Best sledding hills in New Castle County
When snow actually sticks around Wilmington, you've got maybe a day before it melts — so here's where to go without wasting it. These are the New Castle County sledding hills families actually use, from the gentle slopes for first-timers to the big open runs (and one steep local legend that's strictly for bigger kids). Most of these are state or county parks; in winter the state parks are free to drive into, so a snow day costs nothing but mittens.
1. Rockford Park
Wilmington
The classic Wilmington sled hill — wide slopes below Rockford Tower (above the dog park) with room for everyone and a mix of gentler and faster lines, so you can match the pitch to your kid. Fills up fast after a storm; go early.
2. Brandywine Creek State Park
Wilmington
The 'Big Hill' off Route 100 is a long, wide, ~200-yard run with open fields around it — a North Wilmington rite of passage. Plenty of space means it's good for families even when it's busy.
3. Glasgow Park
Newark
The big hill near the east entrance is nicknamed 'Bear Mountain' for a reason — broad slopes and possibly the largest sledding hill in the state. The go-to for families down the 40 corridor.
4. White Clay Creek State Park
Newark
The gentlest pick on this list — the slopes in the Carpenter Recreation Area near Newark are more gradual and usually quieter, which makes this the right call for toddlers and nervous first-timers.
5. Rockwood Park & Museum
Wilmington
Seventy-plus acres north of Wilmington with multiple hills to choose from, so you can find a slope that fits your crew. A good less-crowded alternative to Rockford on a busy snow day.
6. Bellevue State Park
Wilmington
Wide-open space for north Wilmington and Claymont families — lots of room to spread out, which matters when every kid in the neighborhood has the same idea.
Good to know
- • Local legend, with a warning: Monkey Hill, behind the Brandywine Zoo off North Park Drive, is one of the steepest, fastest sledding hills in Wilmington (locals call it 'suicide hill'). Great for thrill-seeking older kids and teens; not the place for toddlers or first-timers. source
- • Delaware State Parks charge a per-vehicle entrance fee only March 1 through November 30, so December through February you can drive into Brandywine Creek, White Clay Creek, Bellevue, and Alapocas for free — a snow day at a state park costs nothing. source
Questions parents ask
Where's the best place to take little kids sledding near Wilmington?
For toddlers and first-timers, the gentler slopes in the Carpenter Recreation Area of White Clay Creek State Park near Newark are the safest bet. Rockford Park also has gentler lines mixed in with the bigger ones, so you can pick your pitch.
What's the biggest sledding hill in New Castle County?
Glasgow Park's 'Bear Mountain' is often called the biggest in the state, and Brandywine Creek State Park's 'Big Hill' off Route 100 is a long, wide ~200-yard run. Both have open space around them, so they handle crowds well.
Do you have to pay to sled at the state parks in winter?
No — Delaware State Parks only charge the per-vehicle entrance fee from March through November, so driving in is free December through February. Walking or biking in is free year-round.
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Checked against each place’s current info.
Admission and hours come straight from each place’s guide. Last reviewed June 17, 2026. Confirm anything dated on the source before you go.