For a more extended hike you can take the 3.1 mile Dunes Overlook Trail. The trail is a loop that you can start from either the park's campground or Herring Point Overlook. The trail passes through pine forest, bogs and marshes and the northwestern corner of the loop offers access to the world famous walking dunes.

The wind that constantly blows over Cape Henlopen slowly shifts a mountain of sand across the northern section of the park. In the past the dunes have moved as much as 60 feet in a year, but the forest is winning the battle against the wind and progress has been slowed. For a closer look you can take the 2/10 of a mile Walking Dune Spur Trail which heads west from the Dunes Overlook Trail. The scraggly, struggling pine trees you see on the top of the dunes may actually be 30 feet tall and buried in the sand!

If you want to take a more strenuous hike you can take the 1.8 mile Beach Loop Trail. The trail starts at the Point Parking Lot in the northeastern corner of the park. If you head northwest on the trail for 2/10 of a mile you will be on the shores of Breakwater Harbor. The trail then heads north along the shoreline before looping around the point and heading south along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Dunes with bushes and grasses as well as incredible beachcombing opportunities can be found. Don't underestimate how difficult it is to walk on the sand. Taking the trail barefoot or in sandals and walking in the surf will make the trek easier. The trail is closed from mid-April to early July to protect nesting piping plovers.

On the southern end of the park you can hike on the Gordons Pond Wildlife Trail. The two-mile long one way social trail is not maintained and is subject to changing conditions. Starting at the northern end of the Gordons Pond Parking lot, the trail heads west toward the Lewes/Rehoboth Canal before turning north skirting the banks of 900 acre Gordons Pond. The trail then turns east into marshes and bogs before fading away into the damp heart of the park.

By combining a beach walk and several trails you can take an extended scenic hike that will take you through the entire park. Starting at the Bunker Point Overlook head south along the beach until you reach Herring Point Overlook. From Herring Point, you can move inland onto the Dune Overlook Trail. When you reach the campground you can head north on the Pinelands Nature Trail and then take the Park Road back to Bunker Point Overlook. If you take your time expect this trek to take up most of a day.

Of course no trip to Cape Henlopen State Park would be complete without visiting the beach. The park has over four miles of beach, most exposed to the open Atlantic. Two ocean beaches protected by lifeguards are available at the park, the Bunker Overlook Swimming Area in the northern section of the park and the Gordons Pond Swimming Area in the southern section of the park. You can rent chairs and umbrellas at both beaches as well as get a bite to eat. If you are looking for a little more solitude you can take to the water at scenic Herring Point Overlook, but swimming is at your own risk.

If you really want to get away from it all consider visiting Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve located northwest of the main body of the park. This one mile long barrier island is only 800 feet wide and a mere 129 acres. Most of the island is protected habitat and is part of the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge that stretches off to the north. Gaining access from Broadkill Beach you can walk south along the shores of Delaware Bay. Along the quiet spit of sand you can enjoy surf fishing, beachcombing, and bird watching. Motor vehicles and overnight camping are not allowed but the island offers a very unique and unspoiled view of the Delaware coastline.

Cape Henlopen is also a surf fishing paradise. Three main tracks, The Point Crossing to the north, the Navy Crossing at the heart of the park, and the Gordons Pond Crossing to the south allow motor vehicle access to the shore. Access and fishing permits are required and there are a number of restrictions that need to be followed while on the beach. If you don't own a four-wheel drive vehicle you can surf fish from panoramic Herring Point. You can also fish on Hoss' Pier Number One, just north of the main entrance. The 1,320 feet long fishing pier stretches out into Delaware Bay and offers views of the Cape May Ferry to the west. Even if you don't have any gear you can rent tackle from the concessionary and try your luck at catching some flounder or flavorful bluefish for dinner.

There are 159 improved campsites located within the center of the park among sand dunes and pitch pine forest. The campground doesn't have any hookups but does offer water at 144 sites, showers, laundry, recreational facilities, and fireside evening programs. Two group campsites are available to youth groups including a primitive group campsite in the heart of the park and several dormitories along Breakwater Bay. The campground is open from April to October and sites are available on a first come first serve basis - so be sure to arrive early in the day.

Cape Henlopen remains an unspoiled paradise on the Delaware coast even after 400 years of modern habitation. If William Penn could see the Cape today I'm sure he would be filled with pride knowing that the generations that followed him continued to protect and use his public lands. Whether your outdoor plans include a weekend getaway, bird watching, fishing, extended hiking or a day on the beach with your family, there is something for everyone at Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware.

Just The Plain Facts