Have you ever wondered, “Are there any can’t-miss hiking trails near me?” If so, you’ve come to the right place because, just like you, we’ve wondered where to find the best hikes in Delaware. And after scouring the state for everything from easy hikes in Delaware to kid-friendly hikes around Delaware, we’ve compiled a list of the best hikes in the state. Each hike is amazing in its own right; however they all have one thing in common – they’re some of the most scenic hikes in Delaware, making any effort exerted well worth it.
The Azalea Woods at Winterthur are H.F. DuPont's greatest creation. Stroll through these endless fields of color (which are at their peak in early-April), and eventually make your way to the Enchanted Woods, where you'll find the Acorn Tea Room, Tulip Tree House, giant Bird's Nest, and more creations from the Winterthur Faeries. Read more about this trail on the Winterthur website.
Walk around Pea Patch Island and take in the sights as they were over 150 years ago, when this fort was a Confederate prison! After you've walked the grounds, enter the fort to truly step back in time. Remember, the park operates seasonally, so make it's open prior to visiting. Read more about this park on the Delaware State Park website.
Fort Delaware Ferry, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA
3. Boundary Trail and Post Marked West, White Clay Creek State Park
White Clay Creek State Park features a few amazing trails, including the Boundary Trail and the Post Marked West Side Trail. These simple hikes show off some of the state's most unusual history! Did you know that the famous Mason-Dixon line survey team got their start right here, on these trails? The markers and monuments are hard to miss. Read more about this trail on the Delaware State Park website.
White Clay Creek State Park Nature Center, 1475 Creek Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA
The Hidden Pond Trail begins when you walk through a rock wall into the Tulip Tree Woods. You'll cross a creek that flows to Hidden Pond. When you get there, take in the sight of the rushing water pouring into the pond. Continue under a beautiful forest canopy until you reach the nature center, where you can learn more about the wildlife you encountered on the trails. Read more about this trail on the Delaware State Park website.
Brandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA
Fort DuPont State Park is one of the most interesting places in the state, and that's because as you hike its trails, you'll encounter abandoned gun batteries! They're private property, but they make for incredibly interesting photographs and offer a rare glimpse into our state's military history. Read more about this trail on the Delaware State Park website.
Fort DuPont State Park, Wilmington Ave, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA
Cape Henlopen State Park is a great place to try some beach hiking, and the Walking Dune Trail will take you along the park's most scenic sights and right up to an amazing overlook at the top of Great Dune. Read more about this trail on the Delaware State Park website.
Cape Henlopen State Park Public Beach, 15009 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
The other interesting trail in Cape Henlopen State Park is the Bike Trail. Don't let its boring name fool you! This simple path takes you through pine forests and sandy trails, before dropping you off at Fort Miles Historic Area, where you can explore and tour World War II towers and bunkers, and catch a great view of the entire Cape. Read more about this trail on the Delaware State Park website.
Cape Henlopen State Park Public Beach, 15009 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
So, what do you think? Are these the best hikes in Delaware? Ever trekked along any (or all) of these trails? Know of any other scenic hikes in Delaware? Tell us!
These might be some of the best hikes in Delaware, but they’re not the ONLY options for outdoor fun. There are so many places to explore the outdoors in Delaware, including these lesser-known state parks.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Delaware
March 09, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What other trails qualify as the best hikes in Delaware?
The best hikes in Delaware aren’t limited to the trails above. There are tons of spectacularly scenic hikes in Delaware, including the Bombay Hook Boardwalk Trail in the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. An incredible natural treasure, the refuge is home to one of the biggest expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic – and the Bombay Hook Boardwalk Trail is a great way to take it all in, as the elevated boardwalk winds through the marsh, treating hikers to close-up views of the surrounding wetlands. Even better, the trail is just ¼ mile, making it suitable for novice hikers.
Are there any easy hikes in Delaware?
When seeking easy hikes in Delaware, you’ve got to check out the walking trail at Valley Garden Park. Touted as “one of the best little-known parks in Delaware,” it’s nestled along the scenic Hoopes Reservoir and boasts lots of perks, including a 1.5-mile (round-trip) paved walking trail. Though short, the trail is brimming with gorgeous vistas, including waterfalls.
What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Delaware?
There are several amazing kid-friendly hikes around Delaware, including the Carousel Loop Trail. Located within Wilmington’s Carousel Park, the 2.8-mile paved trail is easy to navigate, making it ideal for younger and novice hikers as well as outdoor enthusiasts. There are lots of lovely sights along the trail, too, including the horses of the New Castle County Mounted Patrol and a lake with resident swans. The park is also home to a Native American-themed playground.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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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
