Delaware is a state with a lot of great trails that nearly anyone can hike. To encourage Delawareans to get out and about, Delaware State Parks once created an amazing Delaware Trail Challenge, with 15 total trails to get hikers out and exploring the state. And what do you know: they were some of the best hikes in Delaware! Note that one of the trails has since closed, making it 14 delightful trails instead of 15 now.
If you wanted to participate, you had a year to hike the qualifying trails in order to collect your awards. Complete just five trails and you earned the Explorer award. Conquer 10, and you were recognized with an Advanced Hiker Award. If you chose to tackle all 14 Trail Challenge trails, you got to call yourself an Expert and show off your Expert Hiker Award.
So, if you’re going to make yourself a Delaware Hiking Bucket List, we suggest you choose the 14 trail challenge trails. Sure, the challenge is no longer officially going – but that’s okay! You can do these hikes anyway. They were chosen by the State Park system for their hikability, scenery, and history. You won’t be disappointed by any of them – after all, these are the best hikes in Delaware.
- Alapocas Woods, Alapocas Run State Park
Facebook / Alapocas Run State Parks - Rich Devant Moore The Alapocas Woods Trail is a paved trail that’s a great way to start your challenge. Shady and towering trees line your path through varying terrain and rocky surfaces. This trail is .7 miles one way, so it’s a quick addition to the Brandywine Trail, if you want to knock out two challenge trails in one day. Alapocas Run State Park, 1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
- Brandywine Trail, Brandywine Creek State Park
Facebook / Brandywine Creek State Park In Alapocas Run, the Brandywine Trail (aka Northern Delaware Greenway) is just 2 short miles, but the entire length of the trail spans northern New Castle County for a full 10.5 mile hike. You’ll walk through Piedmont forests and running streams, beautiful open spaces, historic landmarks, and more. Come see why this state park is one of the best state parks in Delware for hikers. Brandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA
- Auburn Valley Trail, Auburn Heights Preserve
Facebook / Auburn Heights Preserve The Auburn Valley Trail is a wide paved trail for hikers and cyclists. Explore the stunning Auburn Heights preserve as you knock this 1.3 mile hike off of your list. Auburn Valley State Park, 3000 Creek Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA
- Rocky Run, Brandywine Creek State Park
Facebook / Brandywine Creek State Park This hike is about two miles long and is possibly the most interesting hike on the Delaware Trail Challenge list. You’ll see the famous Rocky Run Bridge and ascend though rocky terrain up to a forest with views of Rocky Run. The climb up is long but the descent is short and brings you back to the Rocky Run Bridge. Brandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA
- Gordon’s Pond, Cape Henlopen State Park
Flickr / Susan Smith Gordon’s Pond is a 2.65 mile one-way trail in Cape Henlopen State Park. It’s one of the most beautiful trails in Delaware, and we think it’s one of the best hikes in Delaware for many reasons! This is a must-hike trail in Delaware. Gordons Pond State Park Area, 61 Ocean Dr, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
- Assawoman Canal, Delaware Seashore State Park
Flickr / Lee Cannon The Assawoman Canal Trail is an easy one-mile loop that follows the west bank of the Assawoman Canal. Bring bug spray if you’re hiking it in the evening - the scenery is beautiful, though, and worth potentially getting swarmed by greenheads. This late in the season, though, you should be okay. Assawoman Canal, Delaware, USA
- Prickly Pear Trail, Delaware Seashore State Park
Facebook / Delaware Seashore State Park Prickly Pear Trail is one of our favorite trails in Delaware. It’s a simple 3.5-mile loop trail and you’ll see the shady pine forest and the large open meadows, plus a great view of Indian River Bay. If you’re lucky, too, you’ll run into some horseback riders - that’s not a sight you see frequently! Delaware Seashore State Park, 25039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
- Prison Camp Trail, Fort Delaware State Park
Flickr / Prison Camp Trail The Prison Camp Trail at Fort Delaware is a loop of just under a mile (.8 to be exact) that takes you around the famous and haunted Confederate Prison on Pea Patch Island. Wildlife, wading birds, and more can be seen from the observation tower on the trail. Fort Delaware State Park, 45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA
- River View Trail, Fox Point State Park
Facebook / Fox Point State Park Two miles of easy walking along the Delaware River will let you see a port city at work. Tugboats, freight boats, tankers and recreational watercraft create traffic patterns that you don’t really get to observe in many other places. The River View Trail is a great little getaway in the middle of some of the most crowded areas of Delaware. Fox Point State Park, Lighthouse Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA
- Sea Hawk Trail, Holt’s Landing State Park
Facebook / Holt’s Landing State Park The Sea Hawk Trail is a fascinating hike for Delaware nature enthusiasts, as the 1.5 mile loop trail wanders through mixed forests, open meadows, and along the Indian River. It’s a favorite spot of birders and wildlife spotters, particularly those interested in Marine Ecosystems. Holts Landing State Park, Holts Landing Road Park office at 39415 Inlet Rd., Rehoboth Beach, Dagsboro, DE 19939, USA
- Pondside Trail, Killens Pond State Park
Facebook / Killen’s Pond If you aren’t sure how you’ll hold up to a slightly longer hike, do the 2.5-mile Pondside Trail at Killens Pond State Park first. It’s one of the longer trails on this list, but it’s easy. You’ll see the various forests of Delaware and cross beautiful creeks, streams and brooks along the way. Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Rd, Felton, DE 19943, USA
- Swamp Forest Trail, Lums Pond State Park
Facebook / Lum’s Pond State Park The Swamp Forest Trail in Lums Pond takes you through wetland forests featuring Black Cherry, maple and Sweet Gum trees. It’ll also take you to the campground, boat launch, frisbee golf course, and nature center. It’s also haunted. Wait, what? According to local historians, the Swamp Forest trail is the haunted hiking trail in Delaware to do if you’re looking for a ghost thanks to its dark and bloody history. Think you can handle it?
- Bob Trail, Trap Pond State Park
Flickr / Zizzy The Bob Trail loops around the entire pond (4.7 miles) and showcases the abundant wildlife that call Trap Pond home. Warblers, kingfishers, Great Blue Heron and of course the mesmerising Baldcypress trees are all easy to observe on a hike through Trap Pond. We particularly enjoy the elevated bridge that takes you over the freshwater marsh. Trap Pond State Park, 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE 19956, USA
- Whitley Farms Trail & Bryan’s Field, White Clay Creek State Park
Flickr / Phil Moyer All of White Clay Creek State Park is beautiful, and we combined these two trails on the list because they’re easy to combine in your hiking. Together, they’re just over five miles of rolling hills, tall forests, historic remains and beautiful, bubbling creek. This is our go-to getaway when we’re in New Castle County. Whitley Farms Trail & Bryan’s Field, Whitley Farms Trail & Bryan’s Fld, Delaware 19711, USA
Now is the perfect time for hiking. In fact, every time is a good time for hiking, especially on the best hikes in Delaware! Which hiking trails in Delaware are your favorites? Did you do the 15 Trail Challenge when it was actively going on? Which level did you reach? Tell us everything in the comments.
Facebook / Alapocas Run State Parks - Rich Devant Moore
The Alapocas Woods Trail is a paved trail that’s a great way to start your challenge. Shady and towering trees line your path through varying terrain and rocky surfaces. This trail is .7 miles one way, so it’s a quick addition to the Brandywine Trail, if you want to knock out two challenge trails in one day.
Alapocas Run State Park, 1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
Facebook / Brandywine Creek State Park
In Alapocas Run, the Brandywine Trail (aka Northern Delaware Greenway) is just 2 short miles, but the entire length of the trail spans northern New Castle County for a full 10.5 mile hike. You’ll walk through Piedmont forests and running streams, beautiful open spaces, historic landmarks, and more. Come see why this state park is one of the best state parks in Delware for hikers.
Brandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA
Facebook / Auburn Heights Preserve
The Auburn Valley Trail is a wide paved trail for hikers and cyclists. Explore the stunning Auburn Heights preserve as you knock this 1.3 mile hike off of your list.
Auburn Valley State Park, 3000 Creek Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA
This hike is about two miles long and is possibly the most interesting hike on the Delaware Trail Challenge list. You’ll see the famous Rocky Run Bridge and ascend though rocky terrain up to a forest with views of Rocky Run. The climb up is long but the descent is short and brings you back to the Rocky Run Bridge.
Flickr / Susan Smith
Gordon’s Pond is a 2.65 mile one-way trail in Cape Henlopen State Park. It’s one of the most beautiful trails in Delaware, and we think it’s one of the best hikes in Delaware for many reasons! This is a must-hike trail in Delaware.
Gordons Pond State Park Area, 61 Ocean Dr, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
Flickr / Lee Cannon
The Assawoman Canal Trail is an easy one-mile loop that follows the west bank of the Assawoman Canal. Bring bug spray if you’re hiking it in the evening - the scenery is beautiful, though, and worth potentially getting swarmed by greenheads. This late in the season, though, you should be okay.
Assawoman Canal, Delaware, USA
Facebook / Delaware Seashore State Park
Prickly Pear Trail is one of our favorite trails in Delaware. It’s a simple 3.5-mile loop trail and you’ll see the shady pine forest and the large open meadows, plus a great view of Indian River Bay. If you’re lucky, too, you’ll run into some horseback riders - that’s not a sight you see frequently!
Delaware Seashore State Park, 25039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
Flickr / Prison Camp Trail
The Prison Camp Trail at Fort Delaware is a loop of just under a mile (.8 to be exact) that takes you around the famous and haunted Confederate Prison on Pea Patch Island. Wildlife, wading birds, and more can be seen from the observation tower on the trail.
Fort Delaware State Park, 45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA
Facebook / Fox Point State Park
Two miles of easy walking along the Delaware River will let you see a port city at work. Tugboats, freight boats, tankers and recreational watercraft create traffic patterns that you don’t really get to observe in many other places. The River View Trail is a great little getaway in the middle of some of the most crowded areas of Delaware.
Fox Point State Park, Lighthouse Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA
Facebook / Holt’s Landing State Park
The Sea Hawk Trail is a fascinating hike for Delaware nature enthusiasts, as the 1.5 mile loop trail wanders through mixed forests, open meadows, and along the Indian River. It’s a favorite spot of birders and wildlife spotters, particularly those interested in Marine Ecosystems.
Holts Landing State Park, Holts Landing Road Park office at 39415 Inlet Rd., Rehoboth Beach, Dagsboro, DE 19939, USA
Facebook / Killen’s Pond
If you aren’t sure how you’ll hold up to a slightly longer hike, do the 2.5-mile Pondside Trail at Killens Pond State Park first. It’s one of the longer trails on this list, but it’s easy. You’ll see the various forests of Delaware and cross beautiful creeks, streams and brooks along the way.
Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Rd, Felton, DE 19943, USA
Facebook / Lum’s Pond State Park
The Swamp Forest Trail in Lums Pond takes you through wetland forests featuring Black Cherry, maple and Sweet Gum trees. It’ll also take you to the campground, boat launch, frisbee golf course, and nature center. It’s also haunted. Wait, what? According to local historians, the Swamp Forest trail is the haunted hiking trail in Delaware to do if you’re looking for a ghost thanks to its dark and bloody history. Think you can handle it?
Flickr / Zizzy
The Bob Trail loops around the entire pond (4.7 miles) and showcases the abundant wildlife that call Trap Pond home. Warblers, kingfishers, Great Blue Heron and of course the mesmerising Baldcypress trees are all easy to observe on a hike through Trap Pond. We particularly enjoy the elevated bridge that takes you over the freshwater marsh.
Trap Pond State Park, 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE 19956, USA
Flickr / Phil Moyer
All of White Clay Creek State Park is beautiful, and we combined these two trails on the list because they’re easy to combine in your hiking. Together, they’re just over five miles of rolling hills, tall forests, historic remains and beautiful, bubbling creek. This is our go-to getaway when we’re in New Castle County.
Whitley Farms Trail & Bryan’s Field, Whitley Farms Trail & Bryan’s Fld, Delaware 19711, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Delaware July 25, 2022 Tori Jane What are some pretty places in Delaware? There are some places in Delaware, be they cities, towns, or natural wonders, that are truly breathtaking. We might be kind of biased, but we think Delaware might be one of the most beautiful places in the United States! Some of our favorite pretty places in Delaware include stunning natural gems like the famous Rehoboth Beach. It’s a gorgeous little slice of coastline that, should you desire, isn’t terribly far from shops, galleries, eateries, and more. In general, Rehoboth Beach is an excellent choice for your next getaway in Delaware. If you’re a fan of the ocean, you’ll also want to pay a visit to Delaware Bay, which isn’t just an amazing place to watch the sunset: it’s also a paradise for birdwatchers, who enjoy witnessing the great migration of shorebirds every year. Where are the prettiest places in Delaware? So, of all the scenic places in Delaware there are to choose from, which ones are the prettiest? Well, considering the “prettiest places in Delaware” is fairly subjective on its own, there are still some places that tend to come up more often than not when talking about the most beautiful spots in Delaware. Check out the awe-inspiring Delaware Seashore State Park, which is home to more than six miles of the best beaches in Delaware and just so happens to be naturally stunning. If it’s beautiful little towns in Delaware you’re after, you won’t want to miss places like Lewes, Georgetown, and Dover. What are some amazingly scenic places in Delaware? When it comes to the great outdoors, what are some of the most amazingly scenic places in Delaware? Well, we happen to think everywhere in Delaware is ridiculously scenic, so go outside and explore! Our little state might be small, but it’s mighty, with 17 stunning state parks and hundreds of out-of-the-way places to go camping. Some of our favorite naturally scenic places in Delaware, other than the state parks, are also some of our breathtaking beaches, like Rehoboth Beach. Bethany Beach, Broadkill Beach, and many more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Delaware
July 25, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some pretty places in Delaware? There are some places in Delaware, be they cities, towns, or natural wonders, that are truly breathtaking. We might be kind of biased, but we think Delaware might be one of the most beautiful places in the United States! Some of our favorite pretty places in Delaware include stunning natural gems like the famous Rehoboth Beach. It’s a gorgeous little slice of coastline that, should you desire, isn’t terribly far from shops, galleries, eateries, and more. In general, Rehoboth Beach is an excellent choice for your next getaway in Delaware. If you’re a fan of the ocean, you’ll also want to pay a visit to Delaware Bay, which isn’t just an amazing place to watch the sunset: it’s also a paradise for birdwatchers, who enjoy witnessing the great migration of shorebirds every year. Where are the prettiest places in Delaware? So, of all the scenic places in Delaware there are to choose from, which ones are the prettiest? Well, considering the “prettiest places in Delaware” is fairly subjective on its own, there are still some places that tend to come up more often than not when talking about the most beautiful spots in Delaware. Check out the awe-inspiring Delaware Seashore State Park, which is home to more than six miles of the best beaches in Delaware and just so happens to be naturally stunning. If it’s beautiful little towns in Delaware you’re after, you won’t want to miss places like Lewes, Georgetown, and Dover. What are some amazingly scenic places in Delaware? When it comes to the great outdoors, what are some of the most amazingly scenic places in Delaware? Well, we happen to think everywhere in Delaware is ridiculously scenic, so go outside and explore! Our little state might be small, but it’s mighty, with 17 stunning state parks and hundreds of out-of-the-way places to go camping. Some of our favorite naturally scenic places in Delaware, other than the state parks, are also some of our breathtaking beaches, like Rehoboth Beach. Bethany Beach, Broadkill Beach, and many more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are some places in Delaware, be they cities, towns, or natural wonders, that are truly breathtaking. We might be kind of biased, but we think Delaware might be one of the most beautiful places in the United States! Some of our favorite pretty places in Delaware include stunning natural gems like the famous Rehoboth Beach. It’s a gorgeous little slice of coastline that, should you desire, isn’t terribly far from shops, galleries, eateries, and more. In general, Rehoboth Beach is an excellent choice for your next getaway in Delaware. If you’re a fan of the ocean, you’ll also want to pay a visit to Delaware Bay, which isn’t just an amazing place to watch the sunset: it’s also a paradise for birdwatchers, who enjoy witnessing the great migration of shorebirds every year.
Where are the prettiest places in Delaware?
So, of all the scenic places in Delaware there are to choose from, which ones are the prettiest? Well, considering the “prettiest places in Delaware” is fairly subjective on its own, there are still some places that tend to come up more often than not when talking about the most beautiful spots in Delaware. Check out the awe-inspiring Delaware Seashore State Park, which is home to more than six miles of the best beaches in Delaware and just so happens to be naturally stunning. If it’s beautiful little towns in Delaware you’re after, you won’t want to miss places like Lewes, Georgetown, and Dover.
What are some amazingly scenic places in Delaware?
When it comes to the great outdoors, what are some of the most amazingly scenic places in Delaware? Well, we happen to think everywhere in Delaware is ridiculously scenic, so go outside and explore! Our little state might be small, but it’s mighty, with 17 stunning state parks and hundreds of out-of-the-way places to go camping. Some of our favorite naturally scenic places in Delaware, other than the state parks, are also some of our breathtaking beaches, like Rehoboth Beach. Bethany Beach, Broadkill Beach, and many more.
