Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway RCVSB many views and sign

Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway

Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway is a scenic network of water, roads and history. Have you noticed the Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway signs with the state of Delaware and our state flower, the peach blossom? Scenic byway designation benefits those living and working in our community and helps protect our water and natural areas while preserving the unique scenic, historical, and cultural characteristics in the byway. It’s a beautiful alternative route to avoid busy highways.

Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway is a local treasure

The Byway is comprised of 28 secondary roads within the Red Clay Creek watershed and is the first in the U.S. to be based on the watershed model. This unique model strengthens the communities’ ability to protect the water quality of Red Clay Creek by preserving the land in the watershed.

The Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway preserves and protects the unique historic, scenic, and natural qualities of the Red Clay watershed, which includes Hockessin, Mt. Cuba Center, Coverdale Farm Preserve, Auburn Heights, Wilmington & Western Railroad, and many homes and businesses. It supports river cleanups and graffiti prevention and can help buildings in your neighborhood uphold an appearance that is aligned with the historic and scenic aspects of The Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway.

June 2021 Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway Plan Update

Read the Update

Learn more about our Corridor Management Plan »
Check out maps showing Red Clay’s natural resources »

Along the Byway, roughly located between Routes 48 and 52, you can explore the forest of the Red Clay Ravine Natural Area, and hike through woodlands, meadows, and marsh at the Delaware Nature Society’s Ashland Nature Center. Learn more about native plants at Mt. Cuba Center and visit Auburn Heights Preserve to see the largest collection of operating steam cars in the world. Steam train enthusiasts can ride on the Historic Red Clay, Inc (Wilmington and Western) railway from Greenbank to Hockessin.

Learn more about the Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway »

We need your help

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More ways to help:

Red Clay Valley residents: The Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway is in the process of becoming a National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitat Community™. If you own a home, business, or other land within the Byway (see the RCVSB Certification area map), then making your land a certified Gardening for Water and Wildlife land will help achieve this goal.

Meet our partner organizations

Mt Cuba Center - Gardening on a higher level   Brandywine Red Clay Alliance    Wilmington and Western Railroad   Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights Preserve