CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK – PINELANDS TRAIL

LOCATION: East Central Delaware
HIKE STARTS: Cape Henlopen State Park
HIKE ENDS: Cape Henlopen State Park
TOTAL DISTANCE: 3 Miles
HIKE TYPE: Roundtrip, Loop Hike
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Easy
TRAILS USED: Pinelands Nature Trail
TRAIL TRAFFIC: Moderate
TRIP TYPE: Day Hike
MORE INFORMATION: Cape Henlopen State Park 42 Cape Henlopen Drive Lewes, DE 19958 (302) 645-8983

HIGHLIGHTS: Cape Henlopen State Park is located on the coast of Delaware near Lewes, and 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 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.