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NatureHiking

Walk Or Ride Alongside The Ocean On The 5.2-Mile Gordons Pond Trail In Delaware

Explore Delaware's quieter coastal side by traveling the scenic Gordons Pond Trail from Cape Henlopen State Park to Rehoboth Beach.

Published Jun 21, 2021

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

Delaware's coast is unique in that it's not completely overdeveloped, and there are parks along the ocean and bay that make it easy to explore our shores without getting completely overwhelmed by resort town crowds. To see this quiet side of the First State, visit Cape Henlopen State Park and travel along the Gordons Pond Trail.

Not many people realize that with a little careful planning, you can walk or ride a bike from Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware to Rehoboth Beach, a few miles south.

A sandy beach with a blue walkway leading to the ocean, surrounded by umbrellas and beachgoers under a clear sky.
AllTrails / Patrick Dowd

While you'll have to string together a few trails depending on where you would like your trip to start, the largest (and most scenic) portion of the trail from Lewes to Rehoboth is along Gordons Pond.

A panoramic view of a serene wetland with lush greenery and a calm blue sky reflecting on the water's surface.
AllTrails / Bob Wiechecki

The Gordons Pond Trail is just over five miles out-and-back and follows a paved path and a boardwalk for much of the journey. That makes it perfect for bikes, strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers.

A wooden boardwalk leads through lush greenery and tall trees under a clear sky.
AllTrails / Kristi Edmonds

Along the way, you'll see glimpses of Delaware's coastal ecosystem, from dunes to tide pools. Keep an eye out for shore birds!

A sunny landscape featuring sandy dunes and lush green vegetation under a clear blue sky.
AllTrails / Heather Raezer

This pathway between towns is a great place to spot the rare migratory birds that make the Cape Henlopen area one of the world's top destinations for birding.

A person rides a bicycle on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky.
AllTrails / Nicole Mine

If you're familiar with the history of the cape, you'll recognize these towers instantly.

A calm body of water reflects two distant towers, surrounded by lush greenery under a cloudy sky.
AllTrails / Courtney Strieby

This region was an important part of the United States' harbor defense during the Civil War and World War II, and there are still relics from the past here along the paths and trails of Cape Henlopen State Park.

Informational sign about Herring Point, highlighting its history and natural beauty, with images and text.
AllTrails / Ryan Privett

These towers date back to World War II, and if you take a detour into Fort Miles Historic Area, you can climb to the top and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the ocean and bay.

A cyclist rides on a path near a tall, cylindrical concrete tower surrounded by trees and sandy terrain.
AllTrails / Megan Zrimsek

Next time you have a free day and want to get out and explore nature, head to Cape Henlopen or Rehoboth Beach and ride or walk along the Gordons Pond Trail. You'll fall in love with the coast!

A serene landscape featuring a winding river through lush green marshland under a clear blue sky.
AllTrails / Marisa Gudra

To see a full map of the pathways in the area and learn more about the Gordons Pond Trail, visit AllTrails, here.

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