Actually Delaware State Parks around Rehoboth Beach and Lewes

The coastal area between Rehoboth Beach and Lewes has multiple state parks and beaches. The two towns are also connected by hiking/biking trail. During the month of September, when we were staying in Rehoboth Beach trying to avoid contracting COVID which killing people at an alarming rate we decided to spend as much time outdoors and away from crowds as we could. While at first going to a crowded beach town does not seem to fit that bill, actually, the area provided the perfect solution. The combo of September tourism downturn and the availability of multiple access points to the trails and state parks gave us many ways to go outside and hike all over. It’s an added bonus that this portion of Delaware is so absolutely lovely.

we had been coming to Rehoboth Beach for years. Our focus had been ocean and pool with an occasional day at Cape Henlopen. This time however we were there for a whole month! It was delicious! We had lots of time, so we dug deep to find out-of-the-way access points to the trails. We would walk and walk and make plans and sometimes just meditate. Sometimes we would be driving around and just stop at a local park in some little town and read a book in the shade. We walked up and down the boardwalk during the quiet times, but it broke our hearts not to enjoy dining inside at our favorite restaurants. Take home is great, but ambiance was missed. I’m exceptionally grateful that we had the time to explore this part of Delaware.

Here is a list of parks we enjoyed visiting:

Cape Henlopen State Park: Both beach access and inland hiking trails.

Gordon Pond Wildlife Area: Popular biking destination from Rehoboth Beach as it is maybe a mile from the end of the boardwalk where you can rent a bike. It’s a lovely pond and wetland as well as a bird-lovers delight.

Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge: Further north than Lewes and more wild. An exquisite mix of forest and lake. Well worth the drive.

Junction and Breakwater Trail: Back and forth from Rehoboth to Lewes. The trail ends in a honeysuckled delight of banked walls opening up at the last moment on the inland waterway in a more residential quiet area where you will find people fishing under the overpass.