9 Reasons Delaware State Parks Are The Most Underrated In America

Delaware state parks are among the most underrated in America. In fact, our beautiful parks are so underappreciated that when you Google "Delaware state park" you'll be taken to pages and pages about parks in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania! Most of the country is really missing out on some of the incredible sights and attractions that our state parks have to offer. Check them out and fall in love with our beautiful state all over again:

1. You can spot the most incredible wildlife.

No matter what park you're in, you'll see heron, eagles, foxes, deer, rabbits and plenty of wildlife around every corner! This beautiful Heron is cooling off in Lums Pond.

2. Enjoy our world famous beaches without the crowds at Delaware Seashore State Park.

Located between the Rehoboth/Dewey area and Bethany Beach, this quieter stretch of sand is the perfect place to relax without having to worry about finding a place to throw down your towel.

3. In Cape Henlopen State Park, you can step back in time.

Fort Miles Historic Area is an abandoned, partially preserved fort that was active during World War II. You can tour the bunkers and climb to the top of a tower that was built to keep watch for German U-Boats.

4. The scenery is breathtaking at Trap Pond State Park.

The enormous bald cypress swamp at Trap Pond is unlike any other place in the world, and everyone would love paddling the water trails that show off this unique ecosystem.

5. Truly get away from it all in Blackbird State Forest.

This quiet state forest is one of the most isolated places in Delaware. You can go for a day hike here, paddle in the nearby creek, or get in touch with your primitive roots at one of their tent camping sites. Read more about Delaware's most isolated campground right here.

6. It's easy to keep cool even in the sweltering summer sun at Killens Pond.

Splash and slide at one of Delaware's best waterparks - all located within a state park! From 54' tall slides to a kiddie pool and adventure course, this might become your favorite destination. Read about this perfect aquatic escape right here.

7. You never know what you'll find at Alapocas Run.

Anyone who thinks Delaware is flat and boring hasn't explored our Delaware State Parks at all. Alapocas Run is a true hidden gem, where rock climbers and nature enthusiasts gather to escape the city life.

8. History is all around you at White Clay Creek.

One of the prettiest of our Delaware State Parks is located in New Castle County. Not only can you walk the border between Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware (and be in all three states at once!), but you can also spot the original capstone of the Mason-Dixon survey that shaped our nation's fate (and our state's borders!).

9. And there's more than enough adventure to go around at Lums Pond.

Read about the adventure course right here.

For more information about hiking, camping, or paddling in these incredible Delaware State Parks, check out the park service website here. Remember, if you're out and about in the First State with a camera (or even just your phone), we'd love to see your best photos! Share them on our Delaware Nature Lovers Facebook page, or tag #onlyindelaware on Instagram!