Jack A. Markell Trail
A long raised boardwalk, rail-corridor path, and river crossing link Wilmington’s Riverfront with historic New Castle.
Artwork inspired by Gretchen Hupfel
The most memorable stretch rises on posts above the Christina River tidal marsh. From that boardwalk, the view changes with water level, light, and season, while Wilmington’s industrial skyline remains close. The path later crosses a pedestrian bridge and follows a former freight-rail corridor south. This is useful transportation as well as a recreation route: cyclists and walkers share an off-road connection between communities.
Distance depends on what you count. Delaware Greenways calls the named trail 5.5 miles, while the full Wilmington-to-New Castle connection is about 7.9 miles and includes an on-road segment. The two highway tunnels can have unreliable lighting; carry a light and pay attention at crossings. Start from a Riverfront access or choose New Castle for a different return plan.
- Named trail
- About 5.5 miles
- Full connection
- About 7.9 miles
- Signature
- 3,300-foot elevated boardwalk
Quick guide
- Start at the Riverfront
- Walk south toward the education center and raised marsh boardwalk.
- Carry a light
- Two underpasses may have unreliable illumination.
Know before you go
- Watch the tide
- Channels change the marsh view through the day.
- Read the rail route
- The path repurposes an industrial corridor.
- Share the crossing
- Give walkers space on the boardwalk and bridge.
- Plan town miles
- The full New Castle connection is longer than the named trail.
Good to know
The 5.5-mile trail figure excludes parts of the 7.9-mile city-to-city connection. Two tunnels can be dim even in daytime, and the last section in historic New Castle is on-road.
Notice these
- Tidal marsh boardwalk
- Christina River bridge
- Wilmington–New Castle link