Picture of White Clay Creek

WHITE CLAY CREEK STATE PARK


Trail Safety Notice

A portion of the Twin Valley/Mason Dixon Trail is closed until further notice. A bridge spanning a ravine was destroyed by a fallen tree and the bridge is not safe. Please access the Arc Corner Monument from the Carpenter Trailhead. Posted 10/21/19

About the Park

The land that is today known as White Clay Creek State Park includes parts of the boundary line made famous by Mason and Dixon, who began their historic survey at “a post mark’d west,” a location that lies within the park.

As overdevelopment in the northern part of the state became a matter of increasing concern in the late 1960s, the state began to purchase lands adjoining a small recreational park, which in 1975 became known as Walter S. Carpenter State Park. State land acquisitions and donations from the Du Pont family and others eventually enlarged the park to over 3,600 acres. It was renamed White Clay Creek State Park in 1995. The White Clay Creek was named a National Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service in 2000, which added an additional layer of protection to the area.

Master Plan in Progress

The Division of Parks and Recreation is beginning the process of creating a master plan for White Clay Creek State Park. The purpose of this master plan is to provide a vision and a framework for the stewardship and use of the park.

Freshwater Fishing

Millstone and Cattail Ponds offer year-round fishing for bluegill and crappie, and a catch-and-release program for largemouth bass. The White Clay Creek offers anglers the opportunity to fish for stocked rainbow and brown trout. Trout fishing opens the first Saturday in April. A fishing license is required at all times when fishing. A trout stamp is required April through June 30th and again October through November. The creek closes to all fishing two weeks prior to the opening day of trout season. Get information on fishing permits.. WARNING: The State online automated fishing license system is NOT compatible with mobile devices or iPads and may encounter printing issues with touch screen computers and Apple products.

Hiking and Biking

trail at white clay creek with a wooden fence next to it

Over 37 miles of trails lead explorers to historic sites and scenic vistas overlooking lush valleys and impressive rock outcrops. Hikers and mountain bikers enjoy the large number of easy-to-moderate trails throughout the park. Of special interest are those at Possum Hill and the Judge Morris Estate, along with the Pomeroy Rail-Trail, which runs alongside White Clay Creek.

The Judge Morris Estate

Built in 1790, the estate is the former home of native Delawarean Hugh M. Morris, an attorney and federal judge. His wife Emma, who Emma's Pond was named after, was instrumental in having the pond installed at the estate.

Emma's Pond is available for private events. For more information please visit the Emma's Pond site.

Special Notice

Due to bridge erosion, the skills course at White Clay is closed, effectively immediately.

Upcoming Events


There are currently no programs scheduled at this location


Map and Directions