9 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Delaware That Are 1 Mile And Under
Delaware’s hikes are relatively flat and easy, so they’re perfect for bringing children. If you’ve got a little one who loves nature, wildlife, and the beautiful Delaware coastal ecosystems, bring them on these kid-friendly hikes in Delaware this spring. The best hikes in Delaware are sure to be fun for the whole family!
1. Thompson Island Trail, Delaware Seashore State Park
Thompson Island Trail, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
The Thompson Island trail is a .7-mile out and back trail that takes you past marsh and pine forest before ending at an overlook that shows Thompson Island, the Rehoboth Bay, and the skyline of Dewey Beach. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy before turning around and heading back home.
The one-mile Cypress Pond Trail is a loop that shows off the best of Trap Pond's famous baldcypress trees. If you're looking for more hiking after you complete this trail, the park has two more short and easy hikes.
The American Holly Trail is a short, .7-mile loop trail that connects to the longer Loblolly Trail around Trap Pond. Enjoy the views of the pond and cypress trees on this easy, scenic trail!
The Island Trail at Trap Pond is a short .6-mile loop trail that will show off the forest and wetlands of Trap Pond. It's a great way to finish a day of hiking the park's other trails, and it connects to the American Holly Trail.
Trap Pond State Park is a Delaware natural wonder and you'll never run out of trails to explore.
5. Alapocas Woods, Alapocas Run State Park
Alapocas Run State Park, 1914 Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
Follow this .8-mile-long trail around Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island. This historic fort was once used as a Confederate Prison during the Civil War. You'll spot all sorts of wildlife, and can tour the fort after your hike.
There are interactive exhibits along this .9-mile trail that tell you about the ecosystems and history of the tidal marsh area. The trail actually takes you through the Augustine Wildlife Area.
This short, half-mile-long trail was once a trolley path. Walk the historic loop that follows Auburn Mill millrace to the Red Clay Creek and a large open meadow.
There’s nothing like getting in touch with nature in the First State, and these kid-friendly hikes in Delaware are a great way to introduce your little ones to the great outdoors. For more amazing hikes in Delaware that would be easy for anyone, read our list of 9 Amazing Delaware Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love.
Address: Thompson Island Trail, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
Address: Trap Pond State Park, 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE 19956, USA
Address: Alapocas Run State Park, 1914 Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
Address: Fort Delaware State Park, 45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA
Address: Fort DuPont State Park, Wilmington Ave, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA
Address: Auburn Valley State Park, 3000 Creek Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Delaware
May 18, 2022
Kim Magaraci
Where are the best hikes in Delaware for avid hikers?
Hikers and people who love the outdoors will have a great time exploring the trails around White Clay Creek State Park and Middle Run Valley Natural Area. Both trail systems are in Newark and they connect. From White Clay Creek, you can even hike into Maryland and Pennsylvania! Both parks showcase the beautiful rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley
Which kid-friendly hikes around Delaware are scenic year-round?
Any of the hikes in Cape Henlopen State Park will be fun for kids, and the Fort Miles Historic Area is particularly interesting. It’s a former WWII base turned into a park, with a tower to climb for great views. The beach town of Lewes, where the park is located, is a delightful spot for a day trip all year long.
Are there any easy hikes near Wilmington, Delaware?
You’ll find lots of easy hikes around Wilmington, Delaware. The Delaware Nature Society runs the DuPont Environmental Education Center near the Christina River, which shows off the unique ecosystems along the water and the marshes farther inland. Alapocas Run State Park is in Wilmington, too, and offers hiking trails and even rock climbing in Wilmington, if you want to get adventurous.
Address: Thompson Island Trail, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
Address: Trap Pond State Park, 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE 19956, USA
Address: Alapocas Run State Park, 1914 Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
Address: Fort Delaware State Park, 45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA
Address: Fort DuPont State Park, Wilmington Ave, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA
Address: Auburn Valley State Park, 3000 Creek Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA
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Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
