & Breakwater at the beach mixes pavement and crushed stone.
Get the good ones before they fill up
One countywide shortlist every Friday morning, with ages, cost and logistics on each pick. Free.
More guides
Checked against each place’s current info.
Admission and hours come straight from each place’s guide. Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Confirm anything dated on the source before you go.