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Currently open in segments, the Georgetown-Lewes Trail takes a its relatively flat route that runs through tree-lined countryside into the coastal town of Lewes before ending in an oceanside state park that connects to several other trails. The trail is part of a developing 17-mile trail network that, when completed, will link Georgetown and Lewes to each other and to Cape Henlopen State Park, as well as to Rehoboth Beach by way of a connection to the Junction & Breakwater Trail.
About the Route
As of 2024, the Georgetown-Lewes Trail is open in three segments, one 0.9-mile segment in Georgetown, and two longer, adjacent segments in Lewes that are separated by a canal. See TrailLink Map for more details.
The westernmost endpoint of the Georgetown-Lewes Trail is at Ingramtown Road and S King St. (Georgetown) Beginning from its western end, the segment of the trail spanning 0.9 mile in Georgetown runs from Ingramtown Road and South King Street to Airport Road. This section is mere blocks from downtown Georgetown and provides trail access to residents of an adjacent apartment complex and connections to the Georgetown Little League Complex, the Sussex Academy of Arts and Science, and the future Sussex County Park. It’s also the first section of rail-with-trail in the corridor as it was built along an active freight line, the Delmarva Central Railroad.
Farther northeast, after a gap of 7 miles, the main segment of the trail begins at Cool Spring Road and the Lewes Georgetown Highway (Milton). The route offers plentiful shade and seclusion via a tree tunnel, opening up to meadows and fields as you head east toward Lewes. Near the eastern end of the trail’s main segment, the Lewes Public Library offers parking, restrooms, benches, a water bottle–filling station, and an in-formation kiosk. A community garden and a set of historical rails are nestled nearby. Flowers and public art dot the stretch of trail between the library and Gills Neck Road. This segment of the trail continues for 0.5 miles further east until reaching the Lewes and Georgetown Canal. Here, the trail connects to the Junction & Breakwater Trail. beginning by heading southeast at Gills Neck Road, crossing underneath Freeman Highway (Route 9).
The easternmost section of the trail leading to Cape Henlopen State Park is separated from the main route by the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. This disconnected segment can be accessed at 111 American Legion Rd (Lewes). To reach this trailhead from the south bank of the canal, turn left from the eastern terminus of the main segment onto Gills Neck Road. In 0.2 mile, turn right on Savannah Road to cross the canal bridge. Continue 0.3 mile to American Legion Road/Massachusetts Avenue. Take a right and travel 0.2 mile to the trailhead for the Georgetown-Lewes Trail. From this trailhead, the trail continues east towards the coast and southwest back towards the canal. Heading east, a brief stretch of street traffic, the trail’s wide lanes open up to a beautiful mix of sand, sea grass, and pine trees, offering intermittent shade and a fresh scent as you head to Cape Henlopen State Park.
The eastern endpoint of the Georgetown-Lewes Trail is at the entrance to Cape Henlopen State Park, at Cape Henlopen Dr. & S Cape Shore Dr. (Lewes). The park is home to Delaware’s highest sand dune (80 feet tall), where the Henlopen Lighthouse sat until it eroded into the sea in 1926.
Connections
At Gills Neck Road, the trail connects to the Junction & Breakwater Trail which heads to Rehoboth Beach.
At the eastern endpoint in Lewes, the trail connects to the Seaside Nature Trail and the Cape Henlopen State Park Bike Loop, which in turn offers connections to Pinelands Nature Trail, the Walking Dunes Trail, Salt Marsh Spur, and Gordons Pond Trail.
Trail History
The Georgetown-Lewes Trail follows track lines originally built for the Queen Anne Railroad, which originally carried passengers and freight between Lewes and the Chesapeake Bay, where passengers could to Baltimore via ferry. Passenger service ran from the 1890s to until 1931. As a freight line, the track ownership changed hands several times in the 20th century. In 1982, the Delaware Coastline Railway took over the line, and operated it until 2018. The segment in Georgetown is a rail-with-trail, following an active freight line, the Delmarva Central Railroad.
Lewes and surrounds is rich with history. The ancestral home of the Indigenous Siconese people, the town of Lewes dates back to 1631 when Dutch colonists settled on this “purchased” tribal land. It became a strategic naval point during the War of 1812, and during World War II, Fort Miles, located in present-day Cape Henlopen State Park, became a vital defense against potential German attacks on Mid-Atlantic port cities. A list of more historical sites is available from the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, located 0.2 mile from the trail near its eastern end.
The Georgetown-Lewes Trail is open in three segments that run between:
Parking is available:
These are approximate addresses and there are numerous parking options along this route. See TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
Where the trail currently begins (in Milton, Delaware) is unmarked and there is no parking. We parked on the side of a little-used road (Cool Spring Road) and jumped on the trail at the intersection of the busier route US 9 East. (A good address to look up is the Brimming Horn Meadery which is right on the trail and very close to the western trailhead.) We took off on the smooth asphalt trail through an airy forest of very tall pine trees, whose canopies hovered about 30 feet above us. Riding along the flat-as-a-pancake trail, we passed by both new and more established neighborhoods where flags and flowers festooned the trail’s edge to welcome bikers and pedestrians. We’d read that there were 12 intersections along the trail, but very few had any traffic. It was a fast and easy six miles to the outskirts of Lewes, a quaint little beach town, and it is here that we transitioned onto the Lewes-Rehoboth trails, which make up essentially one big 17-mile loop.
We decided to head counterclockwise on the loop, riding south, then east, through cornfields, neighborhoods, open marshes, and wooded patches outside Rehoboth. The town itself is where you can find any number of stores or restaurants to buy food or water. After a fairly short jaunt through the neighborhood streets of Rehoboth, we rode on the wide shoulder of Ocean Avenue heading north along the coast. Soon we were entering Cape Henlopen State Park and riding on one of the most unique and picturesque trails we’ve ever encountered. It’s almost entirely marsh land, inland bodies of water, and sand dunes. Snowy egrets, gray herons and a wide variety of marine life populate the marshes. At various points along the trail, there are observation decks and places to view the ocean and the remains of abandoned World War II-era watch towers, artillery, and barracks. It was a little tricky winding our way out of the park but eventually, we ended up on a road that paralleled the beach and led back into Lewes. There’s a cute little brewery right on the trail, then another big name brewery – that is a favorite of ours – back in Milton.
Recently relocated to the area and I couldn’t wait to explore the bike trails and learn a bit more about the area. This trail is magnificent!
One of the highlights of vacationing is Lewes is riding this trail. Well maintained and marked, and people are very friendly. Many residents along the trail have decorated entrances which my 10yo enjoys looking for/at while we ride
We rode the trail today with our Schnauzer behind in a pet carrier. The trail is in excellent condition and the massive trees and beautiful flowers and honeysuckle fragrances make it a tremendous experience. When finished it will definitely be a Rail Trail Hall of Fame nominee. Don’t miss doing this trail if you are visiting the quaint town of Lewes. The parking lot next to the Lewes library has beautifully clean restrooms and a fix-it station with a pump for minor repairs.
We rode the trail today with our Schnauzer behind in a pet carrier. The trail is in excellent condition and the massive trees and beautiful flowers and honeysuckle fragrances make it a tremendous experience. When finished it will definitely be a Rail Trail Hall of Fame nominee. Don’t miss doing this trail if you are visiting the quaint town of Lewes. The parking lot next to the Lewes library has beautifully clean restrooms and a fix-it station with a pump for minor repairs.
Rode the entire trail yesterday as an out-and-back from Lewes. The trail is in perfect shape and is certainly popular based on the traffic of cyclists and walkers.
As noted in the description, at the northern end there is an easy connection to the Breakwater trail and "downtown" Lewes. The current endpoint is at busy Log Cabin Hill Road but there are multiple possible on-road loop routes back to Lewes.
This trail gets a lot of use
Rode the entire trail and back with the family. It was a bit tiring towing the little ones behind me but the whole family had a blast!
Road from Tall Pines to Lewes and back, plan on making it longer by continuing on the Breakwater trail. Nice ride and mostly cars stopped and let you cross.
This is the way a bike trail should be done. It's only finished about half way to Georgetown as I write this, but they continue to make progress every winter. Flat, smooth, shady, well marked, and built up with stone berms and wooden fencing wherever there is any drop-off. I can't remember being on a nicer trail than this one. It is entirely paved, but keep in mind that if you want to connect near Lewes to the Junction and Breakwater Trail to Rehoboth, after about three miles, that trail is crushed stone. It's in good shape and beautiful, but you can't really do that portion on a road bike.
Made it out to this trail last weekend. While some areas did get a little crowded, was a relaxing and beautiful walk.
Enjoyed a bike ride from Tall Pines campground all the way to Lewes for lunch! What a gem!
Phase two of the new trail opened this past spring. They really did a fantastic job building it, and it is a pleasure to ride on. Now, you can go about 13 miles in one direction by connecting to the Junction-Breakwater trail towards Rehoboth. The road crossings are fairly frequent, but well marked. I'm happy to report that most drivers stop and waive bicyclists across. I'm excited about the prospect of the trail being completed all the way to Georgetown.
Finally rode it this weekend and loved it. It's nice and flat and was not crazy crowded for a Sunday morning. It hooks right into the Junction Breakwater so you can really get a nice workout between the different routes. The trail now ends at Cool Spring. However, once it is completed to Georgetown, DE it is going to a great addition to Sussex County.
This trail is only a little over one mile but it will eventually go the whole way to Georgetown. The part that is completed is paved. I hope this trail is completed as soon possible. It will be great for Sussex County.
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