Cape Henlopen State Park -- Delaware

Cape Henlopen State Park is a 5,193-acre park located near Lewes, Delaware. Situated on a peninsula where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the park is known for its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Cape Henlopen has a rich history, as it was once a military base during World War II and later became the first designated "Greenway" in the United States.

There is a fee to enter the park. When we went it was $5 for a day pass for in-state guests, and $10 for out-out-state. How rude!

We've spent a lot of time here, traveling from Pennsylvania, both as a day trip and weekend trips. It's a great place to explore and enjoy nature that is something different from the usual "shore" things to do like Ocean City and Dewey/Rehoboth/Bethany Beaches.

A Guitar Pic Rock!

Some of the main attractions and activities at Cape Henlopen State Park include:

Beaches: The park features miles of sandy beaches, which are popular for sunbathing, swimming, and surf fishing. The main beach area has a designated swimming zone with lifeguards on duty during the summer months.

Hiking and Biking: Cape Henlopen offers several trails for hiking and biking, including the 3.2-mile Bike Loop, the 2.6-mile Walking Dunes Trail, and the 6-mile Gordons Pond Trail. These trails provide opportunities to explore the park's diverse habitats, such as maritime forests, sand dunes, and salt marshes.

Fishing: The park is an excellent location for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, with opportunities to catch a variety of species. A popular spot for anglers is the 1,500-foot-long fishing pier, which is open year-round.

Wildlife Viewing: Cape Henlopen is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including migratory birds, white-tailed deer, and horseshoe crabs. The park also has an osprey cam, which allows visitors to observe a nesting pair of ospreys from March through August.

Fort Miles: The park has a rich military history and features Fort Miles, a World War II coastal defense site. Visitors can explore the fort's museum, observation towers, and underground bunkers.

Camping: Cape Henlopen State Park offers a campground with over 150 sites, some with electric hookups and others for tents only. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and a camp store.

Nature Center: The park's nature center offers interactive exhibits, programs, and guided walks to help visitors learn about the park's unique ecosystems and wildlife

Herring Point

Beautiful Rocks and sea at Herring Point at Cape Henlopen State Park

A higher view of the beach and rocks of Herring Point

The Point and Cape Henlopen Beach

Very interesting waterways separate from the ocean

The shipwreck remains before you are from an unknown 19th-century vessel!

Lighthouse in the distance!

Gordons Pond Trail

Gordons Pond Trail is a scenic trail located in Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware, USA. The trail is approximately 3 miles long one way and takes hikers through diverse habitats including salt marshes, sand dunes, and forests.

The trail begins at the Gordons Pond parking area and follows an elevated boardwalk over a salt marsh. It then continues through a pine forest and over sand dunes with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, there are several observation points and benches for hikers to rest and enjoy the scenery.

At the end of the trail, hikers will reach a secluded beach that is perfect for swimming, fishing, or just relaxing. The beach is surrounded by sand dunes and offers beautiful views of the ocean.

Gordons Pond Trail is a popular destination for hikers, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts.