Each season brings new opportunities for adventure, and that includes hiking. That’s right — there are tons of options for summer hiking in Delaware. But don’t waste your time searching for “summertime hiking trails near me.” We’ve already found them! Easily among the best hikes in Delaware for a summertime adventure, you’ll definitely want to squeeze in these exhilarating hikes before the summer ends.

  1. Swamp Forest Trail, Lums Pond State Park

AllTrails / MC The beautiful, scenic, and potentially haunted Swamp Forest Trail in Delaware is a 6.8-mile journey through one of the state’s most popular parks. You’ll love the forest shade and gorgeous waterfront views. Lums Pond State Park, 1068 Howell School Rd, Bear, DE 19701, USA

  1. Brandywine Creek State Park

AllTrails / Chris Sanfino It’s impossible to narrow down one bucket list-worthy hike in Brandywine Creek State Park in Delaware. You could spend hours exploring this gorgeous park and discovering all of the hidden wonders it can show off. Brandywine Creek, Wilmington, DE 19801, USABrandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA

  1. Newark Reservoir

AllTrails / Rob Hayden There’s nothing like a quick stroll around the Newark Reservoir in Delaware! The entire loop trail is just under two miles and shows off some of the most peaceful scenery in the area. Newark Reservoir, Newark, DE 19711, USA

  1. Alapocas Woods Trail, Alapocas Run State Park

AllTrails / William Hughes The rugged and surprising Alapocas Woods Trail in Delaware is a 1.8-mile adventure that shows off rocky outcroppings and the only notable waterfall in Delaware. It’s a great place to explore on a sunny day. Alapocas Run State Park, 1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA

  1. Killens Pond Loop

AllTrails / Debbie Cross Killens Pond is the best place to spend time in central Delaware! See the best of the park along the 2.7-mile Killens Pond Loop in Delaware. Bring your binoculars for birding! Killens Pond State Park Entrance, Killens Pond State Pk Entrance, Delaware 19943, USA

  1. Lenape Loop, Middle Run Valley Park

AllTrails / Chrissy Cesario The quiet Lenape Loop Trail in Middle Run Natural Area in Delaware is a 4.4-mile trail that will show off some of the state’s finest places. Take this hike when you want to get away from it all. Middle Run Valley Natural Area, Possum Hollow Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA

  1. Whitely Farms Trail, White Clay Creek State Park

AllTrails / Joanne G. The 7.4-mile Whitley Farms Trail in Delaware is a popular spot for First State hikers. It’s located in the heart of White Clay Creek State Park near Newark and is sure to impress you with its history and beauty. White Clay Creek State Park Nature Center, 1475 Creek Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA

  1. Gordons Pond Trail, Cape Henlopen State Park

AllTrails / Joshua Pini Trek along the popular Gordons Pond Trail in Delaware, which is in Cape Henlopen State Park, and you’ll be able to spot a variety of ecosystems all working together by the ocean! This 5.2-mile trail features forest, marsh, and coastal segments. Cape Henlopen State Park Public Beach, 15009 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

So, what do you think? Are these the best hikes in Delaware for a summertime trek? Know of any other places for summer hiking in Delaware? What are your favorite scenic hikes in Delaware? We want to hear from you!

AllTrails / MC

The beautiful, scenic, and potentially haunted Swamp Forest Trail in Delaware is a 6.8-mile journey through one of the state’s most popular parks. You’ll love the forest shade and gorgeous waterfront views.

Lums Pond State Park, 1068 Howell School Rd, Bear, DE 19701, USA

AllTrails / Chris Sanfino

It’s impossible to narrow down one bucket list-worthy hike in Brandywine Creek State Park in Delaware. You could spend hours exploring this gorgeous park and discovering all of the hidden wonders it can show off.

Brandywine Creek, Wilmington, DE 19801, USABrandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA

AllTrails / Rob Hayden

There’s nothing like a quick stroll around the Newark Reservoir in Delaware! The entire loop trail is just under two miles and shows off some of the most peaceful scenery in the area.

Newark Reservoir, Newark, DE 19711, USA

AllTrails / William Hughes

The rugged and surprising Alapocas Woods Trail in Delaware is a 1.8-mile adventure that shows off rocky outcroppings and the only notable waterfall in Delaware. It’s a great place to explore on a sunny day.

Alapocas Run State Park, 1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA

AllTrails / Debbie Cross

Killens Pond is the best place to spend time in central Delaware! See the best of the park along the 2.7-mile Killens Pond Loop in Delaware. Bring your binoculars for birding!

Killens Pond State Park Entrance, Killens Pond State Pk Entrance, Delaware 19943, USA

AllTrails / Chrissy Cesario

The quiet Lenape Loop Trail in Middle Run Natural Area in Delaware is a 4.4-mile trail that will show off some of the state’s finest places. Take this hike when you want to get away from it all.

Middle Run Valley Natural Area, Possum Hollow Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA

AllTrails / Joanne G.

The 7.4-mile Whitley Farms Trail in Delaware is a popular spot for First State hikers. It’s located in the heart of White Clay Creek State Park near Newark and is sure to impress you with its history and beauty.

White Clay Creek State Park Nature Center, 1475 Creek Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA

AllTrails / Joshua Pini

Trek along the popular Gordons Pond Trail in Delaware, which is in Cape Henlopen State Park, and you’ll be able to spot a variety of ecosystems all working together by the ocean! This 5.2-mile trail features forest, marsh, and coastal segments.

Cape Henlopen State Park Public Beach, 15009 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

The best hikes in Delaware don’t end with the trails mentioned above. There are so many amazing hikes in The First State. You’ll find everything from historic hikes in Delaware to easy hikes in Delaware. And if you’ve got little ones in tow, you will definitely want to check out these kid-friendly hikes around Delaware.

 

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Delaware April 06, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo What trails are among the best hikes in Delaware? As far as the state’s best hikes go, the Bike Loop Trail in Delaware definitely fits the bill. Nestled within Cape Henlopen State Park, the trail is brimming with idyllic sights, showcasing the park’s breathtaking beauty – but that’s not all. WWII bunkers, weapons, and machinery also line the trail, making this a great trek for history buffs as well as outdoor enthusiasts. What are the most scenic hikes in Delaware? Some of the most scenic hikes in Delaware can be found at the Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin. The center’s purpose is to preserve the character of the regional landscape. Today, it’s comprised of hundreds of acres of natural land, giving visitors the chance to experience the regional landscape in its natural state. More than two miles of trails wind through the scenic area, making it easy to explore. Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Delaware?   There are lots of kid-friendly hikes around Delaware including the Thompson Island Trail. Short and sweet, the out-and-back trail is just over one-half mile. Though lacking in miles, the trail is NOT lacking in great sights, as it winds past a marsh and pine forest, before coming to an end at an overlook, which offers panoramic vistas of Thompson Island, Rehoboth Bay, and the Dewey Beach skyline.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Delaware

April 06, 2022

Daniella DiRienzo

What trails are among the best hikes in Delaware? As far as the state’s best hikes go, the Bike Loop Trail in Delaware definitely fits the bill. Nestled within Cape Henlopen State Park, the trail is brimming with idyllic sights, showcasing the park’s breathtaking beauty – but that’s not all. WWII bunkers, weapons, and machinery also line the trail, making this a great trek for history buffs as well as outdoor enthusiasts. What are the most scenic hikes in Delaware? Some of the most scenic hikes in Delaware can be found at the Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin. The center’s purpose is to preserve the character of the regional landscape. Today, it’s comprised of hundreds of acres of natural land, giving visitors the chance to experience the regional landscape in its natural state. More than two miles of trails wind through the scenic area, making it easy to explore. Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Delaware?   There are lots of kid-friendly hikes around Delaware including the Thompson Island Trail. Short and sweet, the out-and-back trail is just over one-half mile. Though lacking in miles, the trail is NOT lacking in great sights, as it winds past a marsh and pine forest, before coming to an end at an overlook, which offers panoramic vistas of Thompson Island, Rehoboth Bay, and the Dewey Beach skyline.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

As far as the state’s best hikes go, the Bike Loop Trail in Delaware definitely fits the bill. Nestled within Cape Henlopen State Park, the trail is brimming with idyllic sights, showcasing the park’s breathtaking beauty – but that’s not all. WWII bunkers, weapons, and machinery also line the trail, making this a great trek for history buffs as well as outdoor enthusiasts.

What are the most scenic hikes in Delaware?

Some of the most scenic hikes in Delaware can be found at the Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin. The center’s purpose is to preserve the character of the regional landscape. Today, it’s comprised of hundreds of acres of natural land, giving visitors the chance to experience the regional landscape in its natural state. More than two miles of trails wind through the scenic area, making it easy to explore.

Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Delaware?  

There are lots of kid-friendly hikes around Delaware including the Thompson Island Trail. Short and sweet, the out-and-back trail is just over one-half mile. Though lacking in miles, the trail is NOT lacking in great sights, as it winds past a marsh and pine forest, before coming to an end at an overlook, which offers panoramic vistas of Thompson Island, Rehoboth Bay, and the Dewey Beach skyline.