White Clay Creek Preserve

The 2,072-acre White Clay Creek Preserve is in southern Chester County, three miles north of Newark, Delaware. The White Clay Creek Valley, which forms the core of the Preserve, varies from steep to gradually falling terrain with some flat bottomlands, all drained by the creek. White Clay Creek Preserve shares boundary with White Clay Creek State Park of Delaware.

Because White Clay Creek posses outstanding scenic, wildlife, recreational and cultural value, it has been designated by Congress as a National Wild and Scenic River, and shall be preserved in free-flowing condition for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

White Clay Creek is stocked several times a season and is considered one of the best trout streams in the area. Special delayed harvest and artificial lures only regulations apply to the Middle Branch of White Clay Creek from Good Hope Road south to its confluence with the East Branch. Any bait may be used on the East Branch. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply.


Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.