Many of the new communities being built all over Delaware emphasize the value of recreation, with sparkling pools alongside clubhouses, easy access to publicly-accessible golf courses and tennis and pickleball courts, and at larger developments, walking and biking trails.
All of these features are appreciated by folks who’ve embraced an active lifestyle, and offer a great way to exercise close to home, especially during the summer months when traveling to, and parking at, the beach or our many large public parks is more complicated. Yet a lot of people yearn for more vigorous via trails where they can walk, run or bike for miles and miles.
With that in mind, I was especially glad to see this list of some of Delaware’s most scenic routes for biking and walking from the Rails to Trails Conservancy.
If you’re near the beach, the Cape Henlopen trail is amazing
One of my favorites – because it’s so close to our home – is the Cape Henlopen State Park Bike Loop (also known as the Cape Henlopen Breakwater Junction Trail). You can get onto it from several spots in Lewes and Rehoboth, including the neighborhoods east of downtown Lewes, from within Cape Henlopen State Park, and from the northernmost end of Rehoboth Beach, which is also adjacent to the State Park.
There are many reasons to love this trail. It’s almost completely flat, with just a few modest hills. The scenery is amazing, offering vistas of marshlands, the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, the Atlantic Ocean, expansive maritime forests, and special lookout points that include the Great Dune Overlook and the Tower 7 observatory, which is repurposed from its original role as a lookout for German U Boats during WWII. Here’s a good summary of most of the sights.
Also check out the Gordon’s Pond Trail, which is inside Cape Henlopen State Park and the best for viewing the park’s natural wonders. If you’re in Lewes another popular route is the Lewes Georgetown Trail, which is accessible from downtown and several new and emerging communities.
Exercise and nice views around Dover
The Capital City Trail and Isaac Branch Greenway provide some pretty compelling evidence that the movers and shakers in Dover recognize the power of recreation for creating healthy lifestyles. These are the first sections of what will eventually become the St. Jones River Greenway, which will run for about 14 miles. You can see a lot of Dover’s historic attractions and Dover Air Force Base on the Capital City Trail before connecting with the Greenway, with sights of forests and access to several residential neighborhoods.
Upstate wonders abound with beautiful water views
If you live up north and enjoy easy riding and water views you’ll love the Michael Castle C & D Canal Trail and the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail. The C & D trail runs along the canal that was built, beginning in 1829, to connect the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River.
The C & D Trail runs a bit over 12 miles and takes you through Fort DuPont State Park and Fort Delaware State Park, with ample views of wildflowers and wildlife. If you’re a birder and are having a lucky day you can spot peregrine falcons, pied-billed grebes, and bald eagles.
The Greenway Trail will eventually span more than 10 miles but since it’s currently interrupted by Rt 495 it’s best to begin the current 7.7 mile portion starting at the eastern terminus in Bellevue State Park. You’ll travel through Rockwood Park (home to an historic 1850s mansion) and Alapocas Run State Park, featuring a former dairy barn that now houses the Delaware Folk Art Collection with works from more than 50 local artists.
Please check out this link for the full list of trails so you can determine which ones are easiest to reach based on where you live. And if you’re a true biking and fitness aficionado, consider joining the Rails to Trails Conservancy. As a member you’ll be able to access the organization’s Mid-Atlantic Guidebook, listing and describing trails throughout Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
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