Delaware has a nice variety of trails for such a small state, and since much of the state is flat and at a low elevation there are tons of wetlands, and in turn, many boardwalks to explore. From the bayshore region in the north to the salt marshes and cypress swamps in the south, every boardwalk-lover is sure to find a spot they like. Here’s a roundup of Delaware’s best boardwalk trails.
DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center
The frequently overlooked bayshore in Delaware has so many beautiful hidden gems including some fabulous boardwalks to stroll. The Aquatic Resources Education Center, located within Woodland Beach Wildlife Area, has a stunning boardwalk as part of its 1-mile trail system. At the highest point of the boardwalk you’ll have unobstructed views of the marshes surrounding Duck Creek.
St. Jones Reserve
A great escape from the city of Dover would definitely be the St. Jones Reserve, a property of DNREC’s Coastal Programs division. There is a great 1-mile out-and-back trail that includes a lengthy boardwalk through the surrounding wetlands. After the boardwalk is a tree-lined trail leading out to some open fields. It’s a great way to walk 2 miles, but the boardwalk is definitely the highlight.
Little Creek Wildlife Observation Tower
If you have a little extra time when visiting the St. Jones Reserve, but sure to stop by the Little Creek Wildlife Area, as it has one of the best wildlife observation towers on all of Delmarva! The walk itself is super short, but the views from the double-decker tower make a visit well worth it.
Bombay Hook & Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuges
Delaware’s bayshore is also lucky to have two national wildlife refuges, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook which both feature some short boardwalk trails. At Bombay Hook you’ll find a 0.5-mile loop trail called - wait for it - the Boardwalk Trail. Then journey down the coast to Prime Hook and you’ll find yet another 0.5-mile, also perfectly named, the Boardwalk Trail! While you’re visiting either spot, be sure to check out some of the wooded trails as well.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Arguably the longest and most scenic boardwalk in Delaware, the Gordons Pond Trail is a great spot to log some miles, including a boardwalk that is about 0.5 miles long. The boardwalk itself traverses through some large dunes while the rest of the 3-mile trail is a crushed stone surface through low-lying wetlands. If you’re looking for even more boardwalks in the park, both the Pinelands and Walking Dunes trails have sections of boardwalk to explore.
Burton Island Nature Preserve
Just a stone’s throw from the Indian River Inlet is the Burton Island Nature Preserve, part of Delaware Seashore State Park. This 1-mile loop trail has several boardwalks crossing sections of salt marsh. The trail also meanders through some wooded areas. Just be sure to avoid this trail during the summer months as the ticks and chiggers are vicious!
James Farm Ecological Preserve
The James Farm Ecological Preserve is managed by the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays. It features a lovely trail system with several boardwalks within the wooded sections of the property, all leading out to a sandy beach overlooking the Indian River Bay.
Sea Hawk Trail
Holts Landing State Park is one of Delaware’s lesser known coastal parks and has a great loop trail known as the Sea Hawk Trail that is a little over a mile long. This trail winds through maritime forest, freshwater bogs, and includes a 200-yard section of boardwalk overlooking the marsh and Indian River Bay. The park also has a pier, picnic pavilion, boat ramp, and playground.
The Bob Trail
There aren’t many boardwalk trails on the western side of Delaware, but Trap Pond State Park’s Bob Trail has an incredibly scenic section of boardwalk that cuts right through the bald cypress swamp. River otters and various turtle species are frequent sightings in this area. The Bob Trail is a 4-mile loop around the pond that is suitable for both hiking and biking.