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Jack A. Markell Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 164 Google reviews · Running trail in Wilmington, Delaware · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Jack A. Markell Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Waterfront trail connecting Wilmington to New Castle for walking and biking.
What runners say about Jack A. Markell Trail
“It's all new and clean and I feel like not to many people know about the trail yet which is a good thing for me because im not to fond of crowds.”
“Beautiful scenery and great places to take photos of scenery and also the city.”
“Theres so much nature to see and it's an easy walk or bike ride without a lot of ups and downs to slow you down or tire you out.”
This trail is packed with a punch for eye candy ! Over the river and through some woods; tunnels, board walks and over the marsh. The terrain is paved and not at all harsh. The scenery, so much eye appeal, you'll hardly think it's all for real.
Love this place. Very clean easy trail to walk have bug spray walking the marsh I personally had a lot of bugs just around me. Funny story a dragon fly hit me literally in my eye, it s a lot of those. Bathroom are in the building beautifully maintained.
The "JAM" is a trail that connects the Wilmington river front to old New Castle's Battery Park. It is approximately 5-6 total miles, depending on exactly where you join the trail; but is approximately 10 miles if you include the river front and Battery Park.
The state has done an amazing job with this trail. The views are awesome, the trail is well maintained. People are biking, running and walking. I highly recommend this trail plus it is 7 miles long.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful scenery and great places to take photos of scenery and also the city.”
“Lovely scenery, 75% flat, paved, few road crossings (with lights) - I can't imagine a way to make a *casual* ride any better.”
“There are long sections of elevated boardwalk, and a nice bridge over the Christina River near the DuPont Environmental Education Center.”
“Quiet, clean, and the people are very friendly.”
“Lovely scenery, 75% flat, paved, few road crossings (with lights) - I can't imagine a way to make a *casual* ride any better.”
“We ride our bikes to the trail so I’m not sure about parking.”
Plan your run at Jack A. Markell Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitedelawaregreenways.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Wilmington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Jack A Markell Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 129 reviews
Park offering scenic trails for walking, jogging, and biking.
River Walk
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Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park
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Banning Regional Park
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Brandywine Park
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This scenic tract along the river features monuments, attractions, sports fields & a walking path.
Rockford Park
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104-acre space with a historic observation tower & picnic site, plus trails & an off-leash dog area.