Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau: Wilmington, Delaware: A Dogs' Best Weekend Getaway

Press release from the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau:

August 31, 2021

Looking for a place to spend some quality time (and have some fun) with your furry family members? Man’s best friends will love a getaway in Greater Wilmington, Delaware and the Brandywine Valley … almost as much as you will! #VisitWilm for dining, outdoor pursuits – and even some pampering – your pooch can enjoy with you. After a full day of adventure, tuck in at one of our pet friendly hotels. One hotel is even offering a special pet-themed package … the ultimate pet-centric getaway. Read on for the details . . .

Bark Parks

For a dog, there’s nothing quite like the freedom of romping free range and full tilt through field and forest. Throughout New Castle County, you will find a half-dozen pup parks that sport off-leash areas. The most appealing for most furry friends is Lums Pond, a Newark favorite, where the off-leash area includes tall grasses, woods and access to the namesake pond for doggie swimming.

Another favorite is the expansive Carousel Bark Park in Pike Creek which also includes a large water feature where dogs that like to swim can take a cooling dip. For well-mannered pups that have their recall skills down, Rockford Park within the city limits of Wilmington is another spot where they fetch and catch untethered.

If your canine sidekick is well socialized with other pooches but requires a little more confinement, or you just don’t want to chase them too far, there are plenty of fenced-in play areas around our area too. Talley Day Park in Brandywine Hundred and Iron Hill Park in Newark both have separate sections for small and large dogs.

On-Leash Walking and Hiking

Nearly all northern Delaware hiking trails welcome leashed pets. One of many Fido-approved routes is the trail along the scenic Delaware River in historic New Castle’s Battery Park. You can even pack a picnic for you and your pup to enjoy afterward in the park’s expansive grassy area. But keep one eye on the river as you savor your lunch … you might spot the tall ship Kalmar Nyckel cruising by or one of the large cargo ships that use the river as their highway.

To explore the road less traveled, take a trip west to the Delaware/Pennsylvania line to Beaver Valley, a section of Delaware’s First State National Historic Park. Its rolling hills, farms and miles of trails form a stunning contrast to the bustle of Wilmington. The Brandywine River runs through this section of park, offering lovely water views and a cool respite for you and your pup on warmer days. Be sure to keep an eye out for Smith Bridge, one of the region’s three covered bridges.
Another spot to check out with your hiking buddy is the Northern Delaware Greenway, Delaware’s longest and oldest off-road trail. It covers 10 miles, connecting the gorgeous and uncrowded open spaces of several parks including Bellevue State Park, Rockwood Park & Museum, Alapocas Run State Park and Brandywine Park, all worthy doggie destinations on their own. And a friendly reminder … be sure to clean up after your pet!

This press release was produced by the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau. The views expressed here are the author’s own.