DELAWARE - Across the state of Delaware, a network of scenic and accessible pathways provides residents and visitors with the opportunity to walk, run, and bike through beautiful landscapes. Many of these popular routes, known as "rail trails," exist today thanks to a forward-thinking movement to transform abandoned railroad corridors into vibrant recreational assets. The history of Delaware's rail trails is a story of preservation, community advocacy, and the successful reimagining of the state's industrial past.
DELAWARE - Across the state of Delaware, a network of scenic and accessible pathways provides residents and visitors with the opportunity to walk, run, and bike through beautiful landscapes. Many of these popular routes, known as "rail trails," exist today thanks to a forward-thinking movement to transform abandoned railroad corridors into vibrant recreational assets. The history of Delaware's rail trails is a story of preservation, community advocacy, and the successful reimagining of the state's industrial past.The Vision: Preserving Corridors, Connecting Communities
As railroads consolidated and specific lines became obsolete throughout the 20th century, their abandoned corridors presented an opportunity for development. The "rails-to-trails" concept emerged from a desire to preserve these linear greenways for public use rather than allowing them to be sold off and developed.
In Delaware, organizations such as Delaware Greenways and state agencies, including the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the Division of Parks and Recreation, became instrumental in this movement. They championed the vision of converting these flat, accessible corridors into multi-use paths that could:
- Provide safe, car-free spaces for recreation and leisure activities.
- Connect towns, parks, and neighborhoods.
- Preserve historical transportation routes.
- Offer opportunities to experience the state's natural beauty.
Pioneering Paths: Delaware's Signature Rail Trails
Several key trails exemplify the success of Delaware's rail trail history:
- Junction and Breakwater Trail (Sussex County): Often considered the crown jewel of the state's rail trails, the Junction and Breakwater Trail is one of Delaware's most popular.
- History: This trail follows the path of a former Penn Central Railroad corridor that was active from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century, primarily serving the coastal towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.
- Today: It provides a beautiful, shaded, and flat route for cyclists and walkers, connecting the two resort towns and passing through coastal forests and wetlands near Cape Henlopen State Park.
- Pomeroy and Newark Railroad Trail (Newark, New Castle County):
- History: This trail utilizes the corridor of the former Pomeroy and Newark Railroad, which operated in the late 19th century.
- Today, it serves as a vital recreational and transportation link for the community of Newark, connecting neighborhoods to the city center and providing access to the scenic White Clay Creek State Park.
- Jack A. Markell Trail (Wilmington to New Castle):
- History: A more recent and ambitious project, the Jack A. Markell Trail utilizes a portion of a former industrial railroad line to create a stunning connection between the Wilmington Riverfront and historic New Castle.
- Today: Its most remarkable feature is a 2,300-foot-long elevated boardwalk and bridge that carries users over the Christina River and its surrounding marshes, offering breathtaking views and a unique perspective on the landscape.
A Growing Network:
These individual trails are part of a larger, ongoing effort to create a comprehensive, statewide network of pathways and greenways. Trails like the Michael N. Castle C&D Canal Trail (which follows the maintenance road alongside the canal) and others are being interconnected to form longer, continuous routes for recreation and alternative transportation.
T
he history of Delaware's rail trails is a story of remarkable foresight and community collaboration. By transforming the remnants of its industrial past into recreational treasures, the state has created a lasting legacy. These trails are more than just bike paths; they are preserved historical corridors that provide invaluable opportunities for outdoor recreation, connect communities, and allow people to experience the natural beauty of the First State in a safe and accessible way.
Sources:
- Delaware Greenways
- Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) - Delaware Bicycle Facilities Map
- Delaware State Parks (DNREC)
- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
- Historical societies of New Castle and Sussex Counties
- Local trail advocacy groups and websites
