Delaware
6 Delaware trails perfect for a summer stroll
How to stay safe while hiking
Here are some tips to protect yourself when you venture out on the trails.
Looking for a nice stroll this summer?
These six trails have been recognized as some of the best in Delaware.
New Castle County trails
Michael N. Castle Trail at the C&D Canal
- Length: 8.7 miles
- Surface: Paved
Named for former U.S. Rep. and Gov. Mike Castle, the trail follows the C&D Canal’s north shore. It can be walked, biked and even traversed by horseback. It had four trailheads: Delaware City, St. Georges, Biddle Point and Summit Bridge.
Mill Creek Greenway Trail
- Length: 3.8 miles
- Surface: Paved
The trail, popular with dog walkers, winds through the woods of Pike Creek. Its eastern trailhead starts across from the Delcastle Driving range on Mill Creek Road and continues to the western trailhead near the tennis courts of the North Pointe neighborhood.
Kent County Trails
Pondside trail at Killens Pond
- Length: 2.6 miles
- Surface: Packed earth
The Pondside trail is an easy-to-moderate hike that has numerous side connector trails that can get you views of Killens Pond. The trail can be accessed via the main parking lot, the Nature Center parking lot or the overflow lot on the south side of the campground.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
- Length: 12 miles driving; various length walking trails
- Surface: Mixed
The Wildlift Drive at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge can be driven, biked or walked, though there are also five walking trails along the wildlife drive. The shortest are a quarter-mile and lead to towers, while the longest is 2.7 miles. The car entrance is on Whitehall Neck Road, with walking trails accessible from various spots within the refuge.
Sussex County Trails
Gordons Pond Trail
- Length: 5.2 miles
- Surface: Mixed
The trail connects Lewes and Rehoboth and passes the western side of Gordons Pond, a 900-acre saltwater lagoon. Northern access begins at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes at the Herring Point parking area. The southern end of the trail begins at the Gordon Pond parking area in Rehoboth Beach.
Prickly Pear Trail Delaware Seashore State Park Fresh Pond
- Length: 3.5 miles
- Surface: Mixed
The Prickly Pear Trail is great for exploring Fresh Pond and taking in scenic views of the Indian River Bay. The trail can be traversed by foot, bike and seasonally, by horseback. Connector trails at the north and south ends of Fresh Pond provide access to the southbound Route 1 bike and pedestrian lane.
Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com.