Great Places

Blackbird State Forest & Education Center

39°20'42.26"N  75°40'45.24"W

502 Blackbird Forest Road
Clayton, DE 19977

Email: james.dobson@state.de.us
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Blackbird State Forest consists of nine tracts of land totaling more than 4,800 acres located about 45 minutes south of Wilmington. This northern-most state forest offers 45 miles of trails that are frequently used for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and more. There is even a paved nature trail designed for wheelchair accessibility, and a gravel pathway complete with seven educational stops for grade schoolers.

The most popular site to visit is the forest's Tybout Tract. This offers two hiking trails; one that is 2.2 miles and another that is 4.5 miles. It also has five rustic camp sites, a picnic pavilion, a catch-and-release fishing pond that is stocked with fish, and even port-o-potties.

In 2009, a new feature was added called the ABC Arboretum. This growing collection of trees is intended to help kindergartners learn the alphabet. There is also an education center, and this is open by appointment.

Looking for some local flavor? Stop by Helen's Famous Sausage House to fuel up for your day's hike. This is located within four miles of the state forest.

To find Blackbird State Forest, exit Route 1 onto Del. 299 and proceed to U.S. 13 South. Follow this road parallel to Route 1 for about six miles before turning right at a flashing light onto Blackbird Forest Road. Two miles later, the headquarters will appear on your left-hand side.

Before your arrival, we recommend you consult the current schedule of hunting seasons. Or, if you're ever in doubt, simply wear hunters' orange or other bright colors. Also, please be advised that state forests typically keep signage to a minimum, so a compass or GPS unit may be a wise thing to pack.

Photo by Shaun Bailey

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