Delaware
Nature|Hiking

The First State National Monument Trail Might Be One Of The Most Beautiful Short-And-Sweet Hikes To Take In Delaware

First State National Monument Trail offers a scenic and easy 2.2-mile hike through diverse landscapes in Brandywine Creek State Park, Delaware.

Updated Feb 24, 2022

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

For those days when you just want to get some fresh air without working up a sweat, look no further than First State National Monument Trail. This short and sweet hike is just over two miles long but packs all the scenic variety of a full-day trek. Take a look below at one of the best hikes in Delaware.

At just 2.2 miles long, First State National Monument Trail is a quick and easy loop at Brandywine Creek State Park. With an elevation gain of under 200 feet, it's a perfect hike for the kiddos and pets to tag along.

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AllTrails/John Shields

You'll traverse an enchanting wooded landscape, with lush vegetation flourishing all around. The terrain varies between forest, swamp, meadow, and creek, so you'll never have to worry about getting bored.

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AllTrails/Chris Sanfino

Gnarled tree roots intertwine like a web of ancient secrets. It's a scene straight from a storybook, and each step pulls you ever-deeper into the whimsical fairytale.

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AllTrails/Jennie Brown

The trail opens up onto a sprawling field as it passes by First State National Monument. You can practically feel the history emanating from this iconic building.

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AllTrails/Chris Sanfino

About half of the trail parallels Brandywine Creek, offering a nice change of scenery. The trees reflect on the pale blue water for a truly picture-perfect view.

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AllTrails/Brandon Heeren

One of the best things about this trail is that no two seasons are quite the same. During fall, the leaves erupt in a dazzling spectacle of crimson, amber, and golden hues, making you feel all warm and cozy inside.

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AllTrails/Brandon Heeren

Despite how short the trail is, its variety is akin to that of a full-day hike. Plus, it branches off onto several other trails, so feel free to extend your adventure for as long as you'd like.

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AllTrails/Brandon Heeren

Visit the AllTrails page to learn more about this epic Delaware hike.

Have you ever hiked First State National Monument Trail? Do you think it's one of the best hikes in Delaware? We'd love to hear all about your experience! Let us know your thoughts in the comments section, and also check out our previous article for another easy hike: Bombay Boardwalk Trail Is An Easy Hike In Delaware That Leads To A Secret Salt Marsh.

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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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