A gorgeous addition to the area’s trail network, Wilmington Riverwalk (sometimes called the Christina River Walk) allows pedestrians and cyclists to experience Wilmington’s renovated urban development along the banks of the Christina River. The trail passes a variety of waterside restaurants and businesses, scenic viewing platforms, and the city’s train station just south of downtown.
On the trail’s southern end, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking boardwalk section leading into the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge. A statue of the marshy refuge’s namesake, a former Delaware governor and prominent environmentalist, greets trail users at the beginning of the boardwalk section. The trail leads to the impressive DuPont Environ-mental Education Center, where you can check out the visitor center, an essential stop for those interested in learning about the area’s ecosystem and biodiversity.
From the education center, the route continues west via the Jack A. Markell Trail, starting with another picturesque boardwalk section built to allow trail users to explore the preserved wetlands with minimal disruption to the environment. That trail continues all the way into New Castle, allowing for a largely flat, seamless, and scenic journey between the two cities.
With ample benches, numerous trail amenities, beautiful native trees and flowers, and lovely views of the adjacent river, the Wilmington Riverwalk offers great outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Parking is available at the DuPont Environmental Education Center at the junction with the Jack A. Markell Trail, located at 1400 Delmarva Lane in Wilmington. To reach the lot, head south from Wilmington on Shipyard Drive and continue until the road's end.
Parking can also be found at Riverfront Wilmington (Delmarva Lane & New Sweden St), the Chase Center on the Riverfront (815 Justison St) and at the Riverfront Wilmington Commuter Lot (Parking Lot K) on Beech St between Shipyard Dr and Justison St. To reach the trail from the Chase Center on the Riverfront, travel 0.1 mile east toward the Christina River. To reach the trail from the Riverfront Wilmington Commuter Lot, follow Beech St 0.1 mile southeast toward the Christina River.
Paid and time-limited parking is available at the northern end of the trail next to Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park on Rosa Parks Dr between S Market St and S Walnut St. The Amtrak and Septa train station that serves Wilmington is also located just north of the park, with easy access to the trail.
If you’re coming to Wilmington, this is the place to see. Urban, busy, but in a good way. Connects to two more placid trails by the Peterson wildlife refuge. If you e never been here, check it out.
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