White Clay Creek Preserve

White Clay Creek Preserve is managed for low intensity recreational day use activities throughout the year. Approximately 1,240 acres in White Clay Creek are open to hunting during established Pennsylvania Game Commission deer hunting seasons. Hunting is restricted to archery and muzzle loaded firearms only. White Clay Creek is stocked several times a season and is considered one of the best trout streams in the area. A hiking trail, over 3 miles in length, runs the entire length of the northern portion of the Preserve and ties in with trails in the White Clay Creek Preserve in Delaware. An 8 mile equestrian trail runs through the Preserve and is available for cross-country skiers in winter.

Attractions - White Clay Creek Preserve is comprised of 1,253 acres and is located in southern Chester County, 3 miles north of Newark, Delaware. It is part of a larger tract of land sold to William Penn in 1683 by Lenapi Chief Kekelappen. It is thought that Kekelappen lived in Opasiskunk, an "Indian Town" which appears on a survey map of 1699 at the confluence of the middle and east branches of White Clay Creek. This area is now part of the Preserve.

There are several points of historical interest in the Preserve. The Yeatman Mill House is probably the oldest dwelling in the area. It was the hub of a very prosperous milling and agricultural complex in the 18th and 19th centuries. Retracing the course of the long disused mill race is a pleasant hike.

Perhaps the most interesting site is the London Tract Baptist Meeting House built in 1729. In its stone walled cemetery rest many of the area's earliest settlers including Dr. David Eaton, whose home across the street in the Preserve, is a classic example of a double door Pennsylvania stone farmhouse. Two further points of interest are the tristate Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Arc Corner monuments marking points along the Mason-Dixon Line.

Recreation - White Clay Creek Preserve is managed for low intensity recreational day-use activities throughout the year. Day-use areas are open daily from 8 a.m. till sunset. Approximately 1,240 acres in White Clay Creek are open to hunting during established Pennsylvania Game Commission deer hunting seasons. Hunting is restricted to archery and muzzle loaded firearms only. White Clay Creek is stocked several times a season and is considered one of the best trout streams in the area. Special delayed harvest regulations apply to the Middle Branch of the creek from Good Hope Road south to its confluence with the East Branch. The Middle Branch is further restricted to fly fishing only. Any bait may be used on the East Branch. A hiking trail, over 3 miles in length, runs the entire length of the northern portion of the Preserve and ties in with trails in the White Clay Creek Preserve in Delaware. There are two short connecting spurs and heavy use is made of the roads in and along the borders of the Preserve by bicyclists. An 8 mile trail has been designated for equestrian use and is now in use. Cross-country skiers may use the hiking and bridle trails when snow cover permits.

Climate - Pennsylvania generally has a moist climate with cold winters and warm summers. The White Clay State Park area has cold winter months with temperatures averaging above 28 degrees Fahrenheit (above -2 degrees Celsius). The area's average summer temperatures range above 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 Celsius).

Location - White Clay Creek Preserve is located in the southeastern tip of the state in southern Chester County, 3 miles north of Newark, Delaware. It may be accessed by traveling SR 896 and following signs to park.