Trail Town

New Castle

New Castle County, DE

Historic district

About New Castle

New Castle is one of the oldest towns in the Mid-Atlantic, located along the Delaware River just south of Wilmington. Founded in the 17th century and once the colonial capital of Delaware, the town preserves a remarkable historic district filled with cobblestone streets, colonial homes, and waterfront parks. Today, New Castle’s compact size, walkable streets, and scenic riverfront make it a welcoming stop for visitors traveling through northern Delaware. The town sits along important regional trail corridors connecting Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, providing easy access to both historic landmarks and natural waterfront landscapes.

Trail Access

In New Castle, the 9/11 National Memorial Trail follows the Delaware River corridor through northern Delaware, connecting communities between Wilmington and the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal region. Approaching from the north, the route enters New Castle via the Jack A. Markell Trail, a paved shared-use path that links Wilmington’s riverfront with historic New Castle. Through the town, the memorial trail follows waterfront streets and paths adjacent to Battery Park, offering views of the Delaware River and access to the town’s historic district and services. The route also overlaps with the East Coast Greenway, which shares this corridor through northern Delaware. Departing New Castle, the trail continues south along the Markell Trail corridor toward Delaware City and the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal.