The tiny village of Woodland, Delaware, is probably not the first place that comes to mind when planning a day full of trails and outdoor adventures on Delmarva. In fact, most Delmarva residents have probably never heard of Woodland. Located in western Sussex County, this little town offers more outdoor recreation options than most of Delmarva’s small towns, and it’s time to put it on your list to explore this season.
Barnes Woods Nature Preserve
Starting a little north of Woodland, Barnes Woods Nature Preserve features a short trail through one of DNREC’s nature preserves, which are lands with the highest level of protection in the state. Barnes Woods is a designated Old Growth Forest, meaning it has some of the oldest trees in the eastern United States and has remained undisturbed longer than 99% of other forests in the country. The trail at Barnes Woods is just a 0.7-mile loop, and parking is tricky (you have to park on the shoulder of the road), but it’s well worth the visit to walk through a forest with a healthy canopy and understory.
Woodland Park
Just a mile down the road from Barnes Woods is Woodland Park. This park was formerly a golf course and has now been converted into a community park with about a mile of walking trails, a pond, and a historic one-room schoolhouse. If you’re looking for a place to have a picnic while exploring the Woodland area, this park also has a picnic pavilion with tables.
Woodland Kayak Access
If you’re eager to get out on the water and explore the Nanticoke River, head just one more mile down the road to the Woodland Kayak Access. When launching into the river, you have two options: a floating kayak launch or a gravel ramp. And if you’re not much of a paddler, this spot is also a great place to enjoy a peaceful view of the river.
Woodland Ferry
If Woodland isn’t exciting enough for you, you might be impressed to learn that there’s a ferry that runs across the river! The Woodland Ferry operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., so plan accordingly if you want to explore both sides of the river. The ferry only carries about three to four cars at a time, but the ride is short, and it’s free to use.
Nanticoke Crossing Park
Once you’ve crossed the river (or before you cross, depending on which direction you're coming from), be sure to check out the newly established Nanticoke Crossing Park. With the help of the Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT), the county purchased this 41-acre parcel of land in 2021. The park is open to visitors, though not all of the planned features are complete. Some trails have been cut, but they are not yet marked. Once completed, the park will feature a kayak launch, a wetland boardwalk, a disc golf course, and scenic viewpoints of the river.
As the new features take shape, the Sussex County Land Trust plans to form a Friends group and schedule volunteer workdays. To stay updated on the park’s progress and get involved, sign up for the SCLT e-newsletter.
Chapel Branch Nature Area
The Chapel Branch Nature Area is not technically in Woodland—it’s in Seaford—but since it's only a few miles away, it’s worth mentioning. This 3-mile trail system, managed by the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy, offers a variety of scenery, including elevated boardwalks and views of the wetland and Chapel Branch.
Make plans today to explore western Sussex County and the upper Nanticoke River. The variety of trails and water access in the tiny village of Woodland makes it a perfect destination for anyone looking to fill a day with outdoor adventures on Delmarva.