The 7 Best Backroads In Delaware For A Long Scenic Drive

Even though Delaware's a tiny state, there are plenty of scenic routes to take when you're looking to go for a drive. With six National Scenic Byways and countless country roads, driving aimlessly through New Castle, Kent, and Sussex County is sure to bring you to a beautiful viewpoint that you've never seen before. So go ahead and take the long way home on some of these scenic drives in Delaware.

1. Nanticoke Heritage Byway

This scenic byway will take you through winding roads in Sussex County. Head out on Route 20 to Bridgeville Road along Route 13. You'll pass through Bethel, Seaford, and Laurel, and finally end up at Trap Pond State Park. Oh, and you'll get to cross the stunning Nanticoke River on the Woodland Ferry.

Learn more about the Nanticoke Heritage Byway, one of our favorite scenic drives in DE, in this video from CompleteCommunities:

2. Brandywine Valley Back Roads

Head out of Wilmington on Route 52 and head up Route 100. You'll briefly end up in Pennsylvania as you take in the beauty of Delaware's Brandywine Valley. Head west on Route 1 through Chadds Ford and past Longwood Gardens before taking Bayard Drive back into the First State. From there, enjoy the scenic Route 52 through Montchanin and back into Wilmington.

3. Lewes "Gateway to the Nation" Byway

Drive alongside the Canal and see the charming town of Lewes along the Gateway to the Nation Byway. You'll see Cape Henlopen State Park, the Lightship Overfalls, the famous Ferry, and plenty of seashore scenes.

4. Red Clay Valley

The Red Clay Valley Byway takes you over the historic Ashland Covered Bridge! This tour of New Castle County really shows off the best of Delaware's chateau country.

Discover the history of the Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway in this video from CompleteCommunities:

5. Middletown to Blackbird (Route 71)

Follow Route 71 down from Middletown as it winds its way through Kent County. Blackbird Creek Reserve is the perfect place to picnic or launch a kayak to continue your Delaware exploration. Wiggins Mill is another point of interest along the way, and you'll love walking around the pretty little pond.

6. Route 301, from Glasgow to Maryland

Over the canal and through Middletown we go! Route 301 is one of my more traveled routes, and I prefer it to all of the major highways. It is quiet as you cross the canal, and picks up a bit in Middletown. I love driving through the downtown - it's so charming. As you leave Middletown, you'll be on a straight shot toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland! Enjoy the Eastern Shore a bit before heading back to Delaware.

7. Route 6, through Smyrna

Route 6 is an often unexplored section of road that runs right through Smyrna! You can skip off towards Lighthouse Road to see some beautiful Bayshore marshland or stick on Route 6 until you end up at the quiet piers of Woodland Beach. Either way, heading east of Smyrna will find you some pretty scenic routes.

Take a pitstop along Delaware Route 6 in Smyrna to enjoy this charming small town. Enjoy a quick overview of life in Smyrna in this video from the Town of Smyrna:

These scenic drives in Delaware take us on a journey that allows us to remember why we love our fine state. What are some of the places you like to go on a scenic drive in DE?

If you enjoy the solace of backroads near you, you might also want to explore a few spots listed as our 12 perfect places in Delaware for people who hate crowds. If you are up for an adventure, rent an RV and start exploring some of these DE scenic routes!