If you haven’t been out to the trails at Middle Run Valley Natural Area, I have one question for you, what are you waiting for? It has everything that a outdoorsy person could want, 15 miles of hiking trails, a beautiful creek, over 170 different species of birds and other forest critters, and most importantly, it is free to visit year-round.
Middle Run Valley Natural Area, sometimes called the MRVNA, is known for mountain biking and the wide variety of birds in the area thanks to Tri-State Bird Rescue which is in Middle Run. The Valley is one of the best places to hike or ride bikes in Northern Delaware because of the hilly and bumpy terrain. It has the feel of an Appalachian Trail section from Pennsylvania, except it doesn’t require me to drive 3 hours.
Scattered throughout the trails are obstacles for mountain bikers to test their skills. These obstacles range from logs cut in half to be bumps to switchbacks and sharp downhill turns to stream crossings. As I don’t mountain bike, I don’t personally know how satisfying it is to ride these trails. However, every time I hike here, regardless of it being a nice sunny day or it being an overcast rainy day, I pass people who are riding these trails.
Considering the MRVNA is located between several parks, 2 of which are portions of White Clay Creek State Park, there are several ways to access the trails in here. You can access the main parking lot by taking the gravel road near the end of Possum Hollow road. You can also park at the Pike Creek Bible Church as they have an entrance located on the side of their parking lot. Hiking or biking down from Paper Mill Park in the north is also an option, so is walking the connector trail from Judge Morris Estate, there is a state park fee attached to that one though.
When I come here, I like to park at the main lot and do a specific loop. This path will take you through some of the best things that MRVNA has to offer and is home to a handful of surprisingly scenic views. Whenever you come across a bridge in Middle Run, take time to stop and watch the creek. Watch as the leaves fall into the water and float past. Watch as the water carves a path through the rocks. Don’t forget to listen to the birds singing their favorite song. This area is special, and this path will show you that.
Out of all the places I have written about so far, this is the best location to bring kids. They might not enjoy the hiking and the walking up hills, but they will enjoy the streams and small wildlife. While the hills might make this place challenging, they also make it fun and give the MRVNA a good amount of variety that other areas in Delaware lack. I fully recommend this place to anyone and everyone. It is just that good.