Delaware's state parks are some of the most underrated places on the East Coast, but sometimes they can get a bit crowded. If you're looking for a place to really escape the noise and crowds, and just enjoy some time walking through nature by yourself, you'll want to visit this little known, hidden park just outside of Fenwick Island at 7604 Mulberry Landing Rd, Frankford, DE 19945.
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Assawoman Bay State Wildlife Area is one of the most serene places in Delaware.
The Wildlife Area is part of the Little Assawoman Bay, and it's managed by the Delaware Department of Fish and Wildlife. It's the perfect place o drop in a kayak and explore miles of waterway.
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The area is a significant wildlife refuge,and you'll often see rare birds and critters while you're there.
With the weather starting to get chillier, it's the perfect time to schedule a relaxing road trip. The drive down Route 9 is one of the most underappreciated rides in the state, and you'll love seeing a part of Delaware that's always overlooked. Gas up the car and head out on this short jaunt this weekend! It's one of the best scenic drives in Delaware!
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If you've been searching for "scenic drives near me," the Scenic Bayshore Byway, also known as Delaware Route 9, takes you past some of the most beautiful places in Delaware.
Technically, the last stop on the byway is the John Dickinson Plantation. This historic home is open for tours, and the grounds are gorgeous. It's a great way to end your drive along one of the prettiest scenic byways in Delaware.
However, if you continue on a bit, you'll discover a beautiful beach. Make it to Kitts Hummock at the end of your trip, and head out of the car to catch a glimpse of the bay. This abandoned beach is a great place to get some fresh air.
The First State has no shortage of beautiful destinations and wondrous nature spots. With a stunning coastline as well as forests and rolling hills, the landscape here can evoke a sense of awe. There are, of course, many natural wonders in Delaware that are worth exploring. Here are some of the top nature places in Delaware:
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Best Caves In Delaware
The state of Delaware only has one official cave. The Beaver Valley Rock Shelter Site has been officially recognized as a cave by the National Speleological Society. Here's more:
Wow Factor: Essentially the only cave in the state, it's quite an impressive sight!
Cost: No fee
As the only officially recognized cave in the state, the Beaver Valley Rock Shelter Site is only 56 feet deep. It once served as a shelter for the Lenape tribe and was discovered during an excavation in 1958. When you visit, you can go inside, but the roof of the cave drops quickly so you may only be able to go in a few feet before having to duck.
Best Waterfalls In Delaware
Waterfalls are a rarity here in Delaware. That being said, there are a few to discover around the state. And maybe because waterfalls are so few and far between here, it makes them extra special, am I right? Here are the best waterfalls in Delaware:
Located in Alapocas Run State Park is one of the tallest waterfalls in Delaware. Located in Brandywine Creek, this lovely waterfall is a sight to behold!
Also located at Alapocas Run State Park is this natural waterfall as well as a few more along the river. You'll be surprised at how many you'll encounter here.
Brandywine Creek State Park has several waterfalls throughout. With Brandywine Creek running through the park, keep your eyes peeled as you chase waterfalls here.
Best Overlooks & Scenic Vistas In Delaware
We all love a gorgeous view or a scenic vista. Seeing the landscape from a certain perspective can really make us feel in awe of this gorgeous state. Here's where you can experience the best views in Delaware:
For must-see nature in Delaware, a trip to Fox Point State Park is necessary. Situated along the Delaware River, this stunning state park offers a trail for hiking and biking, opportunities for bird watching, and best of all, views in every direction. Not only will you have water, grassland, and meadow views but views of two major bridges (the Commodore Barry Bridge and the Delaware Memorial Bridge) as well as views of three states (Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania).
Wow Factor: Some of the best nature in Delaware is found here.
Cost: $4/vehicle with up to 4 people. $2/person walking or biking to the refuge. $12/annual pass.
With a nature center open year-round, you can visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge whenever you want. For the best vistas, you can hike along one of the park's many trails (including a boardwalk trail) or climb to the top of one of three observation towers to take it all in. There's beauty wherever you look between the tidal salt marsh, forests, swamps, fields, etc. With a variety of ecosystems, you'll be able to see plenty of wildlife including herons and numerous songbird species. This is one spot in Delaware where taking a camera with you should be mandatory.
The 6-mile stretch of beach of Delaware Seashore State Park is the longest beach in the state. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and both the Rehoboth and Indian River Bays on the other, beautiful vistas abound here.
With 6 miles of coastline along both the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, it's no wonder why Cape Henlopen State Park is a popular getaway destination for thousands of visitors each year who visit the beach, go camping, or partake in water sports like kayaking and boating. You'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the park's barrier sand dunes and beaches. Another point of interest here at Cape Henlopen is the World War II-era Fort Miles. You can visit the museum within the state park to learn more about Delaware's role in WWII.
Located along White Clay Creek, a designated National Wild and Scenic River, White Clay Creek State Park is one of the best places for natural attractions in Delaware. In addition to the river, this gorgeous park is also home to forests and provides ample recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, bird watching, and biking. A visit here certainly won't disappoint!
Best Rock Formations In Delaware
I don't know about you, but I have always been fascinated by rock formations. Most of them have been left behind by nature thousands or millions of years ago. Check out these jaw-dropping rock formations and natural beauty in the Piedmont region of Northern Delaware:
Alapocas Run State Park is one of the oldest nature preserves in the state and where you can see some of the famous "blue rocks" of the Delaware Piedmont. Take the easy Alapocas Woods Trail to get up close and personal with some of these stunning rock formations.
Also in the Piedmont, Bellevue State Park was once a DuPont estate. Stroll the grounds and you'll find historic structures galore. In addition, you'll also encounter rock outcroppings which as both fascinating and awe-inspiring.
Wow Factor: This is a lovely park with plenty of natural and man-made beauty to explore.
Cost: No fee
Found along the Brandywine River, the 178-acre Brandywine Park is a hidden gem park that's also home to a zoo and a historic rose garden. If you take Brandywine Branch Trail, you'll eventually make it to a rock wall.
Unique Natural Wonders In Delaware
There are also natural wonders that are so unique that nothing else compares. The following natural attractions in Delaware are one-of-a-kind which makes them oh-so-special.
Wow Factor: This natural wonder in Delaware is something you must see in person to believe. It's the northernmost forest of bald cypress in the country.
You may be surprised to learn that Delaware is home to a swamp forest of bald cypress trees. Located at Trap Pond State Park, this is the northernmost grove of bald cypress trees in the country. Because of this natural wonder, this park is one of the best nature spots in Delaware.
Wow Factor: The coastal marshes are absolutely picturesque and it's an excellent spot for bird watching.
Cost: $4/vehicle with up to 4 people. $2/person walking or biking to the refuge. $12/annual pass.
One of the best bird watching and wildlife areas in Delaware can be found at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. The sheer number of birds and other wildlife you can spot in the marshes of this preserve is outstanding!
Wow Factor: With its wetlands and location along Delaware Bay, this national wildlife refuge is an absolute treasure.
Cost: No fee
A visit to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge will treat you to coastal views and wildlife spotting around its wetlands. Take one of the boardwalk or dirt trails to explore, hit the beaches, and just enjoy the pristine beauty here.
What are your favorite natural wonders in Delaware? What places do you find to be the most beautiful, the most wondrous in the state? Let us know!
If you plan on hiking to any of the aforementioned nature places in Delaware, be sure to check out our hiking essentials packing list before hitting the trails.
