The 31st Annual Hike Across Delaware
Saturday, November 7, 2026
The Hike Across Delaware (HAD) is held on the first Saturday in November. It is a fun, non-competitive, annual community event hosted by the Wilmington Trail Club and offering the opportunity to hike fifteen miles, the entire width of Delaware.
Check-in takes place at the Gazebo in Delaware City’s Battery Park between 8 and 8:45 a.m. at which time buses take participants to the start in North Chesapeake City, Maryland. Delaware City public parking is available one block from Battery Park at 82 Washington Street.
We hike along the north side of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. The route is mostly flat and lies mainly on land designated as the C&D Canal Conservation Area. At the town of St. Georges, 10 miles along the trail, light refreshments and rest rooms are available. At this juncture, provisions are made to transport people back to their cars, if necessary.
The early November weather is usually ideal and the trees and shrubbery sporting their fall foliage, combined with a close view of boats, ships and barges using the waterway, make for a pleasant journey along the trail.
The trail is paved and comfortable sneakers or walking shoes, not hiking boots, are recommended. Although the terrain is not difficult, the distance requires adequate preparation. But, just think – you’ll be able to tell people you walked across an entire state!
In order to secure your participation, you are encouraged to register early. Registrations must be received no later than Wednesday, November 4 unless event capacity is reached prior to the deadline and, for the past several years, event capacity was reached prior to the deadline.