Cycling the Michael Castle Trail in Delaware

To date...

this is my favorite ride. 

Beginning of the trail. 

Disclaimer...

it was a beautiful day 

as well. 

Several bridges cross the canal.

Start in the historic 

Delaware City, DE 

located along the 

Delaware River. 

There is parking available. 

Delaware City, DE

Ride to the 

Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Trail 

aka Michael Castle Trail

and pedal 14.8 miles to 

Chesapeake City, MD. 

Have some refreshment near the end point 

in Chesapeake City

at Schaefer's Canal House. 

You can explore the city as well. 

Here is info on that. 

If you are so inclined, 

extend your ride off trail

to Green Point or Emily Point 

or take the bridge over the canal 

and ride Randalla Rd to the tip of the bay. 

Another option is

the trail around Lums Pond. 

Just don't miss the hard right 

on the Canal Trail just after the RR bridge 

where you have 

to work your way to and through 

a marina to get back on the trail. 

(See map below)

The canal activity provides added interest. 

And when you return to Delaware City, 

visiting Ft. Delaware State Park by ferry to 

Pea Patch Island is a great option. 

I've done that visit previously. 

Then you can end your day at Crabby Dick's 

for a well deserved dinner. 

Three sections of the trail.

Also nearby is Ft. Dupont State Park:

For more images of this ride, click here. 

There is plenty to fill a day in the area.

so have a great day! 

  

Day Trip to Historic Bellefonte: Home of Governors

Seven governors have called Bellefonte their home 

and this is a source of pride to the residents there. 

Governors: 

Packer 

Beaver 

Bigler (x2)

Walker 

Packer 

Curtin 

Their names adorn the streets here 

as well as the campus of Penn State University 

just 12 miles to the southwest. 

Bellefonte is the county seat 

of Centre County, Pennsylvania. 

I guess all those governors 

were inspired by local government.

Another draw to Bellefonte  

are the 296 Victorian era buildings 

that fill the historic district. 

Talleyrand Park, 

walking distance from the Historic District,

 is definitely worth a visit 

while you are in town. 

It is beautiful, 

with the Spring Creek,  

paths and bridges. 

We were staying in State College 

and made a day trip to Bellefonte. 

You can easily walk the historic district, 

enjoy the park, 

make a stop at Big Springs Distillery, 

(great for cocktails)

and visit the local art museum 

in one day. 

If you have extra time 

take a walk along the 

Spring Creek Canyon Trail.

6.3 mi out and back.  

But what I didn't know about until after we left

was Eagle Ironworks at Curtin Village

which is just 9 minutes out of town. 

I think we would have liked a visit there. 

Let me know how it is if you go! 

There are more images in my gallery here: 

https://www.rebeccahaegelephotography.com/Travel/Pennsylvania/Center-COunty/Bellefonte