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Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Delaware
New Castle County
Wilmington

JAM Trail (Jack A. Markell Trail) – Mike Castle Trail loop from Wilmington

Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Delaware
New Castle County
Wilmington

JAM Trail (Jack A. Markell Trail) – Mike Castle Trail loop from Wilmington

Moderate

5.0

(7937)

10,671

riders

JAM Trail (Jack A. Markell Trail) – Mike Castle Trail loop from Wilmington

03:57

99.1km

250m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 8, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

2.40 km

JAM Trail (Jack A. Markell Trail)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Grade separated multi-use path from downtown Wilmington to Historic New Castle. The Jack Markell Trail has two lovely bridges one over a railway track and another over the Christina River.

Tip by

2

26.6 km

View over Fort Delaware

Highlight • Viewpoint

As you look out across the Delaware River, you'll spot an island in the middle. Fort Delaware, perched on the island, was built as a harbor defense in the mid-19th …

Tip by

3

34.5 km

St. Georges Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

best bike bridge over the C&D Canal, wide, flex post separated bike lane.

Tip by

4

34.6 km

The Saint Georges Trailhead offers restrooms and parking for the Mike Castle Trail along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. While there is no drinking water available here, the trailhead provides …

Tip by

5

41.4 km

Mike Castle Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Mike Castle Trail is a 12.4-mile asphalt path that connects Delaware City Marina to the Ben Cardin C&D Canal Recreational Trail at the Delaware/Maryland state line near Newark. This …

Tip by

6

50.8 km

Maryland's Ben Cardin C&D Canal Recreational Trail was named after U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and connects to Delaware's Michael Castle Trail along the north bank of the Chesapeake and Delaware …

Tip by

7

50.8 km

The start of the Chesapeake-and-Delaware Canal trail which connects Chesapeake city and Delaware City. You ride with a view of the water almost the whole way. The route is paved with only two short hills.

Tip by

8

89.5 km

Historic New Castle Downtown

Highlight • Historical Site

Lots of bars, restaurants, quaint bed and breakfasts, preserved downtown from 1720.

Tip by

B

99.1 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

67.9 km

21.8 km

8.04 km

1.13 km

280 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

91.9 km

3.92 km

1.62 km

1.54 km

152 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

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Today

Friday 26 June

29°C

21°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a diverse and rewarding road cycling adventure in Delaware, the JAM Trail (Jack A. Markell Trail) – Mike Castle Trail loop from Wilmington is an excellent choice. This moderate 61.6-mile (99.1 km) route, with 834 feet (254 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 57 minutes to complete. It's perfect for cyclists who want a varied ride combining urban waterfronts, serene wildlife, and historic towns, offering a substantial day out without extreme climbs.

What to expect on JAM Trail (Jack A. Markell Trail) – Mike Castle Trail loop from Wilmington

This loop takes you on a fascinating journey, starting from the Wilmington Riverfront and quickly transitioning to the unique boardwalks of the JAM Trail that float over wetlands in the Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge. You'll spot wildlife like deer and bald eagles before reaching historic New Castle. The connection to the Michael N. Castle C&D Canal Trail involves some road cycling, potentially with industrial views and odors, but soon opens up to panoramic views of the busy Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. While mostly flat, be prepared for a few brief but steep hills around Summit North Marina and potential wind exposure on the canal trail. This route is ideal for road cyclists comfortable with longer distances and varied environments, from urban to marshland to active shipping lanes.

Planning your visit

The loop typically starts from Wilmington, offering various parking options near the Riverfront. The trails themselves are primarily paved, making them accessible for road bikes. While much of the route is flat, the exposed nature of the C&D Canal Trail means you should be prepared for wind, especially near Delaware City. Amenities like parking and restrooms are available at various trailheads along the Michael N. Castle Trail.

Trail details

  • Distance: 61.6 miles (99.1 km)
  • Elevation gain: 834 feet (254 metres)
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Estimated time: 3 hours and 57 minutes

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169

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