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Join us on Saturday, September 22, 2018 as we celebrate the completion of Delaware’s newest trail connecting the Wilmington Riverfront and Historic New Castle. This walkable, bikeable trail, with its wide boardwalk spanning the marsh at Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge, opens a whole new world for pedestrians and cyclists. It also adds to the hundreds of miles of bike paths and greenways now available in Delaware through efforts led by organizations such as Delaware Greenways and Bike Delaware. (learn more »)

A highlight of Trailfest will be two bike rides to benefit Delaware Greenways and Bike Delaware, whose decade-long advocacy drove the creation of this remarkable new asset.

These rides will provide cyclists of all ages and abilities the opportunity to experience the new trail and connecting trails while raising funds in support of the important work of both organizations.

This FREE celebration from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. will be held at the Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge's DuPont Environmental Education Center at the Wilmington Riverfront. Activities includes live music, interactive exhibits, live animals, Naturemobile, beginner canoeing, activities, outfitters, craft vendors, craft beer, food trucks and more.

The Jack. A Markell Trail (learn more »), the newest trail segment and bridge of the Wilmington to New Castle Greenway, begins at the Riverfront’s DuPont Environmental Education Center and provides an easy way to explore the 212-acre Peterson Wildlife Refuge. An extra-wide scenic boardwalk spans the marsh connecting to the longest pedestrian/bicycle bridge ever built in Delaware. The trail bridge spans the Christina River connecting users with the existing Industrial Track Trail, the Heritage Trail and finally the Battery Park Trail bringing users into Historic New Castle. Totaling seven miles, these trails are not open to automobiles, providing a safe and direct connection from the Wilmington Riverfront to Historic New Castle (learn more, including map »).

The Rides Family Trail Ride (15.3 miles or pick your distance, 9:30 a.m. start). The Family Trail Ride departs from the DuPont Environmental Educational Center and will follow dedicated bike trails into Historic New Castle. The official turnaround will be at The Wharf area in Historic New Castle (along Delaware River). You do not have to ride the entire distance. *Family Trail Ride free for age 14 and under

Challenge Ride (50 miles, 8 a.m. start). The Trailfest Challenge features a course that begins on Wilmington's Riverfront at the DuPont Environmental Education Center and follows the Jack A. Markell Trail into Historic New Castle. Riders will proceed south on River Road (Route 9) for 10 miles then pick up the Mike Castle Trail along the C&D Canal. The official turnaround will be at Summit North Marina/Grain Restaurant located on the Mike Castle Trail. Each registered rider receives a beer ticket for a complimentary craft beer from Dogfish Head following the ride. *Must be age 16 or older to participate in the Challenge Ride

Safety is the number one priority for Delaware Greenways and Bike Delaware. All registered riders of the Challenge and Family Friendly ride must wear helmets. Register