Brandywine Trail

The Brandywine Trail is a gorgeous paw-friendly path that begins at Brandywine Creek State Park in Winterthur, Delaware, a short distance from Wilmington, and ends at the Rockland parking lot in Rockland, Delaware. There are other points of entry. Grab a trail map from the state park office before you head out to find out more.

This is a highly popular hike due to its ease and accessibility, as well as its variable uses such as biking, nature trips, running, and fishing. Many people also hike into the area to fish in the Brandywine Creek where you can reel in crappie, bass, bluegill, and even trout. You will need a Delaware state fishing license and trout stamp if you intend to try your luck. You and Fido will not have any trouble finding shady areas if you decide to take a break anywhere along the trail, but bring a bottle of water to fill and take with you because there is no drinking water or restrooms available along the trail until you get to the end.

You should bring along your own clean up bags as the trail does not provide them, and prepare to hang onto them until you get to a trash receptacle. The trail is mostly dog-friendly, but you will need to keep your fur baby on a leash to prevent any chance encounters with local wildlife such as snakes or other critters. 

The trail meanders alongside the creek for most of the trip, so it may be muddy along the edges of the trail. If your dog decides to jump in for a swim, you may need to bring a towel, so you don’t end up with a mud puppy. There are some rocky areas, and you may run into some brushy parts that are difficult to navigate, but overall, the Brandywine Trail is a great choice for those who want to get out in the wild with their dog.