Bellevue State Park retains the spacious feel—and quirky features—of the former William duPont estate along the Delaware River that the state converted into a park in 1976. It offers easy hiking, biking, and fishing in a pleasant setting.

Start at the park office to gain access to level paved trails, good for biking or easy walking. Bikes for kids and adults, including an adaptive bike for riders with disabilities, are available for rent at the park office. 

A 1.6-mile section of the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, a multiuse paved trail, leads through the park and connects to the paved trails that start at the park office. You can begin at Bellevue and continue a longer bike ride along the 9-mile trail, which connects the Delaware to the Brandywine. In Wilmington, it gives access to the Brandywine Zoo and the Blue Ball Barn (see Alapocas Run State Park).

Unpaved trails open to hikers and equestrians crisscross the park as well. While most of the park is open grassy areas or fields, the Bellevue Woods Nature Preserve at its northern end is a small woods with several small streams.

If it’s fishing you’re looking for, head to the large catch-and-release pond in the center of the park. It is surrounded by an oval, 1.125–mile, crushedstone walking track (Fitness Trail), originally a training track for Mr. duPont’s thoroughbred horses.

Many picnic tables are scattered through the park; a large area with many tables overlooks the pond. On the other side of the pond is a playground.

Remember: Dogs must be leashed.

Alapocas Run State Park features the Can-Do Playground, along with paved and unpaved trails.

A commercial strip is along Philadelphia Pike (take Carr Road to Bellevue Parkway through Corporate Center).