Gordons Pond Trail, Cape Henlopen SP

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 locations within Cape Henlopen State Park: the Gordons Pond Parking area and the Herring Point Parking area. Note that the GPX is drawn to show the trail starting at Herring Point Parking and ending at Gordons Pond Parking. To bike into Rehoboth, start at the Herring Point Parking Area. 

Upon entering Cape Henlopen State Park, follow the signs to Herring Point. The trailhead for the Gordons Pond Trail is easily accessible from the large Herring Point parking lot.

Begin biking on the crushed gravel path and continue through the forest and dunes to the elevated boardwalk. Bikes are allowed on the boardwalk, but keep to the right, as the trail is shared with other bikers and hikers. 

Pause at the overlooks for gorgeous views of the expansive salt marsh below. After the boardwalk, the trail transitions back into crushed gravel and leads around Gordons Pond, a brackish marsh home to many birds and marine organisms. 

Gaze at the WWII fire control towers along the beach in the distance as the trail continues around the pond. Near the end of the pond, climb the observation platform for a spectacular view of the pond and wildlife.

The trail will open up at the Gordons Pond Parking area and beach on the other side of Cape Henlopen State Park. 

To get to the famous Rehoboth Beach, continue along Ocean Drive for about a mile, and follow signs for the boardwalk. Biking into Rehoboth is a great way to beat the beach traffic and parking fees!