Discover Newark: Hiking Trails, History and Nature

Newark, Delaware, combines historic sites, expansive trails and local culinary experiences to create a varied destination.

Hiking Trails Between City and Countryside

Hikers will find several different options in Newark. The Newark Historic Trail is 9 miles long and can be extended to 10 miles. Its aim is to give hikers an impression of Newark’s diverse beauty and history. Take the stated distance into account when planning your day and decide which length best suits your plans.

The Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail provides direct access to Main Street and runs north through Newark to White Clay Creek State Park. The park is located next to the University of Delaware and the city of Newark and has almost 40 miles of hiking trails. In the surrounding region, White Clay Creek is also designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. Those looking for a variety of landscapes will find both a trail connected to the city and a larger trail network in the state park.

The James F. Hall Trail is also worth considering when planning active days, as it is part of the East Coast Greenway. Newark Reservoir offers limited passive recreational opportunities on the reservoir grounds, making it another option for quieter hours.

History and Culture in Newark

A notable historic building is the Newark Passenger Railroad Station. The Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad built it in 1877; in 1982, the Newark Passenger Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the station houses the Newark History Museum. When planning your visit, note that the museum is temporarily closed for renovations.

The African American History Trail on the grounds of the Iron Hill Museum and Science Center offers further insights into regional history. It tells the story of the free Black community that formed on Iron Hill in the 1830s. The Iron Hill Museum schoolhouse focuses on the history and experiences of Black schools. The trail also gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the 1923 schoolhouse where the museum is located.

The University of Delaware offers guided, self-guided and virtual tours. A self-guided tour of the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens is available using a visitor map. The gardens welcome visitors daily year-round from sunrise to sunset; no admission fee is charged.

Recreation, Main Street and Local Specialties

If you are traveling with varied interests, a stay in Newark can be planned in many different ways. George Wilson Center and Park offers basketball, tennis, youth baseball, swimming, playground equipment, picnic tables and horseshoe pitching. Main Street adds restaurants, local shops and a movie theater to the mix.

For a culinary break, the UDairy Creamery Café in Newark serves ice cream, waffle cones, cheese, coffee and light fare. UDairy Creamery also sells student-made ice cream and cheese, beef from the UD farm, as well as other products made with fresh ingredients grown locally at the University of Delaware’s Newark farm operation. The Co-op Farmers Market connects shoppers with local businesses and the people behind their products.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a vacation rental in Newark, it is worth first deciding on your preferred travel rhythm. Nature-focused days can take you to the trails of the Newark Historic Trail, the Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail or White Clay Creek State Park. For those interested in culture, railroad history, the Iron Hill Museum Trail and offerings from the University of Delaware are the main attractions. Those who value food and city life can include Main Street, the farmers market and UDairy Creamery in their plans.

You can also take transportation into account: Newark Regional Transportation Center offers Amtrak services as well as commuter rail services operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to Philadelphia. For other destinations, you can also find information about Claymont, Brookside, Christiana, Wilmington, Bear, Hockessin, Brandywine and Delaware City.

For the broader travel overview: New Castle County.