Jack A. Markell (JAM) Trail

Named after former Governor Jack A. Markell, this “JAM” trail connects the Herman Holloway Campus to the City of New Castle and the Wilmington Riverfront. The total length of the trail is 5.5 miles. According to Delaware Greenways, in 2018 this area was converted from an abandoned freight train line into a shared pedestrian and bicycle path. The JAM Trail is a part of the East Coast Greenway and helps connects Maine and Florida as part of a network of pedestrian trails.

Now, you can go ahead to scroll down the page and listen to the backstory and context section to learn more about this location.

DHSS employees can use their work badges to open the gate to access the JAM trail. The Lieutenant Governor’s Challenge, established by Governor John Carney, is a wellness award program aimed at inspiring individuals to take the first step towards healthier lifestyles. In response to this challenge, DHSS has implemented many programs and events to encourage DHSS employees to introduce healthier choices into their work routine. Utilizing the JAM trail is one of these initiatives.

Take a left turn on the trail and Old New Castle is under four miles away. Pedestrians and bike riders can enjoy the serene forest walks and cross the pedestrian bridge towards historic New Castle at the southern-most part of the trail. The JAM Trail leads to the Heritage Trail through New Castle and towards Battery Park.

Take a right turn and visitors can head towards the Wilmington Riverfront, approximately three miles away. On the way to the Riverfront is the DuPont Environmental Education Center. It is located on the trail along the Christina River and on the edge of the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge. The education center is open to the public year-round and features a Visitor’s Center with panoramic river and marsh views, a 10-acre ornamental garden, and a quarter-mile handicap-accessible pond loop that extends into the marsh. The refuge includes 212 acres of freshwater tidal marsh and is home to many birds and animals such as American bald eagles, Virginia Rails, Belted Kingfishers, American beavers, river otters, and many different types of turtles. Spanning the Christina River, the Jack A. Markell Bridge lies on the foundations of the Industrial Track Railroad Bridge. The bridge is the largest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the state of Delaware and crosses to the east of I-95.

Now, the next entry on our tour is the Springer Building. The easiest way to reach the Springer Building is to walk toward and beside the large parking lot adjacent to the Spiral Cemetery. The parking lot is located at the front of the Springer Building.