The Biggest Surprise You’ll Come Across While Hiking This Incredible Trail in Delaware

Unless it's a popular hike that ends up on my bucket list, I have little to no expectations when I hike a trail I've never been on before. After all, the main reasons I go hiking are to exercise and be in nature. But having no expectations while hiking often leads to unexpected surprises, whether it's an epic view, an abandoned mine or building, a cave, wildlife, or even an interesting flower or plant. This is what I love about hiking! If you're like me and love hiking and discovering the unexpected along a trail, head to Ocean View, Delaware, to hike the Prickly Pear Trail.

The Prickly Pear Trail is an easy, family-friendly loop path in the small coastal town of Ocean View, located by Bethany Beach. The 3.1-mile path leads through a forest of hardwoods and pine, a meadow, and by Indian River Bay. The views are outstanding, and so are the flora and fauna.

So, what can we discover along the Prickly Pear Trail? Well, let's start with the name first. To me (and perhaps to you, too), having "prickly pear" in the trail's name may conjure up images of the desert in the southwest. Having lived in the southwest, I know prickly pear cacti are everywhere. However, did you know that these cacti also grow along the East Coast? I discovered this fun fact a couple of years ago when I saw some growing along a beach trail in New England. Prickly pears are found in many states from New Mexico through Montana, and all the way to the East Coast between Massachusetts and Florida.

While it may not be surprising to find prickly pear cacti along a path named Prickly Pear Trail, I still find it somewhat unexpected, especially in a state along the East Coast. However, they can grow in dry, open areas, including dunes, so this coastal area in Delaware is perfect for them. You may even see them with their yellow blooms, depending on the time of year.

Speaking of surprises, this trail may have some other things in store for you! Keep your eyes peeled for turtles who call this area home. Some turtle species spotted in the region are Diamondback Terrapins, Eastern Box Turtle, and Red-eared Slider. Just be careful of nests with turtle eggs along the trail.

Surprises aside, the Prickly Pear Trail is a delightful loop, primarily flat through the woods and along the water. It's four to eight feet wide most of the way and is popular for hiking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding. The trail is a boardwalk with edge barriers in some areas and crushed stone or natural in other areas. Those who have strollers or mobility equipment may also use this trail if they have all-terrain tires. In the parking lot are several accessible spots.

Have you hiked the Prickly Pear Trail in Ocean View, Delaware, before? If so, what surprises did you discover during your hike? For more hiking adventures, check out the top-rated hiking trails in Delaware.