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Old Paper Mill Road Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 228 Google reviews · Running trail in Newark, Delaware · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Old Paper Mill Road Park'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.

PavedLoopOpen 24hScenicStroller / ADAHillyRestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Charming 12-acre park in verdant, natural surrounds featuring a paved trail loop & reservoir.

What runners say about Old Paper Mill Road Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (228 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“It's a really nice playground and the trail up to the mountain you can walk up with your kids and a stroller and see a beautiful view.”

🏃 great for running 2 mentions

“The Newark Reservoir, one of the best places for a walk or a run or simply to catch a breath of fresh air.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“I've been running here for the last 2 years it is peaceful and has extremely beautiful scenery”

I've been running here for the last 2 years it is peaceful and has extremely beautiful scenery

★★★★★ — Nick , Dec 2023

Such a nice park. Excellent sunset. Ample parking space. The main scenic loop around the water is 1 mile per round. Good for a nice stroll or running.

★★★★★ — Duane , May 2024

The reservoirs a beaut, up on top of a hill you can see most of Newark and UD. The trail around the reservoir is paved and flat pence you get up to the loop. There’s also trails that branch off into the woods on one side which are dirt and good for hiking or biking on.

★★★★★ — Trey , Jan 2022

The Newark Reservoir, one of the best places for a walk or a run or simply to catch a breath of fresh air. Though located close to Newark Downtown, it gives you a feeling of getting away from the rush.

★★★★★ — Praswin , Oct 2016

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 228 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 11 mentions

“It's a really nice playground and the trail up to the mountain you can walk up with your kids and a stroller and see a beautiful view.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 9 mentions

“Great walking/running circle around the reservoir but you do have to walk up a steep hill to get to it.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 6 mentions

“It was a chilly day but I imagine this place can get pretty crowded on warm days which may pose a problem with parking.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“I've been running here for the last 2 years it is peaceful and has extremely beautiful scenery”

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🛣️ Paved surface 3 mentions

“The trail around the reservoir is paved and flat pence you get up to the loop.”

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🔁 Loop trail 3 mentions

“The trail around the reservoir is paved and flat pence you get up to the loop.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“The children's playground was awesome and the bathrooms are close by the playground.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 3 mentions

“It's a really nice playground and the trail up to the mountain you can walk up with your kids and a stroller and see a beautiful view.”

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Plan your run at Old Paper Mill Road Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • 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, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitenewarkde.gov
  • Phone(302) 366-7000

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

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Old Paper Mill Road Park

240 Old Paper Mill Rd, Newark, DE 19711

Get directions

Running trails near Newark

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Olan Thomas Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 43 reviews

Newark, DE

under a mile away

Mason Dixon Trail Crossing

4.8 ★★★★★ 4 reviews

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under a mile away

William M. Redd, Jr. Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 90 reviews

Newark, DE

LoopPavedScenic

Well-maintained park for walking and biking on paved and dirt trails, plus dense forest and a reservoir loop.

under a mile away

Hillside Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 72 reviews

Newark, DE

Scenic

Climbing for kids is featured at this park with multiple slides.

under a mile away

White Clay Creek Pedestrian Bridge

4.8 ★★★★★ 70 reviews

Newark, DE

37 miPavedScenicDog-friendly

Peaceful park featuring a paved trail that leads to a river, suitable for walking, biking, and hiking.

1.1 miles away

Kells Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 122 reviews

Newark, DE

Lit

Green space featuring tennis courts, baseball diamonds and a playground for kids.

1.2 miles away

All running trails in Newark, DE →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.