Newark- Reservoir Loop, Rail Trails, Trail Running

There’s some terrific running in the Newark area, about 13 miles southwest of central Wilmington. There’s a loop trail around a reservoir, several paved rail trails, the bucolic paths of the University of Delaware Campus, and great trail running in White Clay Creek State Park. And, you can cross the Mason Dixon Line!

Reservoir Loop and Adjacent Trails. A highlight is the Newark Reservoir, opened in 2006. A loop around the reservoir on the paved trail is 1.1 miles, with good water views. Combine which some other trails adjacent to the Reservoir: On the north, the wooded Redd Park Trail goes for 1.3 miles through William Redd Park. On the south side, connect with the Mill Race Trail at Curtis Mill Park, which goes for ~1 mile north along a small stream. MAP – Reservoir Loop.

Newark and Pomeroy Rail Trail, James T. Hall Trail, and University of Delaware Campus.  Near Mill Race Trail and the Reservoir, the Newark and Pomeroy Rail Trail (MAP) skirts the east end of the University campus for ~2 miles from S. Chapel St. north to the Mason Dixon Trail crossing in White Clay Creek State Park. Combine with the University of Delaware campus, which has pleasant running on numerous pedestrian paths. At the south end of the Newark and Pomeroy trail is the James T. Hall Trail (MAP),  which runs east-west from central Newark for ~2 miles through Kells Park and Phillips Park.

White Clay Creek State Park. This large state park just north of Newark is fantastic for trail running, with 37 miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderate. The Mason Dixon line is marked in the park, which makes this a UNIQUE run. The area includes Possum Hill and Mill Run Valley Natural Area. This excellent trail map shows all the options.