This Delaware Nature Center Makes for the Perfect Peaceful Day Trip

Walking along a quiet path in nature just has this way of restoring the soul. If things have felt a little too hectic and busy lately, don't worry — Delaware has so many parks, gardens, and nature centers where you can unplug and reconnect with the world around you. We're about to take a little journey to one of our favorite Delaware nature centers, located in Hockessin. Take a deep breath in, then out, and come with us to explore Ashland Nature Center.

Ashland Nature Center is the headquarters of the Delaware Nature Society, an organization devoted to land preservation, watershed stewardship, and wildlife protection. With 130 acres and 4 miles of trails to explore, this Delaware nature sanctuary is a truly beautiful place to get away from it all.

The nature center includes woodlands, meadows, and marshes, with the picturesque Red Clay Creek running through its acres. You may spot wildlife as you wander along Ashland's trails, like this heron who appears to have caught a tasty snack. In addition to tons of different types of birds, Ashland is also home to an outdoor butterfly habitat where you can view colorful pollinators fluttering about. You're most likely to spot the most butterflies in July through September.

There are benches and picnic tables where you can pause for a while and take in the sights and sounds of nature all around you. You can even just close your eyes and listen to the birdsong. Interpretive signs add an educational element to your peaceful stroll.

This charming covered bridge over Red Clay Creek at Ashland Nature Center (pictured above) was built in the 1850s and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It's undergone numerous repairs since it was first constructed, but looking at it now you can still imagine you've stepped far into the past.

The most popular trail in the nature center is Succession Trail, an easy 1.4-mile loop that's suitable for hikers of all skill levels and should take around an hour to complete.

This stunning nature center is open for the public year-round, offering scenery worthy of a painting no matter the season. And the activities calendar is nearly always filled with events for nature lovers of all ages.

Bring your camera along to snap a few pictures of just how beautiful this nature center can be, or simply be in the moment and let the view wash over you. Either way, you're likely to walk away feeling a little more peaceful than when you arrived.

Visit the Delaware Nature Society website for events, visitor center hours, and a full trail map of Ashland Nature Center.

Ready to hit the trails? Take a look at our ultimate hiking packing list before you get out there. And for more nature to explore in The First State, check out these 15 natural wonders in Delaware.