The best walks and hikes around Delaware

Komoot features over 10 hiking routes in Delaware, offering a variety of experiences. These trails are spread across diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to coastal areas, ensuring options for different preferences.

Delaware's landscape is surprisingly diverse for hikers. You'll find trails winding through the rolling hills of New Castle County, alongside coastal marshes and river systems in Kent County, and through woodlands and beaches in Sussex County. While generally known as a flatter state, some parks like Brandywine Creek State Park and White Clay Creek State Park offer trails with more noticeable elevation changes, reaching up to 370 feet.

Yes, Delaware offers many easy trails. Out of the routes available on komoot, 8 are rated as easy. An example is the Out of Africa Trail — Alum Creek State Park, which is a 4.4-mile path through park woodlands, often completed in under two hours.

Several state parks in Delaware are popular among hikers.

Brandywine Creek State Park in northern Delaware offers trails along the Brandywine Creek, including the family-friendly Creekside Trail. White Clay Creek State Park, also in the north, boasts 37 miles of trails. For coastal views, Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes provides stunning vistas of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, with trails like the Seaside Nature Trail and Gordons Pond Trail. Lums Pond State Park features the state's largest freshwater pond and the 7.9-mile Little Jersey Trail.

Yes, Delaware's trails offer various scenic spots. At Cape Henlopen State Park, you can hike along the coast for views of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, and even traverse sand dunes up to 80 feet high on the Walking Dunes Trail. Lums Pond State Park provides views of the state's largest freshwater pond. Additionally, you can find an Observation Deck and scenic Views of Alum Creek Cove along some routes.

Many trails in Delaware State Parks are pet-friendly. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash and to check specific park regulations before your visit. The state's commitment to preserving natural areas often includes provisions for pet owners.

Yes, several trails are suitable for families. Brandywine Creek State Park, for instance, offers the 2.6-mile Creekside Trail which is known to be family-friendly. Many of the easy-rated trails across Delaware's state parks are also great options for families looking for a relaxed walk.

The hiking routes in Delaware are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse park trails, the peaceful woodlands, and the gentle elevation changes that make the area accessible for various ability levels.

While Delaware is known for its generally gentle terrain, there are options for longer and moderately challenging hikes. For example, the Phase One loop — Alum Creek State Park is a moderate 6.8-mile path offering a longer experience through varied park landscapes. The Hollenback Trail is another moderate option, spanning 6.0 miles with gentle elevation changes.

While Delaware itself is relatively flat and doesn't feature many prominent waterfalls, the nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which spans parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is recognized for offering diverse trails with scenic vistas and waterfalls. This area provides options for those seeking a waterfall experience within a reasonable distance.

Delaware offers pleasant hiking conditions throughout much of the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and comfortable temperatures, while fall showcases beautiful foliage, especially in areas like Brandywine Creek State Park. Summer can be warm, but coastal trails and shaded woodland paths remain popular. Winter hiking is also possible, particularly on less challenging routes, though conditions can vary.

Yes, komoot features several circular routes in Delaware. An example is the Multipurpose Trail loop — Alum Creek State Park, an easy 3.9-mile loop. Another is the Great Horned Owl Trail to Overlook Trail loop — Shale Hollow Park, which is an easy 2.4-mile circular path.