Capital City Trail

The Capital City Trail forms an important leg in the evolving Saint Jones River Greenway trail system in the Dover area, creating a link between the three-mile Isaac Branch Greenway Trail and the city's lovely Silver Lake Park, home to its own short trail. The trail runs through a portion of the heart of Dover, starting in the north at the park entrance and running south, sandwiched between Park Drive and the St. Jones River.

The concrete path shifts to brick as it crosses over the river and runs along the edge of the historic state capitol campus, which hosts the First State Heritage Park visitor center for out-of-towners looking to learn more about Delaware's rich history. Heading east from the capitol building, the trail switches back to concrete and then to asphalt as it turns south to follow the western side of Highway 13. This last stretch of trail is not exactly scenic, but it does offer a connection at the end to the Isaac Branch Greenway Trail, which follows a more wooded path closer to the river for part of its route.

The Capital City Trail provides a little something for everyone, whether you're a visitor looking to stroll through some of Dover's parks and historic sites on a nice summer day, or a resident looking for a convenient commuter path.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available in Silver Lake Park, on Lewis Mill Drive off of Kings Highway NE. Free parking is also available at the First State Heritage Park center, located at 121 M.L.K. Jr Boulevard. Dover's DART buses also have several stops along the trail route; consult their site for exact routes and schedules.

Trail non existent

May 2026 keithdel555

Mostly bike lanes along busy roads. The city is beautiful but I was disappointed that I could not find a trail along the water and lake. I even asked a State Trooper and they said that they were not aware of an actual trail.

where is the trail?

May 2026 keithdel555

I went down to Dover and followed the Google map and the trails map and could not find an actual trail. It appears that the trail is nothing but bike lanes on main roads. I asked a state trooper where the Jones River Trail was where there were signs pointing, and she had no idea what the Jones river was. Was very disappointed looking for the trails, but Dover is a beautiful town, especially in the legislative district.