You don’t need a gym membership to get moving in Delaware. State parks cost $5 a day for a Delaware car at an inland park [1], two long trails run through New Castle County [4][5], and there are several ways to get a park pass for little or nothing [2][3].
At a glance
- Inland state park, Delaware car
- $5 a day, March 1 to November 30 [1]
- Annual park pass
- $50 Delaware vehicles, $100 out of state [1]
- Pass for State Service Center clients
- $10 a year [2]
- Michael N. Castle Trail
- 12.1 paved miles along the C&D Canal [4]
- Jack A. Markell Trail
- 7.9 miles, Wilmington Riverfront to Old New Castle [5]
Delaware state park fees
Delaware charges state park entrance fees from March 1 through November 30 [1]. The 2026 rates [1][2]:
| Pass | Delaware vehicle | Out-of-state vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Daily, inland parks | $5 | $10 |
| Daily, beach parks | $10 | $20 |
| Annual pass | $50 | $100 |
At $50, a resident annual pass works out to a little over $4 a month across a year [1]. If you walk or run at a park a few times a week during the fee season, it pays for itself quickly.
Ways to pay less
- State Service Center clients: people who receive assistance from a State Service Center can buy an annual pass for $10 [2].
- Seniors and military members: 50% off the annual pass [2].
- Library card: you can reserve a park pass online at no cost with a library card [2].
- Residents with disabilities: Delaware law exempts disabled residents who hold a current National Park Service Gold Access Passport from annual and daily entrance fees [3].
- Volunteer firefighters and EMTs: active Delaware volunteers, and life members of a Delaware volunteer fire company, can get an annual park permit or surf fishing permit free each year [3].
Passes are sold online through Delaware State Parks and at park offices [2].
The Michael N. Castle Trail
The Michael N. Castle Trail follows the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal for 12.1 miles of paved surface in Delaware [4]. It has three trailheads: Biddle’s Point, St. Georges and South Lums Pond [4]. It’s open to hikers, runners, cyclists and horseback riders [4].
At the east end, the 0.4-mile Branch Canal Trail connects it to Delaware City’s Canalfront Promenade [4]. At the Maryland line, it meets the 1.8-mile Ben Cardin Recreational Trail to Chesapeake City, Maryland, for a 14.3-mile continuous trail between the two canal towns [4].
The Jack A. Markell Trail
The 7.9-mile Jack A. Markell Trail links Wilmington’s Riverfront with historic Old New Castle [5]. Highlights include a 2,300-foot boardwalk through the Peterson Wildlife Refuge and a 300-foot pedestrian and bicycle crossing over the river [5]. It’s also part of the East Coast Greenway, which runs from Maine to Florida [5].
It’s a good choice for a weekday walk or bike commute, since it starts in the city rather than at a park gate.
How much to aim for
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for adults to get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week [6]. For example: three 40-minute brisk walks on the Castle Trail (120 minutes), plus two 15-minute walks at lunch (30 minutes) gets you to 150 minutes; add two short band workouts at home for the strength days.
Gear that helps
You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.
Best for: Strength work at home or in a park
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
Five color-coded 12-inch loop bands, from extra light to extra heavy, that add resistance to squats, bridges and arm work at home or in a park, and fold into the included carry bag. [7]
- 5 bands, 5 resistance levels (extra light to extra heavy) [7]
- 12-inch loops [7]
- Carry bag and illustrated exercise guide included [7]
- Made of latex [7]
Watch out: Latex: skip these if you have a latex allergy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Floor exercises and stretching
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
A thick foam mat that cushions knees and wrists for floor exercises, stretching and core work on a hard floor or in the grass, with a strap to carry it to the park. [8]
- 1/2 inch thick NBR foam [8]
- About 74 x 24 inches [8]
- Elastic carrying strap [8]
- Hand wash only [8]
Watch out: Thick and soft, so it is less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Early-morning and evening walks and runs
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
A light, adjustable reflective sash that makes you easier for drivers to see on early-morning and evening walks, runs and bike rides. [9]
- Cross-body design, reflective all the way around [9]
- Two pads for clip-on LED lights (lights not included) [9]
- Adjusts from XS to XL [9]
- Quick-release buckle [9]
Watch out: Reflective only: add a clip-on light if you walk or run where there are no streetlights.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Sources
- Delaware News: Fee season begins March 1 for Delaware State Parks' 75th anniversary (February 24, 2026)
- Delaware News: 2026 Delaware State Parks Passes and Permits Go on Sale Dec. 9
- 7 Del. C. § 4701: State parks, powers and duties (fees and exemptions)
- Delaware News: Opening of trails along C&D Canal celebrated by Delaware, Maryland officials (January 13, 2017)
- Delaware News: Jack Markell Trail connecting Wilmington, New Castle opens (September 6, 2018)
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (health.gov), Top 10 Things to Know About the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Amazon listing: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- Amazon listing: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
- Amazon listing: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
Common questions
How much does it cost to get into a Delaware state park?
From March 1 through November 30, 2026, daily entrance fees are $5 for Delaware-registered vehicles at inland parks and $10 at beach parks, and $10 and $20 for out-of-state vehicles. An annual pass is $50 for Delaware vehicles and $100 for out-of-state vehicles.
Is there a free or cheaper Delaware state park pass?
Yes. People who receive help from a State Service Center can buy an annual pass for $10, seniors and military members get 50% off the annual pass, and you can reserve a park pass online at no cost with a library card. Delaware residents with disabilities who hold a National Park Service Gold Access Passport are exempt from entrance fees under state law.
How long is the Michael N. Castle Trail?
12.1 paved miles along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in Delaware, with trailheads at Biddle's Point, St. Georges and South Lums Pond. With the Branch Canal Trail to Delaware City and Maryland's Ben Cardin Trail to Chesapeake City, it's part of a 14.3-mile continuous trail.
How much exercise should adults get?
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week.