Six shelters are also located within the park. These are cabin-like structures that contain a wood stove and two double-decker bunks.

Allaire State Park can be reached from exit 98 off the Garden State Parkway, or exit 31B off Interstate 195. Additional information can be obtained by calling the park office at (732) 938-2371.

Brandywine Creek State Park, DELAWARE Brandywine Creek State Park is another venue that offers, among its angling choices, a chance at early-summer trout fishing. Warmwater species are also present.

Members of your family who are trout anglers will want to check out Wilson Run for the chance of catching trout left over from the spring stockings done by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. June often provides good opportunities for stocked trout.

You'll probably have much of the stream to yourself, since after Memorial Day most folks quit fishing for stocked trout. A cool spring with lots of rain often equates into plenty of surviving rainbow trout. In addition to the standard license, trout fishing requires a trout stamp. Both fishing licenses and trout stamps can be purchased at the park office.

Brandywine Creek contains smallmouth bass, bluegills and crappies. The creek is large enough to accommodate a canoe or kayak, but such a craft is not necessary to fish it properly.

Stonewalls that were built in the late 1800s divide the 933-acre park, which was once a dairy farm. The park contains the state's first two nature preserves: Freshwater Marsh and Tulip Poplars, named after its stand of 190-year-old tulip poplars. Expect to witness a wide range of habitats at Brandywine, as well as rich bird life that includes songbirds and hawks.

The park maintains 14 miles of trials for fitness, wildlife observation and photography. The Rocky Run Trail and Greenways Trail wind along the creek. Other activities include picnicking and disc golf. Horseback riding and biking are permitted on some trails. Check with the park for further details.

If the weather is warm, you might choose to tube Brandywine Creek. Canoeing is another popular activity in the park. The interpretive program offered at the park includes canoeing at a cost of $16 per person.

Camping is one of the amenities the park does not provide. Hosts of lodging options are available in nearby Wilmington, however.

Brandywine Creek State Park is located three miles north of Wilmington at the intersection of state routes 100 and 92. The entrance is on Adams Dam Road. Additional information on the park can be obtained by calling the park office at (302) 577-3534.