Best Hiking & Walking Trails in Coastal Delaware
Hiking is a great way to lower your stress levels, improve your cardiovascular fitness and help you maintain an active lifestyle. Luckily, the hiking trails in Delaware are some of the best in the United States. Whether you are looking for a historic venture into the past, want to exercise alongside marshland and wildlife preserves or just hope to feel the breeze roll off the cool Atlantic, there is a trail for you. In this guide, we'll discuss some of the best hiking spots and trails on Delaware's coast.
Our Namesake Trail: Thompson Island Trailhead
Thompson Island Trailhead, located near Rehoboth Bay, is 0.7 miles of crushed-stone and natural trail that offers unique views of local glades, tidal marshes and heavily wooded conifer forests. Walkers and hikers love this trail because its an easy, relaxing stroll. Thompson Island trail is well-maintained with great views.
Make sure you stop at the overlook near Lewes and Rehoboth Canal to take in the peace and tranquility of your surroundings before traversing the 1.25-mile out-and-back trail that follows. Thompson Island Trail is wheelchair- and walker-accessible but is not suitable for pets or bicycles.
1. Junction and Breakwater Trailhead
Running from Gills Neck Road in Lewes, all the way to Rehoboth Beach, Junction and Breakwater Trailhead — which runs at just under six and a half miles — is a peaceful trek across crushed stone and asphalt that is accessible from multiple entry points. This hiking path will take you through forests of conifer trees and offers spectacular coastal wetland views, including Holland Glade, which you can see from the long, 80-foot wooden railroad bridge that was originally constructed for the old Junction and Breakwater Railroad.
The bridge offers a one-of-a-kind view of the glade, and hikers can access one of Delaware's most famous World War II observation towers, Observation Tower 7. Observation Tower 7 was one of 11 fire control towers in the area used during World War II. The Junction and Breakwater Trail is suitable for hikers, bicyclists and baby strollers. As you journey, keep an eye out for posted signs to learn more about the area's natural plants and wildlife.
2. Gordons Pond State Park Area
The Gordons Pond State Park area — a trail that connects Lewes and Rehoboth — is located inside Cape Henlopen State Park and is accessible from both the Lewes and Rehoboth parking areas. The area is named for Gordons Pond, a 900-acre salt water pond, that hikers can access while hiking the trail. For a special look at the pond's natural plant and animal life — and for a beautiful photo opportunity — stop and enjoy one or both of the trail's two dedicated overlooks. As the trail continues from Gordons Pond, it transitions into an elevated boardwalk that winds through salt marsh, coastal beach, dunes and more before transitioning back to the stone and leading hikers through a lush, wooded area.
3. Cape Henlopen State Park
There are several state parks with trails in Delaware, but Cape Henlopen is by far the best. Cape Henlopen is the ultimate Delaware hiking destination for anyone interested in the area's local World War II history and scenic trails. Explore Cape Henlopen State Park trails, like the Gordons Pond area, or journey more than two and a half miles of gently sloping sand dunes and hike your way 80 feet above the beaches on Walking Dunes Trail. Enjoy numerous beaches and bicycle loops, or catch the sunrise from Herring Point, where the Delaware Bay collides with the ocean, offering breathtaking views. Don't forget to take a walk along the picturesque fishing pier to catch spectacular views of the sky and water.
While you're visiting this Delaware state park, consider stopping for a guided tour or open house of the Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area. The Fort Miles Historical Area houses a former World War II military base that was used through the early 1970s. During the war, more than 2,500 soldiers were stationed at Fort Miles. The Museum and Historic Area give visitors a chance to see the different guns, barrack buildings and artillery parks — including a fortified 15,000 square foot chamber located underground.
4. Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge
Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge on the shore of Delaware Bay is 10,144 acres of a protected wildlife sanctuary that was initially created to provide shelter and protection for migratory birds as they travel the Atlantic Flyaway. Hike through trails of tidal salt and fresh water marsh, swamps and forests while witnessing hundreds of different plants and animal species, including more than 300 types of birds.
During the spring months, water levels in the refuge are lowered via dikes, so shorebirds — including sandpipers and plovers — can feed on the marsh plants that grow near the waterbeds. The Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge is accessible seven days a week, but can only be visited thirty minutes before sunrise until thirty minutes after the sun has set.
5. Burton's Island Loop
Enjoy a full view of nature's bounty so close to Rehoboth Beach that you can practically taste the saltwater spray. The Burton's Island Loop Trail offers a chance for hikers to lope around Delaware Seashore State Park. You can get quite a bit of exercise on this 1.3-mile trail, even if you're no stranger to more difficult hiking. Just complete the loop and then return in the opposite direction. You'll double your mileage and get to see this trail's wonderful scenery twice.
If you're wondering whether Fido can join you on the Burton's Island Loop, the answer is yes! Just make sure you leash up your furry friend and take care of any doggy business. Coastal hiking in Delaware couldn't be more satisfying than when you're here!
6. Lake Garar
Are you looking for a hike that will take you past cool trees and cool waters, too? Check out the Lake Garar Trail, conveniently located in Rehoboth Beach along 3rd Street and Olive Avenue. Many visitors miss out on this pretty attraction, making it a hidden gem. Remember, the seashore isn't the only place to view rippling waves. Watch in awe as birds, turtles and fish do their thing while you mosey around the lake.
If you're looking for heart-pumping hiking action, you probably won't find it at Lake Garar. Nevertheless, this gem of a trail presents you with lots of opportunities for solitude. It's an excellent "rest day" spot to get a light workout and enjoy a picnic after ordering takeout from Thompson Island Brewing.
7. Georgetown Lewes Trail
Want a long trail to log a few miles this weekend? The out-and-back nature of Georgetown Lewes Trail promises nearly 13 miles of scenic woodlands. It's not far from Lewes, Delaware, as the name suggests. Despite its length, it's a relatively easy trail and makes a great fit for any outing, especially if you have a family or group of hikers with experience and endurance levels.
When you feel like you need a getaway, the Georgetown Lewes Trail is a great pick. You'll never be too far from civilization, and you'll get the full effects of an authentic hiking trail in a rural setting. Oh, and you can bring a leashed pooch for company!
8. Coastal Club Path
If you've completed the Georgetown Lewes Trail in Lewes, you may want to head out for a shorter hike in the area the next day. Why not pop by Coastal Club Path, a 2.8-mile loop around a picturesque lake for a scenic stroll in Delaware? The Coastal Club Path is decidedly easy, making it a winner for anyone who wants to get outside and stretch their legs.
Don't be surprised if you end up spotting one of Delaware's native fowl species on the lake or a songbird high in a tree. This hiking trail is a definite paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.
9. Seahawk Nature Trail
If you're stopping by Holts Landing State Park for a visit, be sure to hoof it on the Seahawk Nature Trail. Depending upon the time of year, you may have the 1.4-mile trail all to yourself. While it's not a high-traffic trail, it's certainly not short on spectacular natural scenery. Like so many other nature paths throughout Delaware, the Seahawk Nature Trail gives you the chance to see the state's flora and fauna in all their seasonal glory.
You can hike on the Seakhawk Nature Trail any time of year. If you're planning to visit Thompson Island Brewing over winter break or the holiday season, check out the trail and rev up your appetite before coming to our restaurant for a celebratory post-workout feast.
10. Prickly Pear Trail Loop
There's so much to see in Delaware Seashore State Park, including the irresistibly named Prickly Pear Trail Loop. In about an hour or so, you can traverse this 3.5-mile nature hike that runs by a lake. Don't worry, you don't have to be an expert woodsman to experience this version of coastal hiking in Delaware. It's an awesome option for anyone who just wants to let go of the trappings of everyday life for a while.
During certain times of the year, you may even share the generously-sized, well-maintained trail with horseback riders. If you're going in the summertime, please note that hiking in Delaware can get pretty hot. Bring along sunscreen, bug spray and plenty of cool, fresh water.
Sit Back and Relax at After Your Delaware Trail Hike
You've spent all day taking in the sights and sounds of Delaware. You've hiked sand dunes, toured a World War II historical area and enjoyed miles upon miles of Atlantic coastlines and marshland. Now, it's time to sit back and relax with a craft beer or wood fired specialty at Thompson Island Brewing. Thompson Island Brewing is an Independent Craft Brewery and Restaurant, and a proud member of the SoDel Concepts family. Like all SoDel eateries, we share the same focus on providing high-quality, fresh, simple ingredients, expertly prepared and delivered alongside heavy doses of flavor and fun. While you're here, enjoy our outdoor cornhole games, picnic tables or bonfire. Visit the beer garden to test your ping pong or bocce ball skills.
In addition to craft beer on tap, we offer a variety of wines, ciders and eclectic drinks, including handmade sodas and cocktails. Our menu is entirely farm and seafood-inspired, with local favorites like Thompson Island Fried Chicken, Sloppy Joe Risotto and Campfire Trout. End your meal with our Sodel Lime Pie, which was voted People Magazine's best pie in 2019, or our beloved take on Baked Alaska.
Looking to make some new trail hiking friends? Keep an eye out on our brewery social calendar, so you're in the loop when we hold our next Thompson Island Hike and Brewery Tour. No matter where you visit, there is always something spectacular to see, do and taste at Thompson Island Brewing.
