Gordons Pond State Park Area: Coastal Haven

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Explore scenic trails, observe diverse wildlife, and discover coastal beauty at Gordons Pond State Park, connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

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Gordons Pond State Park Area

Gordons Pond State Park Area, nestled within Cape Henlopen State Park, offers a scenic escape with its 900-acre saltwater lagoon, diverse wildlife, and trails connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. Perfect for hiking, biking, and bird watching, it's a natural gem on Delaware's coast.

A brief summary to Gordons Pond State Park Area

61 Ocean Dr, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, 19971, US
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Bring binoculars for optimal bird watching, especially during migration seasons.
Check for seasonal trail closures due to nesting or hunting before your visit.
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking is limited.
Consider visiting the nearby Fort Miles area to explore the military history.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Gordons Pond Beach

Gordons Pond Beach: A Coastal Escape

Gordon Pond Wildlife Area

Gordon Pond Wildlife Area: A Coastal Haven

Deauville Beach

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Getting There

Driving

From Rehoboth Beach, head north on Ocean Drive. Continue past the North Shores community to the Cape Henlopen State Park entrance. Follow the signs to the Gordons Pond Day Use Area parking lot. Note that parking is limited, especially during peak season. A park entrance fee is required from March 1st to November 30th; $5 for in-state vehicles and $10 for out-of-state vehicles.
Walking

If starting from Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, walk north along the beach or through the adjacent residential area towards North Shores. Continue along Ocean Drive to the entrance of Cape Henlopen State Park. Follow the road to the Gordons Pond Day Use Area parking lot, where the Gordons Pond Trail begins. The walk from the boardwalk is approximately 1.5 miles. Remember to account for the park entrance fee during the operating season.
Biking

From Lewes, follow the Gordons Pond Trail south from the Herring Point parking area within Cape Henlopen State Park. Alternatively, from Rehoboth Beach, access the trail from the Gordons Pond Day Use Area parking lot. The trail provides a direct, car-free connection between the two towns. Be aware of other trail users, as the path can be narrow in places. Park entrance fees apply when entering from either Lewes or Rehoboth during the operating season; $5 for in-state vehicles and $10 for out-of-state vehicles.

Discover more about Gordons Pond State Park Area

Gordons Pond State Park Area, a part of the larger Cape Henlopen State Park, is a captivating coastal environment known for its diverse habitats and recreational opportunities. The area's centerpiece is the 900-acre Gordons Pond, a saltwater lagoon that attracts a wide array of waterfowl, making it a prime location for bird watching. In fact, Gordons Pond is recognized as one of only four migration 'super highways' in North America for these birds. The Gordons Pond Trail, a 3.2-mile path, winds through coastal maritime forest, grassy marshes, and sandy dunes, offering stunning views of the pond and the Atlantic Ocean. The trail connects the resort towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, providing a scenic route for hikers and bikers alike. The trail's northern end features an elevated boardwalk that traverses wetlands, complete with observation areas. The southern end leads to an observation deck overlooking the pond and ocean. Historically, the area now occupied by Cape Henlopen State Park was once part of Fort Miles, a military base during World War II. Today, visitors can explore remnants of this history, including World War II observation towers along the beach. The park area has also been known as a place for the LGBTQ community, specifically women, to gather at the beach. With its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, Gordons Pond State Park Area provides a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.

Explore the best of what Gordons Pond State Park Area has to offer

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