Abby ShepardExplorer

Camp within the enchanting forest of Trap Pond State Park and explore the northernmost natural grove of baldcypress trees on the east coast. Be sure to take out a kayak or canoe and paddle among the ancient baldcypress swamp to discover native birds, turtles, wildflowers, and other incredible species.  The Trap Pond Campground contains 142 campsites on the pond's northern shore. Yurts, cabins, ...

The Killens Pond Campground is tucked in a section of forest overlooking the 66-acre millpond. During your stay, you can explore the woodland trails, grassy fields, disc golf course, game courts, ball fields, picnic areas, water park and the nature center. Be sure to take a kayak out to explore the pond! The Killens Pond Campground is open year-round, and contains 59 sites which feature electri...

Brandywine Creek State Park, a 933-acre park located in Northern Delaware, offers 14 miles of hiking trails, expanses of open fields, and the beautiful Brandywine Creek. The Hidden Pond trail is an excellent hike through the hardwood forests and down to the banks of the creek.  The trail begins by the nature center. Park in the large lot in front of the building, and follow the signs to the tr...

The Rocky Run Trail is a 3.2-mile loop through Brandywine Creek State Park in Wilmington, Delaware. The trail has some nice views of the Brandywine River and the surrounding forest. There are some rocky areas of mild elevation, so be prepared.  The trail is not well marked, and there are many offshoots of the main trail. I recommend downloading an offline map of the area.  Park at the Thompso...

This trail is a hidden gem within Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware. This roughly 2.5 mile loop takes you through wooded maritime forests, salt marsh wetlands, and open sand dunes that will leave you feeling as though you've been transported to the desert. You'll be amazed when you encounter The Great Dune, Delaware's highest sand dune rising 80-feet above the ocean below. Be sure to ...

Assateague Island is a 37 mile long barrier island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia, and is home to the famous herd of wild horses. Asssateague National Seashore is located on the Maryland side of the island, and offers Atlantic beaches, bay beaches, biking routes, hiking trails, and wild horse sightings. Park at the Assateague Island Visitor Center and explore the exhibits inside. To ...

Ċirkewwa is a harbor on the northernmost point of Malta, and serves as a popular, and beautiful dive site for beginners and advanced divers alike. Beneath the crystal clear Mediterranean water, you'll find reefs, rock arches, submerged artifacts, and even Rozi Wreck, a sunken tugboat. Many dive centers on the island lead trips to Ċirkewwa, and trips can be adjusted to skill and comfort level. R...

Delaware Seashore State Park offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Rehoboth and Indian River Bays to the west. the campground is located beside the iconic Indian River Inlet Bridge, only a short walk from the beach. Be sure to visit the Indian River Life-Saving Station, a historic station built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service to respond to the alar...

White Clay Creek State Park is a large expanse of beautiful woods and streams with over 37 miles of trails. The PennDel Trail follows White Clay Creek and winds through the hardwood forests.  The PennDel Trail actually begins at the Pennsylvania state line, but the easiest way to access the trail is from the White Clay Creek Nature Center. If you park at the Nature center, you can take the trai...

A cenote is a a natural sinkhole that appears when bedrock collapses and exposes groundwater beneath. The exposed water can be above ground, or in a series of underground caves and rivers. The Yucatan Peninsula is somewhat known for cenotes, and a trip to the area isn't complete without a swim in one. There are a ton of different cenotes on the peninsula, so the key is choosing which ones you w...

With a high fish populations, calm shallow water, and white sand, Hanauma Bay is the perfect snorkeling destination on Oahu. Large reefs teeming with marine life are located a short swim from shore. The water is calm, and the bay is protected from waves, making it a great spot for beginners and advanced snorkelers alike. Snorkel gear is available for rent on the beach.  The parking lot fills qu...

If you are going to tour Northern Delaware, look no further than the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail. This ~12 mile route links some of the best sites and attractions in the region including Bellevue State Park, Wilmington State Park, Brandywine Creek State Park, Brandywine Zoo, and Rockford Park. Hike by two historic estates, the Brandywine River, the dramatic rock walls of Alapocas Run State...

In 1951, Trap Pond State Park became one of Delaware's first state parks. Today, the pond is home to the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees in the country, and the Bob Trail is an excellent hike that will give you a great overview of this gorgeous state park.  The 4.5 miles Bob Trail links the Baldcypress Nature Center, the campground, and the park office while offering stunning v...

The 5.8 mile Junction and Breakwater Trail connects the resort towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. The trail follows a section of the old Penn Central Rail Line, which transported passengers between Lewes and Rehoboth in the mid-1800s. Today, the trail offers a beautiful tour of the marshes, farmland, and forests that lie beyond the usual tourist stops. Suitable for biking, hiking, running, and...

The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park is unique because the sandy peninsula separates the Delaware Bay from the Atlantic ocean, and curves in a way that the sun sets directly over the water on the Bay side even though you’re on the east coast.  On the Delaware Bay side, you'll get an excellent view of the East End Breakwater Lighthouse with the sunset. During low tide, the bay turns into a ser...

Cape Henlopen State Park is located at the mouth of the Delaware Bay where the Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Gaze over the sandy cape itself to see the Atlantic while paddling through the calmer bay water. During the summer months, it is common to see osprey, dolphins, or even schools of rays and skates gliding through the water below. Kayaks launch from the fishing pier beach. To access this b...

Cape Henlopen is a true gem of a park, located in Southern Delaware. The park is situated at the point where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique combination of natural wonders and cultural history. The bay and ocean ecosystems allow for a wide array of wildlife, and during WWII, the park became a military base named Fort Miles. Today, Cape Henlopen draws millions of bea...

Griffith Lake, located in Milford Delaware, is a peaceful spot for an easy, scenic paddle.  There is a free, public boat ramp just off the road where you can launch a kayak. The water itself is flat and calm, but offers great views of the surrounding forest, especially in the fall! Rentals are not available, so bring your own. 

Holts Landing State Park is a small, yet beautiful park in Dagsboro, Delaware. The park features a variety of landscapes including salt marshes, hardwood forests, and access to the Indian River Bay.  The Sea Hawk Trail is a 1.4-mile loop that takes you through the marshes and forests of the park. You'll also see beautiful views of the freshwater borrow pits throughout the forested sections. The...

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic, and is nestled on the Eastern shores of Kent County, Delaware. Upon arriving at the refuge, there is a small visitor center with maps, a video presentation, restrooms, and educational exhibits. There is a small admission fee, and the visitor center is the easiest place to pay. A 12 mile ...

Located at the point where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Henlopen is a 7,000 acre park which offers a unique combination of natural wonders and cultural history. During your stay, you can swim in the ocean waves, bike through the sand dunes, fish from the Bayside fishing pier, climb historical WWII towers, and more.  The campground is located minutes from the beach and histori...

The 2.6 mile Gordons Pond Trail meanders through the maritime forest and salt marshes of Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware, and is a popular destination for biking, hiking, running, and bird watching. The trail was recently renovated in 2014, and now includes both a crushed gravel path and a 0.5 mile elevated boardwalk over the dunes and wetlands.  The trail is accessible from 2 loca...

Ohiopyle State Park, located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, is full of adventure along the Youghiogheny River. During your visit, make sure you stop by the Meadow Run natural waterslide for some serious fun.  You can park for free at the Meadow Run parking lot, and then take a short walk down a flight of wooden stairs to access the water. The parking lot fills fast, so plan to get there at o...

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, located on the west side of the Delaware Bay, contains over 10,000 acres of protected habitat including salt marshes, freshwater marshes, ponds, wooded swamps, upland grasslands and forests. The refuge serves as an important stopover site as well as a breeding ground for many species of migratory birds. The area is also home to a diverse array of native plan...