white clay creek state park

[jon_baler]

I'm looking to ride white clay creek state park this Saturday morning. Anybody have insight on trail conditions due to recent weather - general or specific? Anybody want to ride around 9AM?

[Austin]

Delaware Trail Spinners work and ride White Clay trails:

http://www.trailspinners.org/clubinfo.html

[jon_baler]

Made the trip today, and WOW! Wasn't expecting much, but this place really blew me away. Of course, a part of that was my luck in meeting some locals. Upon entering the parking lot, I met a few guys who were just going to start a ride. Having a local in front of you inspires confidences and eliminates looking at the map constantly. They ended up being a great riding group, so cheers to them. :) We did 22 miles at ~9 mph pace.

The trails are great single track. End of story. There are no relative climbs to really speak of, but there isn't a section of trail that is flat and straight. Lots of twists, turns, mini-ramps, and just nice swooping trail (think mini-roller coaster). It would be great for beginners, but still really fun/training for more advanced riders. In addition to the skills course, there's a few log rides scattered through the park and a number of bridges. The place even drains well. The 29er SS was completely in its element :) :)

Finding the trails is a little confusing. The White Clay Creek system encompasses several areas in addition to the official area on the east side off New London. IMO don't bother with the black and white map of that area, but the color one that has all areas. (note to Bicycle Escape website ;) )
http://www.destateparks.com/wccsp/wccspmap.pdf

We rode in the following areas/trails: White Clay Preserve (David English, Whitey Farms, Bryan's Field), Middle Run Natural Area, Judge Morris Estate (Chestnut Hill Trail), and some unmapped trails in between. The Judge Morris was the most technical IMO. The Skills course is off the Whitey Farm trail, near the parking lot, and offers some fun without being too sketchy. This seems to match was I was finding from other internet posters.

To get there, I took MD 279 exit (109B) off I-95, which turns into Elkton Road, then turned right on 273 through UD, took a left on N. Chapel Street, which turns into Curtis Mill Rd, which then turns into Paper Mill Rd. Take a left on Thompson Station Rd, and the park entrance will be on the right. For those with the color map, this is the parking lot on the Whitey Farms Trail off Nine Foot Rd (note this road name doesn't show on some maps).

If anyone is looking to ride there, I would love to go back. The locals also heavily recommend Fair Hill, which is supposed to have similar trails but larger area and closer to Baltimore.