Michael Castle Trail: eastward canal return from St. Georges
Delaware · Other separated ride
Take the paved Michael Castle Trail east along the north bank toward Biddle Point. Turn at two outward miles or earlier at the Biddle Point access, any barrier, road crossing or uncomfortable rise, then retrace. This outing excludes the eastward Branch Canal and Delaware City connection, western Summit Bridge area and Maryland extension.
Plan your ride
- Location
- St. Georges · Delaware
- Ride length
- Up to 4 miles return
- Ride format
- Out-and-back
- Surface
- Paved canal-side shared-use trail
- Road crossings
- Take the paved Michael Castle Trail east along the north bank toward Biddle Point. Turn at two outward miles or earlier at the Biddle Point access, any barrier, road crossing or uncomfortable rise, then retrace. This outing excludes the eastward Branch Canal and Delaware City connection, western Summit Bridge area and Maryland extension.
- Elevation
- The partner rates the canal trail Easy; published maps show a shore-side course. That is not a measured maximum slope, and lot and bridge approaches can rise. Canal-side wind adds effort.
- Starting location
- St. Georges Trailhead, North Main Street, Saint Georges, DE
Chosen maximum four-mile return. Wider 8.7- and 12.1-mile Castle descriptions differ in scope, and the separate 1.8-mile Ben Cardin trail is not added.
Approximate named public facility/access-area reference. Follow the guide to the selected public visitor lot and signed trail connection; not a surveyed parking space.
Michael Castle Trail: eastward canal return from St. Georges — detailed guide
Source review: 2026-10-21. A dated source review does not guarantee current-day conditions.
St. Georges, Delaware · Up to 4 miles return · Paved canal-side shared-use trail
Start: St. Georges public trailhead under the US 13 bridge, St. Georges Trailhead, North Main Street, Saint Georges, DE. Follow North Main Street south to the signed public trailhead beneath the US 13 bridge on the north canal bank. Use designated parking and walk to the paved trail. Do not use bridge shoulders or private marina spaces.
Ride: Take the paved Michael Castle Trail east along the north bank toward Biddle Point. Turn at two outward miles or earlier at the Biddle Point access, any barrier, road crossing or uncomfortable rise, then retrace. This outing excludes the eastward Branch Canal and Delaware City connection, western Summit Bridge area and Maryland extension.
Distance: Chosen maximum four-mile return. Wider 8.7- and 12.1-mile Castle descriptions differ in scope, and the separate 1.8-mile Ben Cardin trail is not added.
Permission and effort: DNREC’s map and trail partner designate the paved route for bicycling. The partner rates the canal trail Easy; published maps show a shore-side course. That is not a measured maximum slope, and lot and bridge approaches can rise. Canal-side wind adds effort.
Planning: Choose daylight and obey trailhead and wildlife-area signs. The retained state-law review exempts Michael Castle and designated direct-access parking from Conservation Access Pass requirements. Do not apply state-park vehicle fees to this trailhead or generalize the exemption to every nearby wildlife road. Share with walkers and horses and keep dogs leashed. Keep clear of canal edges and shipping operations. Check current wildlife-area/device rules before using an e-bike.
Access reviewed October 20, 2026 Central (October 21 UTC): Current partner still carries summer 2026 closure forecasts between Branch Canal and Biddle Point and notes later August work. Prior Corps notices place other work near Summit Bridge. Those dates do not prove reopening. This short St. Georges eastward course excludes both work areas and turns at or before Biddle access. The fresh Corps body was denied and not retried; current signs and any closure take priority.
Bring water and choose suitable weather. Parking walking is extra. No surveyed parking-space pin or navigable GPX is supplied.
Sources: Current trail partner and public arrival · DNREC trail map · Wildlife-area manager · Retained statutory access-pass exemption