First State National Historical Park

Highlights

First State National Historical Park preserves a collection of historic landscapes across northern Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania that…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 10-11 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, riding opportunities are found primarily within the Brandywine Valley landscapes connected to the park, where wooded trails and rolling countryside create a quiet riding environment. These routes pass through mature forests, open meadows, and historic farmland that mirror the landscape early settlers would have experienced in the region. The terrain is generally gentle, making it well suited for relaxed trail riding.

Rideable terrain

10-11 miles

Trailer parking

Brandywine Creek State Park – Hawk Watch / Brandywine Creek Parking Areas (Primary Staging Area) Location Brandywine Creek State Park, north of Wilmington, Delaware. This state park unit is part of the broader landscape associated with First State National Historical Park. Why riders use it Large parking areas capable of accommodating horse trailers Direct access to multi-use trails that connect with the Brandywine Valley trail system One of the most reliable places in the region for equestrian staging Facilities Large paved and gravel parking areas Room to maneuver horse trailers Access to park trails directly from the parking area This is generally considered the most practical staging location for riders exploring the Brandywine Valley trails connected to the park. Auburn Valley State Park – Yorklyn Area Parking Location Yorklyn, Delaware, near the Auburn Valley historic district associated with the park landscape. Why riders use it Large open parking areas suitable for trailers Access to regional trail networks and historic landscapes connected with the park area Quieter location compared with busier Brandywine Valley trailheads Facilities Paved parking areas Trail access into wooded valley trails Nearby visitor facilities Thompson’s Bridge / Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Pullouts Location Along Thompson’s Bridge Road and nearby rural access points in the Brandywine Valley. Why riders use it Occasional pullouts and roadside areas where trailers may stage Access to surrounding valley trails and park partner lands Important note Because this area includes narrow historic roads and private land boundaries, riders must ensure trailers do not block traffic or access points and should confirm permitted trail access before riding.

Horse regulations

Horses Are Allowed Only on Certain Trails Horseback riding within First State National Historical Park is limited and depends on the specific unit or partner property. Riding is generally permitted on certain multi-use trails within the Brandywine Valley landscapes, particularly in areas managed by partner parks such as Brandywine Creek State Park and nearby public lands. Important notes: Many trails within the park’s historic sites do not allow horses, including areas with heavy pedestrian visitation or sensitive historic resources. Riders should always check posted trail signage and park information before entering a trail. Stay on Designated Routes To protect historic landscapes and natural habitats: Horses must remain on established trails and approved multi-use routes. Riders should avoid traveling across fields, historic sites, or landscaped areas unless specifically permitted. Leaving the trail can damage vegetation and sensitive historic features. Respect Private Property Several units of the park are surrounded by private farmland and residential property. Riders must remain on public trails and rights-of-way and should never enter private fields, driveways, or farm roads without permission. Maintaining respectful relationships with surrounding landowners helps preserve recreational access to these historic landscapes. Trail Etiquette Many trails in the park and surrounding partner lands are multi-use and shared with hikers and cyclists. Riders should: Slow to a walk when approaching others Announce themselves when passing Maintain control of horses at all times Protect Natural and Historic Resources To preserve the park’s cultural and natural heritage: Do not disturb historic structures, stone walls, or archaeological sites. Avoid trampling vegetation or creating new trail paths. Pack out trash and manure where required. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles while exploring the park.

Getting here

Use 10 Market St, New Castle, Delaware as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Brandywine Creek State Park – Hawk Watch / Brandywine Creek Parking Areas (Primary Staging Area) Location Brandywine Creek State Park, north of Wilmington, Delaware. This state park unit is part of the broader landscape associated with First State National Historical Park. Why riders use it Large parking areas capable of accommodating horse trailers Direct access to multi-use trails that connect with the Brandywine Valley trail system One of the most reliable places in the region for equestrian staging Facilities Large paved and gravel parking areas Room to maneuver horse trailers Access to park trails directly from the parking area This is generally considered the most practical staging location for riders exploring the Brandywine Valley trails connected to the park. Auburn Valley State Park – Yorklyn Area Parking Location Yorklyn, Delaware, near the Auburn Valley historic district associated with the park landscape. Why riders use it Large open parking areas suitable for trailers Access to regional trail networks and historic landscapes connected with the park area Quieter location compared with busier Brandywine Valley trailheads Facilities Paved parking areas Trail access into wooded valley trails Nearby visitor facilities Thompson’s Bridge / Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Pullouts Location Along Thompson’s Bridge Road and nearby rural access points in the Brandywine Valley. Why riders use it Occasional pullouts and roadside areas where trailers may stage Access to surrounding valley trails and park partner lands Important note Because this area includes narrow historic roads and private land boundaries, riders must ensure trailers do not block traffic or access points and should confirm permitted trail access before riding.

Planning your visit

Most of the Park Is Made Up of Separate Historic Sites First State National Historical Park is not a single continuous park. It is made up of several historic sites and landscapes across northern Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania. Riders should know: Many units focus on historic buildings and interpretive sites where horses are not allowed Equestrian riding typically occurs on trails within surrounding partner parks and natural areas Trail access may vary depending on the specific unit being visited Checking local trail rules before riding is recommended. Most Horseback Riding Happens in the Brandywine Valley Area While the park contains several historic locations, most equestrian riding occurs within the Brandywine Valley landscapes associated with the park. This area provides: Wooded multi-use trails through rolling hills Connections to nearby state parks such as Brandywine Creek State Park Quiet countryside riding environments These nearby parks offer the most reliable equestrian trail access. Trails Are Shared With Other Users Most trails in the region are multi-use trails shared with hikers and cyclists. Riders should: Slow to a walk when approaching others Announce themselves when passing Maintain control of horses at all times Being courteous helps maintain access to shared trails. Limited Equestrian Facilities Horse-specific facilities within the park itself are limited. Expect: Few designated horse trailer staging areas Limited hitching posts or horse amenities Mostly primitive or shared parking areas Riders should plan to bring water, feed, and other supplies. Historic Landscapes and Cultural Resources The park protects important historic sites tied to early American history. Riders should: Avoid riding near historic structures, ruins, or archaeological areas Stay on established routes to protect historic landscapes Respect fencing and boundaries around preserved sites Protecting these resources helps preserve the park’s historical significance. Rolling Countryside and Valley Terrain The riding landscapes associated with the park include: Forested creek valleys Open meadows and farmland Rolling hills typical of the Brandywine Valley Wildlife sightings may include white-tailed deer, foxes, songbirds, and seasonal wildflowers along the trails.

Where to stay

Sheriff's House Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry reads best as a bring-your-own-horse destination rather than a horse-rental stop, and amenities should be confirmed directly before travel. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near New Castle before heading deeper into federal-land access points.