Cape Henlopen

Cape Henlopen State Park is located at the mouth of the Delaware Bay near Lewes which is a coastal area known for its wide sandy beaches, rolling dunes, maritime forests, and rich wildlife habitat.  The 5193-acre park has beaches, campsites, and the historic Henlopen Lighthouse which once guided vessels through the treacherous bay waters (but is no longer in service). The U.S. Military established a military base at Cape Henlopen in 1941 with the onset of World War II and bunkers and gun emplacements were camouflaged among the dunes. A concrete observation tower was built during this time, and it still offers 360 degree views of the surrounding area.  The park also has the Seaside Nature Center which is a family-friendly destination with bird-watching opportunities and well-maintained facilities.  Cape Henlopen is one of Delaware’s most popular and diverse outdoor destinations.

Hiking at Cape Henlopen State Park offers an easy-to-moderate network of trails that showcase the park’s varied coastal landscapes, from pine forests and salt marshes to open dunes and bayfront overlooks. The popular Walking Dunes Trail winds through shifting sands and maritime scrub, while the Gordons Pond Trail provides a scenic route along wetlands rich with birdlife and connects to Rehoboth Beach for longer excursions. The Pinelands Nature Trail, a short loop through quiet woods, is great for families and wildlife spotting, and the paved Bike Loop Trail doubles as a pleasant, accessible walking route with interpretive signs and views of historic Fort Miles. Together, these trails create a relaxed but rewarding hiking experience that highlights both the natural and historic character of the park.  The three mile Pinelands Nature Trail is a paved route that loops around the park and it is a good way to explore the park and its beaches, old bogs, drained wetlands, and mature pine woods.