Our Guide to Fall Foliage Across Delaware

While the temperatures are dropping, the autumn season is still a great time to get out and explore all of Delaware’s picturesque parks. The autumn season brings forth new outdoor adventures to be had and foliage to be seen. Delaware offers so many beautifully kept parks throughout New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties, all waiting to be explored. Below are just a few of our favorite spots throughout the state. Please keep in mind that some parks may have an entrance fee. 

New Castle County

Brandywine Park  Located just North of Downtown Wilmington, Brandywine Creek State Park features the Tulip Tree Woods Nature Preserve, and over 14 miles of trails just waiting to be explored. With a mixture of vast open spaces and lush walking trails, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of orange, yellow, and red leaves in no time! 

White Clay Creek State Park Bordering both Pennsylvania and Maryland, White Clay Creek State Park sits in the NorthWest corner of the state and offers an abundance of amenities including over 37 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife preserves, and rich, historic ruins and buildings. Be sure to check out all of their fall-themed events happening every weekend throughout the park!

Winterthur Garden With nearly 1,000 acres of meadows, farmland, and waterways, Winterthur Garden is home to some of the most picturesque gardens in the state. Now through December, you can explore the autumnal colored garden on foot, or on a narrated tram ride.  

Lums Pond Lums Pond State Park is for the adventurous at heart. With hiking and biking trails, kayaks, canoes, and pedalboats, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had. Right in the heart of this vast park sits a Go Ape course which is a 2- to 3-hour adventure featuring rope ladders, treetops crossings, a Tarzan swing and four epic ziplines that take you over the pond. Who said outdoor adventures were just for the summer? Take advantage of the cooler temperatures as you wrangle this daunting course. 

Kent County

First State Heritage Park First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s first urban park without boundaries. On the First Saturday of each month, the park hosts a series of thematic programs and events, with a new theme every month! We recommend taking a walking tour along the charming tree-lined streets!

Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve The DNERR is comprised of Blackbird Creek Reserve in Townsend and the St. Jones Reserve in Dover. These sites include both brackish and freshwater estuaries and represent the diverse estuarine ecosystems found throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. With over 6 miles of walking trails throughout, you are sure to catch a glimpse of the diverse wildlife and the beautiful fall foliage. 

Killens Pond State Park Covering over 66-acres, Killens Pond features a waterpark, various watercraft rentals, and the popular Pondside Loop Trail. Ride one of the beautiful trails, or grab your friends and a frisbee and take on the 18-hole disc golf course, winding through the tall trees. If you love wildlife photography, be sure to check out the Fork Branch Nature Preserve in the park where you can spot some Red-shouldered Hawks! 

Sussex County 

Cape Henlopen State Park While many consider Sussex County parks to be a “summer” adventure, these beachside parks are just as beautiful in the fall! Although there are slightly fewer color-changing trees on the ground, Cape Henlopen State Park offers scenic hiking and biking trails along with a Seaside Nature Center in addition to its over 6 miles of shoreline. 

Delaware Seashore State Park The Prickly Pear Trail, located at Delaware Seashore State Park, offers visitors a 3.5-mile loop great for exploring Fresh Pond and taking in scenic views of the Indian River Bay! This park is dog-friendly and filled with mature trees and lush foliage where you can spot a variety of wildlife.

Trap Pond State Park Located in Laurel along the state’s Southern border, Trap Pond State Park has something for everyone. From boat rides to hiking trails, this park’s offerings change with the seasons! While this park may be a further drive for most, the picturesque foliage and unique wildlife make it worth the drive!