Delaware may not be the first state to come to mind when you think of gorgeous, scenic hikes, but the First State can certainly hold its own! Some of our most beautiful trails are often completely overlooked, like the Snow Goose Loop in Middle Run Valley Natural Area. Get out and explore the woods around Newark for a real treat!
Middle Run Valley Natural Area is an underrated and quiet hiking paradise tucked away on the outskirts of Newark, Delaware.
AllTrails / Yiannis Dimitratos You’ll hardly ever find anyone else at the trailheads!
One of Middle Run’s best trails is the Snow Goose Loop.
AllTrails / David Boyer
This 2.6-mile trail offers minimal elevation gain - less than 300 feet total - and showcases stream crossings, footbridges, beautiful forest views, and more!
AllTrails / Shaun Walton
Along the way, you’ll cross the park’s namesake Middle Run creek, which winds its way back and forth along the trail.
AllTrails / David Bell
Test your rock-hopping skills as you make your way across! The creek is usually very shallow, but be careful if the area has gotten a lot of rain as the water can get high.
AllTrails / Patty Worthy
There are beautiful bridges that will help you across the wider parts of Middle Run, so you can adjust your hike as needed for your skill level (or your desire to risk wet feet!)
AllTrails / Patty Worthy
Along the way, keep an eye out for wildflowers and wildlife! Snakes, newts, frogs, deer, and more.
AllTrails / Graeme Walton
Come explore the beautiful Middle Run Natural Area in Newark, Delaware, and you’ll find yourself falling in love with the beauty of New Castle County with every step you take.
AllTrails / Lily Klein
The trailhead for Middle Run Valley Natural Area is located right next to Pike Creek Bible Church, off of Polly Drummond Hill Road in Newark. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but if you’d like to look at a trail map, visit the AllTrails website, here.
AllTrails / Yiannis Dimitratos
You’ll hardly ever find anyone else at the trailheads!
AllTrails / David Boyer
AllTrails / Shaun Walton
AllTrails / David Bell
AllTrails / Patty Worthy
AllTrails / Graeme Walton
AllTrails / Lily Klein
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Address: Middle Run Valley Natural Area, Possum Hollow Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA
