Michael N. Castle Trail

Paved Multi Use Trail On U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Land Along The North Bank Of The Chesapeake And Delaware Canal, Running From Delaware City To Chesapeake City, Maryland, And Named For Former Delaware Governor And Congressman Mike Castle · Delaware City, Delaware

The Michael N. Castle Trail is a paved path along the north bank of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, running roughly fourteen miles from Delaware City west to Chesapeake City, Maryland. The canal is a working shipping channel that cuts across the Delmarva Peninsula to link Delaware Bay with the Chesapeake, and the trail follows it on land managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It opened in stages through the 2010s and is named for Mike Castle, the former governor and congressman. The appeal is simple: a flat, wide, smooth ride or walk beside deep water where ocean-going ships, tugs and barges pass close, under a series of high bridges including the St. Georges Bridge, the Summit Bridge and the bridge at Chesapeake City. A separate unpaved trail alongside serves horseback riders. It is also exposed, with little shade and long stretches without water or restrooms, and the wind off the canal can be strong. Entry is free, and trailheads with parking sit at Delaware City, St. Georges, Summit and Chesapeake City.

Canal Road trailhead, Delaware City, Delaware City, Delaware, 19706, United States

The trail is free and generally open every day from about sunrise to sunset; it is not lit, and trailhead lots are meant to be empty after dark - confirm current hours with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Delaware State Parks, which share its management. There is no fee station and no staffed visitor center on the trail. Short sections can close without much notice for bridge work, canal bank repairs, storm damage or events, and detours may route you onto roads - check for closure notices before a long ride. Restrooms at trailheads are limited, some are portable or seasonal, and drinking water may be off in winter; do not count on refilling bottles between trailheads. Fishing along the canal follows Delaware or Maryland seasons and license rules depending on the side of the state line. Lums Pond State Park nearby has its own hours and a per-vehicle fee in season. Confirm before relying on any facility.

Michael N. Castle Trail on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos