With February coming to a close and spring on the horizon, it’s time to get back outdoors! Seasonal hikers are ready to hit these top-rated hikes and soak up the sunshine.
If you’re ready to melt away the winter blues and welcome the spring season, here are 10 top-rated hiking trails to check out in Delaware, according to AllTrails.
10. Snow Goose Loop
Middle Run Valley Park
For a shorter trail in the Middle Run Valley Park, try the Snow Goose Loop trail. With well-maintained, flat, and even paved areas, there are some easy breaks between the narrow and rocky sections. Hikers warn that the trail markings are confusing at some intersections, but downloading the trail map can ensure you won’t lose your way.
9. Rocky Run Loop
Brandywine Creek State Park
This loop is just over three miles long contains a mix of rugged, rocky sections, and flat trails. It takes about an hour and 15 minutes to complete and is a popular trail for hikers and mountain bikers alike. Some hikers report it’s easy to veer off the trail, but there’s plenty of scenery and trail offshoots to enjoy.
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8. Chestnut Hill Trail
White Clay Creek State Park
This 3.5-mile loop is just a short drive from Newark and ideal for students seeking a natural retreat from the bustling college town. Surrounded by trees and a rippling creek, it’s hard to believe this trail is so close to Newark and Wilmington. If you hike it in the morning, expect to see other morning hikers as well as mountain bikers and folks walking with their furry friends. This is a popular trail for those living in the surrounding residential areas, and the views speak for themselves.
7. Tulip and Hidden Pond Trail
Brandywine Creek State Park
This loop is just over two miles, including a stretch of trail along Brandywine Creek. Like many other trails in the park, it contains a blend of flat and rocky sections for a relaxing but dynamic hike. It usually takes hikers about 48 minutes to complete the loop.
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6. Lenape Loop South, Middle Run Natural Area
Middle Run Valley ParkÂ
Coming in at number three is Lenape Loop South, a 4.6-mile loop trail with some mildly rugged sections. Popular for both hiking and mountain biking, this trail provides idyllic nature views and a nice workout.
5. Prickly Pear Trail
Delaware Seashore State Park
Nestled between Dewey Beach and the quiet resorts of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island is Delaware Seashore State Park. This coastal natural area is ideal for hikers who want to soak in views of Delaware’s wetlands. You may pass some explorers on horseback or mountain bikes, but you can also expect solitude at certain times of day. This is a flat trail with an easy path to follow, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or dog walk.
4. Alapocas Woods Trail
Alapocas Run State Park
Alapocas Woods Trail is ideal for folks in Northern Wilmington who want to enjoy a quick hike without leaving the city. The trail is 1.8 miles long and includes an elevation gain of 223 feet. You’ll likely encounter other hikers, as it’s an extremely popular hike.
Lums Pond State Park
Lums Pond is centrally located between burgeoning residential areas in northern Delaware like Bear, Middletown, and Brookside. This 6.9-mile loop takes hikers around the circumference of the pond. AllTrails users remind hikers to heed the warning in the name—the Swamp Forest Trail can certainly get muddy at times, so dress accordingly and wear the right shoes.
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2. Brandywine Creek River Loop
Brandywine Creek State Park
Looking for a longer hike around Wilmington? This loop at Brandywine Creek State Park is 4.6 miles long and normally takes about an hour and a half to complete. The area is popular for birding and wildlife watching, as well as hiking and running.
1. Gordons Pond Trail
Cape Henlopen State Park
It’s no surprise that the stunning views of Cape Henlopen continue to sweep hikers off their feet. The top-rated hike with over 1,500 AllTrails reviews is the beloved Gordons Pond Trail at Cape Henlopen State Park. This 6.4-mile trail features a flat path with views of the pond and the ocean at Cape Henlopen. There’s plenty of sight-seeing whether you’re hiking, biking, or walking your dog. Check out the historic Fort Miles from WWII, take a detour to walk along the beach, and keep an eye out for all the local wildlife.
