We Did the Research, This Is Officially the Strangest Hiking Trail Name in Delaware

Words can often have more than one meaning. Sometimes, that meaning is obvious; other times, meanings are up to interpretation. Typically, the names of hiking trails are straightforward, named after a landmark or a feature of the trail, or an influential figure in the area. However, occasionally you’ll find an odd name that leaves you puzzled, and the Two-State Breakfast Cruise in Delaware is one such hike.

The "Two-State" part of this hike is easy to explain; it goes through two states: Delaware and Maryland. The "Cruise" part is likely attributed to the phrase "cruising along" and represents how one walks along this hike, rather than a boat cruise. But, there are rivers near this trail, and even if they aren’t able to carry a cruise boat, it does leave the meaning more up to interpretation. Finally, the "Breakfast" part, which is the most baffling. Does it mean that you could go and get breakfast at some point while on the hike? Does it merely mean that the hike is best enjoyed in the morning? Or, to take the last point further, maybe the views and hike are sustaining enough to be breakfast for you on a morning hike? In any case, the name of this hike does raise an eyebrow.

The hike is an eleven-mile out-and-back trail with an optional loop in the middle. Open all year, it takes about three and a half hours to complete and is known to be well-maintained, dog-friendly, relatively flat, and heavily shaded. Mainly, it's known for its beauty. Think wide fields, bridges over rivers, flowers in the spring, fiery colors in the fall, and a wooded area that feels like you’re in the middle of a fantasy book, with wide leaves, wood fences, and deer nibbling at green grass. Above all else, the beauty of this area is why people choose the trail for hiking, running, biking, and bird watching (the rare cerulean warbler has been known to make an appearance). 

However, although this hike is beloved for its beauty, it’s oddly still not very popular, and as a result of this, it can be very peaceful and quiet. Part of the White Clay Creek State Park, the area was created as a result of overdevelopment in Delaware and the realization that natural spaces need to exist in every state. With a fee required to enter the park, this area is well-traversed by locals and was named for the white clay found in the area. Along with the multiple trails for both hiking and biking available, there’s also a specific disc golf area in the area, and fishing is noted to be a popular activity, with a catch-and-release system set up for largemouth bass. 

In any case, the Two-State Breakfast Cruise Trail is a delight, despite its somewhat confusing name. If you’re looking for a lovely and calm trail near Newark or in Delaware, this might just be for you!