Seaside Nature Trail

Delaware

2 Reviews

The Seaside Nature Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park takes visitors to the Seaside Nature Center around a nearly 1-mile rustic loop. A short stretch at the trail's northernmost point runs on a beach along Delaware Bay, from where you can continue to walk miles of beach at your leisure.

The trail has a flat but sandy surface, so hiking is the only permitted activity. Along the trail's short route, hikers will catch a glimpse of pine forest remnants, as well as dramatic views of the Delaware Bay and Delaware Breakwater East End Light in the distance. The trail links to the paved Cape Henlopen State Park Bike Loop along Post Lane near the Seaside Nature Center.

Parking and Trail Access

To access Cape Henlopen State Park from downtown Lewes, Delaware, follow Savannah Road and signs for the Lewes Terminal that provides ferry trips to Cape May, New Jersey. Turn right on Cape Henlopen Drive and follow it to the park entrance. There is a $10 park entry fee for automobiles (in-state drivers pay $5). Parking is available at the Seaside Nature Center on Post Lane.

Sandy Path Through The Coastal Forest

July 2024 jmcginnis12@gmail.com

Part of the Cape Henlopen State Park trail network, the Seaside Nature Trail branches off the Cape Henlopen State Park Bike Loop at the nature center and gives visitors the opportunity to explore the pine barrens, scrublands and a portion of beach on the Delaware Bay on the park's north side. Although the sandy surface of the trail is loose in some sections and poorly suited to cycling, it offers a peaceful and picturesque hiking experience. Highlights include the entrance to a World War II-era bunker, whose overgrown and decaying gate resembles a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie, the panoramic views along the Delaware Bay and the crab statues in front of the nature center. Trail users should also check out the nature center itself to learn more about the wildlife they may encounter and the state park's fishing pier and bait & tackle shop are just a short walk down the beach at Delaware Bay.