Delaware
Nature|Hiking

Follow This 3.3-Mile Trail In Delaware To A Picturesque Footbridge, Creeks, And Wildflowers

Chestnut Hill Trail in Delaware offers picturesque scenery and varied terrain, making it a popular spot for both hikers and bikers.

Published Dec 22, 2021

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Delaware's brimming with natural beauty - from flowing creeks and colorful wildflowers to lush green meadows. One of the best ways to admire that beauty is on one of the state's many hiking trails. Chestnut Hill Trail in Delaware, for example, offers an abundance of natural beauty, picturesque footbridges, and a ton of photo-worthy spots.

Chestnut Hill Trail winds 3.3 miles through White Clay Creek State Park and beckons both hikers and bikers with its varied, pretty scenery.

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All Trails/Steph Farmer

However, the picturesque path comes with a moderate rating due, in large part, to its narrowness and rocky spots.

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All Trails/Andrew Rolston

Just be prepared for a bit of an uphill climb, as the trail is also quite hilly in spots. Some hikers consider it an easy trail while All Trails rates it moderate.

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All Trails/Lauren Grossman

This is one of those trails that deserves a visit in each season, as long as you're prepared. You'll definitely want to bring along the sunscreen and bug spray in the summer, although trees shade some of the path.

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All Trails/Kerry Schroeder

Autumn promises gorgeous, colorful foliage while the trail - and the park - transforms into a winter wonderland after a fresh snowfall.

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All Trails/Anna Dougherty

Spring means the return of the brilliant colors of the wildflowers. The rather secluded trail can get quite busy at times, especially as it's shared by both hikers and bikers.

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AllTrails/Margarita Beard

You'll cross over several creeks using footbridges, so you don't have to worry about traipsing in the water. However, if you're visiting after rain or snow, you will likely face muddy conditions.

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All Trails/Andrew Szeto

Before you head out, make sure you pack plenty of water, some snacks, and enough bug spray and sunscreen in the summer.

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All Trails/Kerry Schroeder

Stop by the official website of White Clay Creek State Park for more information. Or, check out a trail map of Chestnut Hill Trail on All Trails.

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All Trails/Tom Xu

Have you hiked Chestnut Hill Trail in Delaware? Do you have any advice for those who want to follow the trail? Share your experience in the comments! For another uniquely-Delaware adventure, set off on the Hunn Nature Trail in Dover.

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Nature|Hiking

The One Loop Trail In Delaware That’s Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year

Burtons Island in Delaware offers an easy, scenic 1.3-mile loop hike through coastal marshes and forests, ideal for year-round exploration.

Updated Aug 13, 2024

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

If you're like me, you might be looking for a great hike in Delaware that won't leave you gasping for air and feeling sore the next day. Luckily, the First State's lack of elevation means most of our hikes are as easy as can be. One short loop trail near Fenwick Island offers some great year-round hikes in Delaware and may even be best to explore in the off-season! Come experience The Burton Island Loop Trail in Sussex County and you'll find yourself falling in love with Delaware's coastal ecosystem.

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Delaware's coast is the perfect place for a scenic hike, and many of our state's easiest trails are great year-round hikes in Delaware.

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AllTrails / Mindaugas Lescinskas

The Burton Island Loop trail is a 1.3-mile loop in Delaware Seashore State Park, tucked away along the Indian River Bay.

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AllTrails / Mark Macon

Like many coastal marsh trails, you'll be following a boardwalk on your route. One of the best hikes in DE, this trail is fairly accessible and easy to navigate!

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AllTrails / Hama Matsu

Keep an eye out for wildlife on your walk. Many shorebirds call these marshes home, and you may spot turtles and other critters, too!

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AllTrails / Mindaugas Lescinskas

The Burton Island hike in Delaware is pleasant to explore all year long, but you may want to avoid it during the heat of summer, or at dusk and dawn when the bugs are bad in the spring and fall.

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AllTrails / M Watkins

Burton Island is so peaceful and quiet, you'll feel like you have it all to yourself. While many spots in Delaware Seashore State Park offer this kind of serenity, the landscape of Burton Island is truly special.

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AllTrails / Mark Macon

With a mix of forest and marsh trails, you'll see so much in just a short walk at one of the most beautiful year-round hikes in Delaware.

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AllTrails / Go Hike Virginia (www.gohikevirginia.com)

The view of the Indian River Inlet is just icing on the cake of this scenic, easy hike in Delaware. No matter what time of year, this is a beautiful place to spend the day.

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AllTrails / Go Hike Virginia (www.gohikevirginia.com)

Take a peek at the AllTrails page for the Burton Island hike in Delaware and you'll find a map and current condition information.

Have you ever taken the Burton Island Loop Trail? We think it's one of the best trails for year-round hikes in Delaware! What do you think are the best hikes in DE? Tell us in the comments!

Grab some new gear for your hikes. Check out what The North Face has in stock.

See more of the state with a little less effort. Check out these scenic drives in Delaware.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/delaware/byways-de/

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Nature|Hiking

This Beautiful Boardwalk Trail In Delaware Is The Most Unique Hike Around

Gordon's Pond Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park offers a scenic 5-mile out-and-back trail with overlooks, a boardwalk, and views of World War II Fire Control Towers.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

Cape Henlopen State Park is one of the best places in the world if I say so myself, and there are plenty of trails that are worth exploring. If you're feeling really adventurous, take the Junction and Breakwater Trail down to Rehoboth Beach, or explore the Fort Miles Historic Area. If you're just looking to get some fresh air and take in iconic Delaware scenery, though, there's one more spot in Cape Henlopen State Park that's worth a visit. Best of all, you'll find an incredible boardwalk trail in Delaware right here at this park.

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Gordon's Pond is just one of the incredible trails in this Delaware State Park.

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Flickr / Susan Smith

On this 5-mile out-and-back trail, you'll walk across crushed stone and sand and pass by scenic overlooks on your way to the boardwalk.

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Flickr / Susan Smith

The boardwalk covers just about a mile of the back-and-forth trip, and it crosses marshes as you follow it around the pond.

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AllTrails / William Hughes

Placards at the overlooks explain many of the rare birds you may see on this quiet Delaware hiking trail.

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AllTrails / William Hughes

Delawareans often use this trail for a scenic bike ride, as the surface and boardwalk make it perfect for cyclists.

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Flickr / Susan Smith

You'll be able to spot the World War II Fire Control Towers from across the pond for most of the trail.

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Flickr / Susan Smith

The Gordon's Pond Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park, one of the best Delaware state parks, is one of the most popular in the state - and just one journey down the path will show you exactly why.

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AllTrails / Kara Markoya

Have you walked or pedaled the Gordon's Pond Trail, a boardwalk trail in Delaware? Tell us about your adventure in the comments!

For trail information, visit AllTrails, and do yourself a favor and download the super handy AllTrails+ app which is the best guide on this and any other trail.

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