Great Places

Blackbird State Forest & Education Center

39°20'42.26"N  75°40'45.24"W

Blackbird Forest Road and Oliver Guessford Road
Clayton, DE 19703

Email: james.dobson@state.de.us
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Blackbird State Forest consists of 10 tracts of land totaling more than 5,400 acres that are only a 30-minute drive from 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.

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.

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 Delaware Forest Service

 

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