When Delaware natives think about the beautiful scenery of our state, most of the time it's the beaches and ponds that come to mind. From Fenwick Island to Bowers Beach, Delaware has some of the nicest coastal landscapes in the country. In our most popular state parks, large ponds such as Lum's Pond, Killen's Pond, and Trap Pond are dotted with kayakers floating on the water on nearly every warm summer day. However, there's one spot in Delaware that's underrated and almost hidden - so many people have never been to explore it - and it's actually in New Castle County. Yes, there's a beautiful state park right in Newark - and many Delawareans have never realized just how stunning White Clay Creek State Park really is.

Take some time this fall or winter to visit the beautiful White Clay Creek - you can find directions and hours on their website by clicking here.

Take Creek Road through the park on your way in.

There are a few roads that lead into White Clay Creek State Park, but Creek Road is the most scenic. It will take you right to the park's nature center, which is a great place to start. If you need to stop by the Park Office first, take Thomson's Station Road. At the Park Office, you'll be able to pick up a map of the trails. If you're visiting on off-hours, you can download a map by clicking here.

On the way in, you'll be treated to some beautiful rural scenery.

Old farmhouses and barns dot the road as you head deep into White Clay Creek State Park. You'll be able to see a few of these on your hike, too, if you head out on the Whitney Farm trail.

The Nature Center is a good place to bring children, or explore it yourself!

Check their hours by giving them a call at (302) 368-6560. Oftentimes, they host family-friendly events or hikes. Whether you attend an event or just stop to check it out, you'll learn a great deal about the environment you're about to explore.

The Trails through the park are mostly unpaved, but well maintained.

There are a few bridges that cross the creek itself - these are the best places to stop for scenic views and to take a few pictures.

Hiking around sunset will lead to this stunning scene.

The sun shining through the tallest trees at White Clay Creek State Park is especially jaw-dropping in the fall, when the autumn colors really stand out.

The Park hosts the occasional "Harmony Hike," which I'd highly recommend.

A Harmony Hike is usually a guided hike near sunset in silence - just observing the sounds and the wildlife around you. Of course, if you can't join the Park for a guided hike, there's nothing stopping you from enjoying the trails quietly on your own. You never know what you might run into.

The best part about WCCSP is, of course, the Creek itself.

The sound of babbling brooks and running water is perhaps the most relaxing sound in the world.

You can wade and splash around if you visit in the summer.

In a state where most of the inland water is usually not safe for swimming, White Clay Creek provides a welcome retreat to float, splash and play in the shallow water. The creek itself has a rocky bottom and water shoes are highly recommended.

Local photographers love to shoot the running water as it flows over the rocks.

If you thought you had to go up to Pennsylvania to find a scene like this, you're mistaken. The creek has enough current to really be heard, and it makes for beautiful photographs.

Even in the winter, there's something mesmerizing about this place.

I usually hike White Clay Creek a few times each winter, because I love the serenity of a quiet snowy scene.

Of course, if you're hiking in the winter, you'll probably need to warm up after you explore. Luckily, the best coffee house in Delaware (hands-down) is close by.