Table of Content
1. Introduction
Though not as diverse in its selection of routes and locations that motorcycles can travel on compared to other regions along the eastern coast of the United States, Delaware has a lot to offer for any riders looking for an adventure. Divided into two major regions, the Piedmont Plateau has rolling hills while the Atlantic Coastal Plain has level flatlands. Wherever you venture forth, you will find that this state has no shortage of places with historical significance or possesses rural or urban scenery for you to admire.
If you do not have a lot of time to explore Delaware for your short vacation, you will want to check out the highlights before your motorcycle trip is over. Here are some proposals regarding places of interest accessible to your motorcycle in the state of Delaware.
2. Best Roads and Destinations in Delaware
2.1 Brandywine Valley Loop
Distance: 29 miles
Time: 59 minutes
Start: Chadds Ford, PA
End: Chadds Ford, PA
Starting in Chadds Ford, you have the opportunity to check out the exhibits at the Sanderson Museum and the Brandywine River Museum of Art. If you are feeling hungry before embarking, you may want to grab a bite to eat at Agave or OsoSweet Bakery Café.
Heading southward alongside Brandywine Creek, you will eventually enter the Brandywine Creek State Park after crossing the Pennsylvania-Delaware border. This wilderness area has plenty of interesting sites for you to visit including Winterthur Enchanted Woods, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Brown’s Woods, and Duck Pond Woods.
Turning towards the west onto Creek Road, you will pass by Valley Garden Park. When you make it to Yorklyn, you will be able to visit the Center for the Creative Arts, Oversee Farm, and Auburn Valley State Park. You will then proceed to cross back over into Pennsylvania.
Looping around back towards your starting point, you will pass by Anson B. Nixon Park and Longwood Gardens. Within the latter, you will be able to admire the greenery in Meadow, Italian Water, Wisteria, Topiary, and Main Fountain Gardens.
2.2 Delaware Coast Short Run - Route 9
Distance: 53 miles
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Start: Kitts Hummock
End: New Castle
After departing from Kitts Hummock, you will be able to check out the aircraft and history of the Dover Air Force. As you begin to head northward, you will pass by the Little Creek Wildlife Area, Marshtown Hunting Preserve, and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge before abruptly turning towards the northwest.
Continuing on your way via Harry Point Landing Road and Fleming Landing Road, you should be able to catch sight of Woodland Beach Wildlife Area, Tony Florio Woodland Beach Wildlife Area, Mallard Lodge, and Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area.
After completing a wide curve via Taylors Bridge Road and Silver Run Road, you will continue heading northward while staying close to the Delaware River’s coast. You will pass through and beside Augustine Wildlife Area, Silver Run Wildlife Area, Fort DuPont State Park, Fort Delaware State Park, Dragon Run Park, and First State National Historical Park.
2.3 Delaware Coastal Highway
Distance: 38 miles
Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Start: Ocean City, MD
End: Lewes, DE
At the southern end of the peninsula, you can explore Ocean City by checking out the exhibits at the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum or trying the rides at Trimper Rides of Ocean City. Heading northward, you will encounter Northside Park and Maryland Beach as you draw closer to the Maryland-Delaware border.
Making it into Delaware, you will be able to examine maritime artifacts at the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum or take a walk through Fenwick Island State Park. The road becomes slightly narrower at this point due to passing between the Atlantic Coast and Assawoman Wildlife Area.
Getting close to Bethany Beach, you will be greeted by a large totem pole referred to as Chief Little Owl. Head over to the Bethany Beach Boardwalk if you are interested in checking out shops, restaurants, etc.
Continuing to head up the Coastal Highway, you will pass by Coin Beach, Delaware Seashore State Park, Towers Beach, Indian Beach, and Dewey Beach. After reaching Rehoboth Beach, you will turn west and start to head inland.
If you are looking to spend time off of your motorcycle, you should make sure to bring a swimsuit if you happen to stop at Jungle Jim’s. Or you can drive go-karts on small race tracks if you are looking to operate a different kind of vehicle.
2.4 Camden to Redden State Forest
Distance: 30 miles
Time: 43 minutes
Start: Camden
End: Redden State Forest
Though there are no notable attractions in Camden, you can enjoy a bit of leisure by resting at Brecknock County Park. There is also no shortage of food establishments as you begin to head southward on South Dupont Highway. Such examples include Bee Bowl’d, Bob Evans, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.
Eventually, you will turn southeast onto Canterbury Road which will take you beside a collection of parks including Woodbury, Orchard Acres, and Killens Pond State Park. You will cross over a few bodies of water as well such as Coursey Pond and McCauley’s Pond.
The final leg of this route will head straight south on Dupont Boulevard, taking you to Redden State Forest. The scattered clusters of dense forest that circle around the highway provide opportunities to engage in hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching.
2.5 US Highway 113
Distance: 74 miles
Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Start: Milford, DE
End: Pocomoke City, MD
Starting in Milford, you can check out Milford Museum to learn more about this city’s history or head over to Silver Lake Milford if you want to admire the scenery. Heading out, you will head straight south until you pass through Redden State Forest.
Your next stop will be Georgetown where you can find the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation or the Georgetown Train Station if you have an interest in vehicles. Shortly after you leave this community, you will come across the Marvel Carriage Museum and the Georgetown Speedway.
Continuing to head southeast along the highway, you will eventually pass the Delaware-Maryland border. When you arrive in Berlin, you can check out the exhibits at the Calvin B. Taylor House and the Mermaid Museum.
As you travel on Worcester Highway, you will pass through Pocomoke River State Park. Places of importance within this wilderness area include Shad and Milburn Landings. From there, it should only be a short ride until you arrive in Pocomoke City.
2.6 New Castle Forest Ride
Distance: 12 miles
Time: 27 minutes
Start: Skyline Ridge, Pike Creek, DE 19808
End: Skyline Ridge, Pike Creek, DE 19808
From Skyline Ridge, you will start to head northwest on Upper Pike Creek Road which will take you beside Linden Way. As you transition onto North Star Road, the route will begin to straighten out while passing by North Star. Reaching the top of the loop via Valley Road, you will be within the vicinity of Hockessin Valley Falls, Smith Property, and Swift Park.
As you turn southward from Hockessin, you will navigate atop Millcreek Road as you rush back towards the starting point. You will be near Gateway Farms/Hickory Hills. When you transition onto Stoney Batter Road, you will be beside Limestone Hills Park and Northpointe. Approaching the last swerves of the loop, you will curve around the perimeter of Carousel Park.
3. Motorcycle Laws in Delaware
3.1 Delaware Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Delaware requires that riders up to the age of 19 must put on either a full-face or three-quarter helmet.
Check that the exterior is intact before setting out, as a motorcycle helmet with cracks will likely break apart after suffering a heavy blow.
3.2 Delaware Motorcycle Passenger Laws
Though there is no official age limit for motorcycle passengers in Delaware, riders are expected to be discerning when picking who can ride with them safely.
A factor to consider is whether your passenger can fit in either a sidecar or atop a separate passenger pillion.
3.3 Maryland Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
Though there are no specific instructions or locations regarding motorcycle vehicle inspections in Delaware, it is best to always look at your motorcycle before setting out for any signs of damage.
A motorcycle with all of its parts working optimally maximizes how effective the vehicle is when you stay in control while pulling the throttle, keep your balance if you have to brake abruptly and signal to adjacent vehicles in front or behind you.
- Horn
- Wheels
- Tires
- Handlebars
- Front & Rear Brakes
- Controls
- Headlight
- Rear light
- Brake Light
- Turn Signals
- Exhaust System
- Muffler
- Rearview Mirrors
3.4 Delaware Lane Splitting Laws
Even though Delaware does not have an official stance regarding lane splitting, it is recommended that you refrain from attempting.
If you feel there is more you can learn about Delaware’s motorcycle laws, you can check out the full article here.
4. Parting Words
If you are looking forward to going on a Delaware motorcycle trip sometime in the future, your thoughts are likely focused on the swerving roads you will maneuver, the beautiful natural scenery you will see, and the businesses within the quaint towns you will visit. But before you can head out and experience the thrills of touring Delaware, you will need to make preparations.
Motorcyclists have to abide by the general traffic laws that apply to all drivers, but there are additional regulations and restrictions to consider depending on which state they are currently in. You may find the rules on motorcycle helmets, passengers, equipment, and lane splitting to be more restrictive or lenient compared to where you usually travel.
Having a list of notable motorcycle roads and destinations will help make it easier to locate the more exciting places in Delaware. Knowing the sites, attractions, and establishments along the routes will help you determine which locations are worth visiting and which you should pass by.
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