Hike the Walking Dunes Trail
Details
Distance
2.6 miles
Route Type
Loop
Added by Abby Shepard
You'll feel as though you're hiking through the desert rather than beside the ocean when you take a walk on the Walking Dunes Trail at Cape Henlopen State Park.
This trail is a hidden gem within Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware. The 2.6 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 catch a glimpse of the iconic Fire Control Towers left behind from when the state park operated as a WWII military base.
While you can access the trail from a few points within the park, the trailhead at Herring Point offers an easy starting point. Park in the Herring Point parking lot, and begin your journey in either direction from the trailhead. Stop at the Great Dune Overlook for stunning views of the sprawling sand formations.
Know for
Nearby
🌎
Local adventures
Find hikes, backpacking, photo spots, and more around Lewes.
🏕
Nearby lodging
Search campgrounds, glamping, and hotels near Lewes.
Reviews
Leave a ReviewTotally worth checking out
Went here a couple weeks ago and it was phenomenal. The author of this post is right, you feel as though you're in a totally different world when you're in the dunes. The old watch towers add a bit of drama to the scene, especially if you're there for photography purposes!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.