Brandywine Valley

The Brandywine River on a sunny day with clouds in the sky.

NPS Photo

More than 1,300 acres of rolling agricultural fields, pastures, forested hills and streams preserve the natural and cultural legacy of the Brandywine Valley in northern Delaware and southern Pennsylvania. The landscape reflects William Poole Bancroft’s vision of protecting open green space for everyone to enjoy.

The site does not currently offer regular ranger-led programs. Visitors are encouraged to explore the more than 23 miles of recreational trails throughout the Brandywine Valley.

Looking for a National Park Service passport stamp?
The stamp is available at the Nature Center in Brandywine Creek State Park.

 

Know Before You Go

Rules and Regulations

  • Pets must be leashed (six feet or less) or other wise physically restrained at all times. 
  • This is a carry-in carry-out park, meaning that no trash should be left behind when you leave. 
  • Alcohol and other controlled substances are prohibited. 
  • The removal, relocation, or disturbance of any rocks or archaeological materials within the national park is strictly prohibited.
    • What may appear as a normal rock could be part of an old ruin structure hidden within the valley. These structures, and their materials, are considered historical and protected by federal law. Moving or taking these rocks not only damages the historic structure but also disrupts valuable research and preservation efforts. Please help us protect these irreplaceable resources for future generations by leaving all ruins and natural features undisturbed. 
  • Harvesting ramps (wild leeks) is prohibited.
    • This restriction is in place to protect the park's delicate ecosystem and ensure the conservation of native plant species. Ramps are slow-growing and reproduce slowly, making them vulnerable to over harvesting. Removing the entire plant, including the bulb, can significantly impact their population and disrupt other archeological resources in the ground. To support the preservation of ramps and other native plants, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the park's natural beauty without disturbing its flora.
 

Hours of Operations

 

Parking

Hiking trails can be accessed from any of the parking lots listed below. The two largest parking areas are Lot #3, Smith Bridge Parking Lot, and Lot #4, Ramsey Parking Lot.

During the summer season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the park may open a large field between Lot #3 and Lot #4 for overflow parking when conditions are warm and dry.

Parking Lot

Lot #1

  • 4 total spaces
  • 0 oversized spaces
  • 39.843590, -75.555562

Live Status

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Parking Lot

Lot #2

  • 2 total spaces
  • 0 oversized spaces
  • 39.839026, -75.564552

Live Status

This is a very small square parking lot along Beaver Valley Road. You will need to walk along the road to access the trail that is about 10-15 feet from the parking lot. Please avoid walking in the road and walk in a single line if you have multiple people with you.

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Parking Lot

Lot #3 - Smith Bridge parking lot

  • 66 total spaces
  • 0 oversized spaces
  • 39.834513, -75.575636

Live Status

This is the largest parking lot within the park, it provides immediate access to the picnic area and access to the Brandywine Creek. This parking lot fills up very quickly on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

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Parking Lot

Lot #4 - Ramsey Parking Lot

  • 10 total spaces
  • 0 oversized spaces
  • 39.829115, -75.569578

Live Status

This is a small, narrow parking lot along Ramsey Road. Larger vehicles may struggle to get in and out as there is little room to turn around.

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Contact Information

For additional questions regarding Brandywine Valley please contact us at:
Phone: (302) 478-2769
E-mail: e-mail us

Last updated: September 4, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

First State National Historical Park
10 Market Street
New Castle, DE 19720

Phone:

302-317-3854
To speak to a park ranger, call the park Welcome Center (302-317-3854) and someone will return your call as soon as possible. For a more immediate response, please email the park at firststate@nps.gov.

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