Why Walking Works And Seven Great Walking Trails In Delaware

Photo: Jack A. Markell Trail, Wilmington to New Castle Credit: Delaware Greenways / Visit Wilmington

Seven Great Walks in Delaware from riverfront paths to forested preserves.

Jamie Kleman | Contributing Writer Delaware Live | October 2025

“Golf,” Mark Twain once joked, “is a good walk spoiled.” While many Delawareans love their time on the greens, they are also leaning into the simple joy of the walk itself. This time of year, as trails glow with color and the air turns crisp, walking has become one of the most refreshing ways to experience Delaware’s natural beauty.

Across the First State, walking is finding its stride, and it’s not just about fitness. It is about connection, balance, and belonging. The simplicity of putting one foot in front of the other has the power to strengthen hearts, clear minds, and bring people together.

Why walking works

Walking remains one of the easiest and most effective forms of exercise. The American Heart Association reports that just 30 minutes of brisk walking a day can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by as much as 27 percent. Researchers at Harvard University recently found that adults who walk regularly can reduce their overall mortality risk by nearly 25 percent, even without high-intensity workouts.

It is not only physical health that improves. Walking outdoors can lift mood, sharpen focus, and ease anxiety. A 2023 study in The Lancet Public Health linked regular walking to lower rates of depression and higher life satisfaction across all age groups.

Health benefits at a glance

Even short daily walks can have measurable effects:

Improve heart and lung health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
Support a healthy weight and boost metabolism
Strengthen joints and muscles, reducing stiffness and pain
Increase mental clarity and creativity
Lower stress and anxiety through the release of endorphins
Improve sleep quality and overall mood
Reduce the risk of chronic illness, including Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers
Build community connection through shared, screen-free time outdoors

Where Delaware walks

From riverfront paths to forested preserves, Delaware offers countless places to stretch your legs and enjoy the seasons.

Brandywine Creek State Park (Wilmington): Wooded trails from 1.5 to 5 miles through rolling hills and streams.
Jack A. Markell Trail (Wilmington to New Castle): A 5.5-mile paved path linking the city’s riverfront to New Castle’s historic district.
White Clay Creek State Park (Newark): Forest and meadow loops from 2 to 4 miles, rich with wildlife.
Newark Reservoir: A smooth 2.3-mile paved loop with wide-open water views.
Brecknock County Park (Camden): Family-friendly trails surrounded by shaded woods.
Junction and Breakwater Trail (Lewes to Rehoboth): Six scenic miles between coastal towns, bordered by pines and marshland.
Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes): Ocean-view loops ranging from 1 to 3 miles near dunes and beach paths.

Aim for 20 to 30 minutes at a comfortable pace. Bring water, wear supportive shoes, and if you enjoy company, check local parks, libraries, or community centers for group walks and wellness meetups.

The power of community on the move

Walking is not only a path to better health. It is also a bridge to connection. In towns across Delaware, small walking groups have become weekly rituals that bring together people who might otherwise never cross paths. Conversations come easily when the pace is unhurried, and the world around you is alive with color and sound.

When walking becomes a shared habit, its benefits grow even stronger. Neighbors who meet for morning strolls, families who explore local trails on weekends, and coworkers who walk together at lunch all gain something deeper – community. A consistent walking routine creates both accountability and belonging, two of the most powerful motivators for lasting well-being.

A habit worth keeping

Walking is a way to explore Delaware’s landscapes, and to reconnect with what truly moves us – nature, people, and purpose. Every trail offers a chance to see something new, whether it is a heron lifting from the marsh, a friend’s story unfolding beside you, or a deeper breath of fresh air. Wherever you are in the First State, every season offers another reason to step outside and keep walking.