Fork Branch Nature Preserve - Dover, DE
Fork Branch Nature Preserve in Dover, DE, offers a serene dog park experience with pet-friendly trails perfect for dog owners seeking a shaded, easy walk. This nature preserve features a 1.2-mile gravel path that is wheelchair accessible and great for kids, making it an ideal spot for family outings with your furry friends. The park is well-maintained, clean, and includes amenities such as public restrooms and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, enhancing convenience for all visitors.
What makes this dog park unique is its peaceful wooded environment where you can enjoy dog-friendly hiking while spotting local wildlife like owls and lightning bugs. Visitors appreciate the cool, shaded trail even during warm weather, though note there is a seasonal fee for entry and limited parking. Fork Branch Nature Preserve is a top choice for those looking for a dog park in Dover, DE, that combines natural beauty with accessibility and pet-friendly features.
FAQ for Fork Branch Nature Preserve in Dover Delaware:
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed at Fork Branch Nature Preserve.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the entrance and parking lot at Fork Branch Nature Preserve are wheelchair accessible.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there is a 1.2 mile shaded hiking trail that is pet friendly and has a clear, flat gravel path.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, there is a seasonal fee to enter the park: $8 for out-of-state visitors and $4 for Delaware residents. Visitors must pay this fee or have a state park pass.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, there is a public restroom available at the park, though it may be a portapotty.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Poop bags are usually available, though not always used or guaranteed to be stocked.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the trail is well shaded and the park is described as shaded and cool even in hot weather.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The park is good for kids and has kid-friendly hikes.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is limited with only about three parking spots, so availability may be an issue during busy times.
- Is the park open year-round? The park is not free from March 1 to November 30, implying it is open year-round but requires a fee during most of the year and is free only December 1 to February 29.
Reviews
A well shaded 1.2 mile trail. This trail is pet friendly and nuisance bags are usually available though not always used. There is a seasonal fee to enter.
To start this is a very clean & shaded park. We are from out of town and just wanted a shaded place to walk our dog. The trail is 1 mile long. We saw owls and lightning bugs. Nice clear, flat path. It didn’t seem like there was any elevation change so a very easy walk. Even in the 90 degree weather, it felt cooler. There is no water in the little creek, but it’s still very nice. NULL for out of state and NULL for Deleware residents. I really felt the price was a high for a 1 mile path even though it’s a nice path. We will look for a new path. It did have a portapotty.
I walked this trail in 20 minutes and came back to find a ticket from DNREC on my car for NULL. This trail is not free from March 1 to November 30. There is a small sign with no instructions on how to make the payment and there is no kiosk for digital payments like other state parks. This park is not listed anywhere online that I could find. Save yourself the trouble and only visit from December 1 to February 29. Not worth NULL for instate and NULL for out of state vehicles and definitely not worth the NULL ticket. I was fortunate that another citizen was in the parking lot after my walk who graciously showed me how the process works so I could make the proper payment and tag my car.
Went here today and it’s a great trail didn’t take long very nice it’s woods but it was clean
Love this place. It’s a nice one mile walk through the woods on a gravel path. I just wish there was more parking. There’s like three parking spots and if they’re full, you’re screwed until someone leaves lol. It does require a state park pass to use or you have to pay a fee each time you use the trail.