These 5 Delaware Hiking Trails Lead To Some Incredible Pieces Of History
Delaware isn’t the first place to come to mind when you think “hiking destinations,” but our beautiful state parks and local trails make for breathtaking day trips. Check out these historic Delaware trails the next time you want to enjoy a fall day and learn a little about your home state.
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The Bike Loop Trail is a 3 mile loop that will take you from the Nature Center or one of the parking lots at Cape Henlopen right to Fort Miles Historic Area. Here, you'll find World War II era bunkers and barracks, as well as an observation tower where you can climb to the top and take in some of the best views in the state.
Bryan's Field Trail is a moderate 2.1 mile trail that will bring you to a cut off at the Post Mark Trail. Follow this short detour to the "Post Mark'd West," where Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon began the famous survey of the border between DE, MD and PA.
The Prison Camp Trail is less than a mile long and loops around all of Pea Patch Island. Enjoy the sounds and sights of nature as you explore the island, and climb the observation tower along the trail. Fort Delaware itself was a prison camp for thousands of Confederate Soldiers during the Civil War.
Hike 2.8 miles on the Hidden Pond Trail through Brandywine Creek State Park, where you'll see the Tulip Woods Nature Preserve, the park's Nature Center, and the impressive stone walls that date back to the early 1900s. These walls were carefully crafted by masons to designate the borders of the various DuPont properties at the time.
Fort DuPont's River View Trail is just about 1 mile long, and it will pass gun batteries and abandoned buildings of the Fort, which was part of the Delaware Bay's "Three Fort" defense during the Spanish American War. You'll pass through marshes along the way, and enjoy a serene walk through the old Fort area.
What are your favorite trails in Delaware? Don’t forget about the Delaware Trail Challenge, where you can earn prizes for exploring these historic Delaware trails, and more!
