Fall 2026 Newsletter

This Season: September to November

After an eventful (and rainy) summer comes to an end, we're sad to see our summer interns go back to school. But as the weather cools and the leaves change, its time for autumn! Say hello as you see the rest of our staff around the park for hikes, programs, and our seasonal wagon rides.

We will be continuing our new canoing trips down the Brandywine, with a trip in both September and October. Additionally, Come join us on our last two wilderness adventure programs in september to learn some new camping skills. Finally, enjoy your fall with our hay-less wagon rides and sit around the firepit with a nice S'more!

We also debuted a new exhibit on our back porch, Discarded but not Disregarded: The Buttons of the Brandywine. This exhibit showcases how buttons were more than just a fastener for clothes as well as why you may find them around this area.

Programs are filling up for the season so pre-registration is required for all paid and highly recommended for some free programs.

For free programs register over the phone at (302)655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov.

For paid program registration is online at https://www.destateparks.com/park/brandywine-creek/

Wagon Rides

Come enjoy the fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve single tickets or the whole 18-person wagon for your family, friends or small get together. You’ll enjoy a fun-filled 45-minute wagon ride around the park followed by a cozy 45-minute campfire.

Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing trip; rides leave on time. No extra persons may join you at the campfire, but marshmallows for roasting will be provided!

Call the Nature Center at (302)655-5740 at least 24 hours in advance to book a full wagon.

Cost is $150 per wagon.

Meets at the Nature Center!

Pre-registration required at Destateparks.com/programs, online registration closes 24 hours before.

Cost is $10 per ticket.

Meets at the Nature Center!

For wheelchair accessible wagon availability and whole wagon rentals, please contact the Nature Center at (302)655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov.

Please be advised there will be NO HAY on our Wagon Rides.

Enchanted Meadows

From princesses to minions, journey through our Enchanted Meadows for candy while meeting some of your favorite characters. Including two new web-slinging and Jurassic guests to meet!

Dress up and come out to Brandywine Creek State Park for our Trick-or-Treat Trail on Friday Oct. 23 and Saturday Oct. 24th.

$8 per attendee

Upcoming Public Programs

Wilderness Adventures Series: Basic Orienteering

Thurs. Sept. 3rd at 06:00 PM

Ever wondered how to tie functional knots or build a shelter? How about packing your own hiking bag, cooking over a fire, or navigating the landscape with just a map and a compass? Get hands on experience with this and much more by joining our Wilderness Survival Series.

This week we will be learning the basics of how to use a map and compass to traverse a landscape. We will be using our permanent orienteering course at the park which is roughly 1.5 miles of differing elevation and uneven terrain.

Kids 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Hot dogs to roast and buns will be supplied for each program.

Meat-free options can be requested.

$8 per person, register online.

Insects at the BCSP Pollinator Garden! Xerces Society and garden clean up

Sat. Sept 5 at 11:00 AM

Meet members of the Xerces Society as they give a presentation about the pollinators found in our garden and their impact on every one of us.

Afterwards join our Naturalist team as we participate in a garden clean up with our volunteer manager and learn more about volunteerism in parks.

Free program with paid park admission, meets at the Nature Center.

Volunteering is not required to be a participant.

Wilderness Adventure Series: Campfire and Water Basics

Thurs. Sept. 10th at 06:00 PM

This week we will go over Campfire building, proper use, and safety as well as some water safety tips and tricks for hydrating on the go!

Kids 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Hot dogs to roast and buns will be supplied for each program.

Meat-free options can be requested.

$8 per person, register online.

Canoe Trip Down the Brandywine

Sat. Sept. 12 at 09:00 AM

Leaf Peeping

Fri. Oct. 16th at 09:00 AM

Join certified guides on a canoeing adventure down the Brandywine and see the Brandywine Valley from a whole new perspective!

Adults must accompany those age 15 and younger (same boat). Canoes hold up to 3 people (2 paddlers). You and a partner will carry your canoe a short distance to the river. Equipment will be provided.

Please bring drinking water, a snack, water shoes or old sneakers, and be prepared to get wet!

Some canoeing experience recommended. Trip is typically 3-4 hours. Space is very limited; pre-registration and payment are required.

Intro to the Night Sky

Wed. Sept 16 at 07:30 PM

Join members of the Delaware Astronomical Society for an evening of stargazing on Hawk Watch Hill. Learn about constellations, stars, and planets through an introduction to the night sky. Equipment will be available, but you may bring your own.

Registration preferred but not required.

Meets at Hawk Watch

Free, with paid park entrance fee

Treasure Along the Brandywine

Sat. Sept. 19th at 9:00 AM

Can you find Mr. Miller's Treasure? This Geocache adventure will take you through Brandywine's farming history as you traverse through our forests and down old historic farm roads to find the legendary Brandywine Treasure.

Registration not required, pick up your map at the Nature Center.

Free to all treasure seekers, with paid park admission.

Fall Equinox Hike

Tues. Sept. 22 at 05:00 PM

Celebrate the start of fall with us! We’ll explore what the equinox is and discuss what makes autum such a cool season! Meets at the Nature Center.

Free with paid park entrance.

Full Moon Hike

The Harvest Moon

Sat. Sept. 26th at 06:30 PM

The Hunter Moon

Mon. Oct. 26th at 06:00 PM

The Beaver Moon

Tues. Nov. 24th at 04:30 PM

Join the naturalists for a hike under the wide-open skies and look for the beautiful full moon. Learn about the moon and some of the folklore it stars in.

Monthly Bird Walk

Sat. September 26 at 08:00 AM

Sat. October 31 at 08:00 AM

Sat. November 28 at 08:00 AM

Bring your eyes, ears, and a comfortable pair of hiking boots the last Saturday of every month for the Monthly Bird Walk! Our expert volunteer birder from the Delaware Ornithological Society will lead the group, provide tips and advice to all interested bird watchers. Meets at the Nature Center parking lot.

No Registration required, but you may register over the phone at (302)655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov

Free with paid park entrance fee.

Enchanted Meadows: Trick or Treat Trail

Fri. Oct. 23rd at 06:00 PM

Sat. Oct. 24th at 06:00 PM

Dress your family in your Halloween best and come explore the magic of the enchanted meadows! Meet storybook characters as you journey through the trail for treats.

$8 per person (adults and children)

Legend of the Brandywine Werewolf

Thurs. Oct 30th at 07:00 PM

Want to come explore a history of cryptid encounters along the Brandywine Creek? In the spirit of the season, we'll be telling the legends of the werewolves haunting the Brandywine Creek before a hike into the woods with the full moon high in the sky to hunt for the werewolves ourselves!

For ages 12 and up, $10 per person.

Pre-register by calling the Nature Center at (302)655-5740. Meets at Hawk Watch parking lot.

Public Costume Wagon Ride

Sat. Oct 31st at

01:00 PM,

02:00 PM,

03:00 PM

Come see our spooky wagon and dress in your best Halloween fashion for our costume wagon rides! our wagon has been decorated for the season, and we think you would be the perfect fit. Wagon sets off from the Nature Center at 1, 2 and 3 o'clock.

$10 per person

Purchase tickets online at DEStateParks.com.

No pets permitted.

Accessible wagon available please call Nature Center in advance at (302) 655 5740.

Fall Tree ID

Fri. Nov. 6th at 02:00 PM

Join the Naturalists for a stroll down the Brandywine trail as we look for the trees that make up our forest canopy. learn tip sand tricks on how to identify these woody plants in the wild.

Free program!

Meets at Thompsons Bridge trailhead.

Registration not required but preferred. Register by calling (302) 655 5740 or emailing DNREC_BrandywineCreekPrograms@delaware.gov.

Stone Wall Hike

Sat. Nov. 21 at 01:00 PM

Take a walk through history and discover the mysterious and impressive history of the stone walls that line the park landscape. Who built these walls? When? Why? How? Enjoy the panoramic views of the rolling hills as we unravel the story behind the walls.

Pre-registration preferred, register by calling (302) 655 5740 or by email DNREC_BrandwineCreekPrograms@delaware.gov.

Meets at the Nature Center.

Free!

Quakers Not Oats

Sat. Nov. 28 at 01:00 PM

Join the naturalist for a hike exploring some of the ruins and remnants of the park's Quaker past. Enjoy the beauty and interesting stories of this historic landscape under the golden light of a summer evening.

Leaving from the Hawk Watch parking lot, this program will discuss the farmers, millers, and community leaders who called this place home.

Meets at hawkwatch parking lot.

Free!

Registration preferred, register by calling (302) 655 5740 or by email DNREC_BrandywineCreek@delaware.gov.

Hunting Season Starts September!

Each fall the park welcomes hunters into the park to help control the deer population. Archery/crossbow hunting ONLY is permitted for deer, in season, Monday, September 1, 2026 through Saturday, January 30, 2027. Hunters must carry their stand into the park with them and take it with them when they leave.

Deer hunting is not allowed on Sundays. If you are not hunting, please do not follow the brown signs with numbers as they lead to hunting stands. All 17 stands are at least 50 yards from official park trails.

By hunting in DE State Parks, our hunters are a vital part of our "deer management team." White-tailed deer have been shown to ecologically damage their habitat when they reach 20 deer per square mile. In the majority of our parks the herds are 100 or more deer per square mile. This harmful to the park ecosystem and the deer as their are not enough resources to support their population at this concentration.

Thank you for your care and understanding this hunting season. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us at (302)577-3534. For more information visit: https://destateparks.com/Adventures/Hunting

Volunteer Opportunities

Several hikers, walking along the hidden pond trail in late fall

Adopt a Trail

Become a trail steward, help us remove invasive plants, and report on trail hazards. This is a great opportunity for folks who already visit the park regularly and want to help take care of the park they love. For more information on getting involved with any of these opportunities or other ways to help the park

Join the Friends Group

Want to get more involved in the park? Join the Friends of Brandywine Creek State Park! Help out at major events and get together to explore the park. Get hands on about conservation and support stewardship within the park. Work on philanthropy and outreach to make sure everyone gets to experience the beauty of the park! Learn more about the friends group at https://sites.google.com/view/httpswwwfriendsofbcsporg/home

For more information on getting involved with the park please reach out to our Interpretive Programs Manager, Gab DeSantis (Gab.Desantis@delaware.gov).

Halloween Program volunteers

Our Legend of the Brandywine Werewolf and Enchanted meadows programs require a lot of volunteers to run smoothly.

If you are interested in being a costumed volunteer on either enchanted meadow dates or a trail rustler for the werewolf, please reach out to our Interpretive Programs Manager, Gab DeSantis (Gab.Desantis@delaware.gov).

Things To Be Aware Of

We want everyone who visits the park this season to be as informed as they can be. So here are a few important things we want folks to be aware of:

Fee Season Will End November 30th

A reminder that we continue to be in fee season here at the park. If you haven’t already you can pick up a 2026 park pass in the Nature Center/ Park Office!

XC season!

As the cross country season picks up, more runners use the park including along the roads, please be extra aware of people on the roads and parking lots.

The seasons are changing at Brandywine...

As the temperatures fluctuate be sure to plan ahead and prepare for your trip out to DE State Parks. Bring extra water, dress according to the forecast, and don’t forget the sunscreen and insect repellent even as the air starts to chill!

Competitive Parking

We will be seeing more visitation in the coming months, meaning parking at certain lots like our Rockland Bridge parking area and the Thompsons Bridge parking area will become full quicker. Please remember there is no parking along Thompson’s bridge outside of the designated parking lot.

Pavilion and Picnic Area Rentals

BCSP has a pavilion and a picnic area available for folks to rent. It's perfect for small gatherings like birthday parties, family reunions, club meetings, or even small weddings! Additional details about the area rentals can be found at https://www.destateparks.com/pavilions-and-picnic-areas/. But know, these areas book up fast in the spring, summer, and fall!

If you do rent one of these areas, please keep in mind your proximity to the nature preserve and other important natural resources, and wildlife in the park. Leave No Trace!

Connect With Us

Website: https://destateparks.com/brandywinecreek

E-mail: DNREC_Parks_BrandywineCreekPrograms@state.de.us

Facebook: facebook.com/BrandywineCreekStatePark

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandywinecreekstatepark/

To subscribe to receive this info as a monthly email newsletter, send an email to

join-de_parks_brandywine@lists.state.de.us

We'll send you send you one monthly email with upcoming programs and events.

Your email address will never be shared with third parties.

Park Office: (302) 577-3534

Program Reservations: (302) 655-5740

41 Adams Dam Road Wilmington, DE 19803

Brandywine Creek State Park is open 8 a.m. to sunset, year-round.

Park Office and Nature Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

We hope to see you in the park soon!!

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