lmckee
New Member
I've seen a few posts up on this site about these two trail systems. I grew up in NJ but I live in Newark Delaware now making these trails local to me. Last summer I rode White Clay extensively and Middle Run a few times. For anyone that doesn't know about both of these systems they are actually two separate and fairly different parks. The best part is that these parks are actually connected to each other and can be chained into a somewhat epic mountain bike ride. Both places flow great, are very well maintained, and are an absolute blast to ride.
On the middle run side you'll run into some nice elevation changes making for some decent climbing and some seriously fun downhill speed. There are some really cool technical features in Middle Run like "logzilla" and the "mountain goat" and "corkscrew" trails. Middle run in general flows great and is an awesome ride that will definitely not disappoint or get boring.
White Clay is equally as awesome as Middle Run but with a little less elevation change and more flow. White Clay also has a fun "skills trail" that is made up of some north shore type stuff with some nice skinnies, a suspension bridge, and some teeter totters. White Clay is a truly enjoyably ride with lots of great singletrack that snakes between the woods and farm fields making for some great scenery and awesome riding.
One thing to keep in mind about these trail systems is that they are very well maintained and the people that are responsible for that (the DE Trailspinners) try very hard to keep it that way. I definitely don't suggest driving out to ride here if the trails are wet and sloppy because you might get intercepted in the parking lot by the park ranger who will send you packing. If anybody does plan on coming out and your not sure about the trail conditions I will be glad to go and check them out for you as I only live about 10 minutes away, just send me a message.
As far as directions and parking are concerned there are multiple places to park but there is one lot that I usually park at that is in the upper end of Middle Run. I park here because the parking is free (White Clay its 3 or 4 dollars) and it puts you at a good middle point between the two parks. The entrance to the parking lot is on the left across from 144 Possum Hollow Rd. Newark DE 19711, I suggest looking it up on google maps because it will give you the street view. The best trail map of these trails can be found at http://www.kencox.net/?page_id=29 and is in pdf format. If anyone has any more questions, needs trail conditions, or wants to ride feel free to send me a message.
On the middle run side you'll run into some nice elevation changes making for some decent climbing and some seriously fun downhill speed. There are some really cool technical features in Middle Run like "logzilla" and the "mountain goat" and "corkscrew" trails. Middle run in general flows great and is an awesome ride that will definitely not disappoint or get boring.
White Clay is equally as awesome as Middle Run but with a little less elevation change and more flow. White Clay also has a fun "skills trail" that is made up of some north shore type stuff with some nice skinnies, a suspension bridge, and some teeter totters. White Clay is a truly enjoyably ride with lots of great singletrack that snakes between the woods and farm fields making for some great scenery and awesome riding.
One thing to keep in mind about these trail systems is that they are very well maintained and the people that are responsible for that (the DE Trailspinners) try very hard to keep it that way. I definitely don't suggest driving out to ride here if the trails are wet and sloppy because you might get intercepted in the parking lot by the park ranger who will send you packing. If anybody does plan on coming out and your not sure about the trail conditions I will be glad to go and check them out for you as I only live about 10 minutes away, just send me a message.
As far as directions and parking are concerned there are multiple places to park but there is one lot that I usually park at that is in the upper end of Middle Run. I park here because the parking is free (White Clay its 3 or 4 dollars) and it puts you at a good middle point between the two parks. The entrance to the parking lot is on the left across from 144 Possum Hollow Rd. Newark DE 19711, I suggest looking it up on google maps because it will give you the street view. The best trail map of these trails can be found at http://www.kencox.net/?page_id=29 and is in pdf format. If anyone has any more questions, needs trail conditions, or wants to ride feel free to send me a message.