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Alerts

Attention: Hunting is permitted at White Clay Creek Preserve during established deer hunting seasons. During hunting seasons, all park users in hunting areas should wear fluorescent orange for their safety. For hunting purposes, the use of muzzleloaders and archery equipment is permitted during established deer hunting seasons. For visitor safety, the use of all center fire and rim fire rifles and handguns is prohibited in the preserve for hunting purposes. The use of shotguns is prohibited in the preserve.

Bridge Over White Clay Creek CLOSED: Bridge 22 (The Bridge spanning the East Branch of the White Clay Creek, connecting the PenDel Trail and Charles Bailey Trail) is CLOSED as we work on repairing the compromised portions of the bridge damaged by a tree impacting the fiberglass section. Please do not attempt to cross the bridge, it is not safe to do so.

Warning: The spotted lanternfly has invaded our area. This invasive insect could cause serious harm to Pennsylvania’s resources, businesses, and economy. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAVE! Help us stop the spread of these unwelcome hitchhikers. Inspect your vehicle, camper, tent, gear, etc. before you leave the park and destroy any lanternflies you find. For more information, visit the Penn State Extension’s Spotted Lanternfly website.

White Clay Creek Preserve

The 1,388-acre White Clay Creek Preserve is in southern Chester County, three miles north of Newark, Delaware.

The White Clay Creek Valley, which forms the core of the preserve, varies from steep to gradually falling terrain with some flat bottomlands, all drained by the creek.

White Clay Creek Preserve shares boundary with White Clay Creek State Park of Delaware.

Because White Clay Creek posses outstanding scenic, wildlife, recreational, and cultural value, it has been designated by Congress as a National Wild and Scenic River, and shall be preserved in free-flowing condition for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Seasons and Hours

White Clay Creek Preserve is managed for low-intensity recreational day use activities throughout the year. Day use areas close at dusk. Contact the Ridley Creek State Park office for facility seasons and hours.

This map shows the park boundary in Pennsylvania.

Directions

The park is reached via PA 896, 11 miles south of the Forrestville/New London exit of US 1.

GPS Decimal Degrees: Lat. 39.7468, Long. -75.77422

This circular map shows the roads near the park.

Access for People with Disabilities

This activity or structure is ADA accessible. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

In an Emergency

Call 911 and contact an employee.

Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards.

Nearest Hospital

Christiana Hospital
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Rd.
Newark, DE 19718
302-733-1000

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​Explore White Clay Creek Preserve

 Content Editor ‭[1]‬

White Clay Creek Preserve