Explore the best rated trails in Frederica, DE, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Ben Cardin C&D Canal Recreational Trail and Maurice River Bikeway Trail . With more than 56 trails covering 175 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
If you visit Lewes or Rehoboth Beach plan to take your bike and check out these trails. The J&B combined with Cape Henlopen SP is my favorite, be sure to ride it in both directions as well. This year I added the Georgetown section (it's a fair distance out and back from Lewes, ends up somewhere near Rt. 9 and Cool Spring Rd). The very straight, very flat paved Georgetown/Lewes Trail was busy close to Lewes on a warm Saturday in May, I expect summers are even more crowded. There are more road crossings than I like but cars were courteous. The J&B twists through both Lewes and Rehoboth with everything from paved residential areas to gravel paths through wooded and open field sections in between. The signage is adequate but it is easy to get misdirected in Rehoboth. If you make your way through Rehoboth on whatever route you choose, continue to the southern entrance of Cape Henlopen. You can't miss the Gordon Pond Trail which takes you through the park and back to Lewes. Cape Henlopen trails are well marked, there are multiple other trails within the park also. There are many places to stop and rest and bathrooms along all 3 sections.
If you visit Lewes or Rehoboth Beach plan to take your bike and check out these trails. The J&B combined with Cape Henlopen SP is my favorite, be sure to ride it in both directions as well. This year I added the Georgetown section (it's a fair distance out and back from Lewes, ends up somewhere near Rt. 9 and Cool Spring Rd). The very straight, very flat paved Georgetown/Lewes Trail was busy close to Lewes on a warm Saturday in May, I expect summers are even more crowded. There are more road crossings than I like but cars were courteous. The J&B twists through both Lewes and Rehoboth with everything from paved residential areas to gravel paths through wooded and open field sections in between. The signage is adequate but it is easy to get misdirected in Rehoboth. If you make your way through Rehoboth on whatever route you choose, continue to the southern entrance of Cape Henlopen. You can't miss the Gordon Pond Trail which takes you through the park and back to Lewes. Cape Henlopen trails are well marked, there are multiple other trails within the park also. There are many places to stop and rest and bathrooms along all 3 sections.
I started riding this trail in 2018 and rode it 3-5 times a summer. It was a great trail that allowed you to get 12 miles in before riding the Cross Island Trail just 3 miles away. The tree roots have been bulging the asphalt for the past 7 years and now it is so bad I don't know if I will ride it again. For the first 1-2 miles from the start of either end the roots have the asphalt bulged up over two inches. Even riding with a suspension seat post the trail jars your spine unless you are standing on the foot pegs. Since the roots are so numerous this means you would be on the pegs 50 percent of the time. With the financial state that Maryland is in I doubt this trail will be repaired any time in the foreseeable future.
I was looking for a trail run, and this was essentially like running on sand. Wasn’t a big fan. The other trails in the park are better.
Stretching for more than 2 miles across Chestertown on MD's Eastern Shore, the Wayne Gilchrest Trail is a scenic greenway that has the potential to connect to more communities.
Like many town-based trails, the paved, multi-use path allows residents to walk or bike between communities with minimal street crossings. It links Washington College with the north and south sides of town and the southern terminus along Cross Street is just a short distance from the waterfront at Wilmer Park as well as the historic downtown. Also notable is a spur of the trail that branches from the main path on the grounds of an office building and parallels High Street, connecting to the northwest side of town and ending at the former Radcliffe Mill, which has been restored and now houses a restaurant and microbrewery.
The trail also serves as an outdoor museum of sorts and features several sculptures and murals along the route, while the old train station, vintage passenger coaches and caboose at the southern end off Cross Street are a testimony to the rail line that used to run here.
Last, but not least, the lush vegetation that lines most of the trail's route provides a serene atmosphere and is a great place to observe local wildlife. The section from Mill Street south to Cross Street forms a greenbelt between residential communities and the Lawrence Preserve nature area, whose wetlands can be further explored through a network of paths extending from the trail. The ravine that forms the trail's route through the Washington College campus and the embankment on the portion north of Morgnec Road are also notable for their beauty and serenity.
My only caveats with this premier small town trail are the busy crossings on Morgnec Road and High Street, though flashing signal lights that warn motorists when trail users are crossing reduce the danger to a degree and the lack of any direct connection to Washington College. It would also be nice if a separate connector path or sidewalk could be built along Morgnec Road that would link the NW Spur of the trail with the main route on the north side of town so that trail users don't have to use the shoulder of that busy road.
Although currently confined to Chestertown, local officials are exploring plans to extend the Wayne Gilchrest Trail further north along the old RR towards Worton, forming part of a bigger network of greenways on the Eastern Shore.
The southern part is paved and easy to follow. The middle section joins with a state park road, and one siding is deceiving. After leaving the state park road, the trail turns to gravel with frequent mud puddles and electrical boxes. Wouldn’t recommend this section to beginners.
Not much to it. Just paved and easy. The trains do get loud so maybe not the best for small children.
I connected this ride to the Cape May Loop and it was a fantastic way to get in some good miles in the morning hours. I rented a Trek Domane from the Surf & Buggy Center. The bike was great and they delivered it and picked it up. If you are looking to get some good training in during your stay this is the way to do it.
Good ride some rocky and sand patches. Few roads to crossover. Plenty of benches to rest
Highly enjoyed the paved path, the wildlife sanctuary you ride through. Nice to stop for dinner on the Waterfront in Wilmington. Very nice path
We loved this trail. We went from Cape Henlopen to Rehoboth , then took this trail back to the campground. It was beautiful!!
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