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Cape Henlopen Great Dune

Ascend the Great Dune at Cape Henlopen for panoramic coastal views and a unique blend of natural beauty and military history.

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The Great Dune at Cape Henlopen State Park is the largest sand dune between Cape Cod and Cape Hatteras. This natural wonder offers stunning views and a glimpse into the area's geological and military history.

A brief summary to Cape Henlopen Great Dune, Delaware

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for enhanced views of the Delaware Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding area.
  • Visit the nearby Fort Miles Historic Area to learn about the dune's role in World War II.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the sandy climb to the top of the dune.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Lewes, follow Cape Henlopen Drive into Cape Henlopen State Park. Continue towards the Fort Miles Historic Area. Parking is available near the Fort Miles Museum. From the parking area, follow the signs to the Great Dune. Park entry fees apply from March 1 to November 30: $5/day for Delaware vehicles, $10/day for out-of-state vehicles.

  • Walking

    From the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, it's approximately a 30-minute walk to the Great Dune. Follow the bike path along Cape Henlopen Drive into the park. Continue past the main beach area towards Fort Miles. The Great Dune will be visible on your left.

  • Public Transport

    The DART First State Bus Route 204 stops at the DRBA Ferry Terminal. From there, follow the walking directions to the Great Dune (approximately 30 minutes). A one-way bus fare is typically $2.

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Discover more about Cape Henlopen Great Dune, Delaware

Cape Henlopen State Park's Great Dune, also known as the Great Sand Hill, has been a popular spot for Sussex County residents seeking coastal views for many years. The dune's highest point, approximately 80 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, provides a panoramic perspective. Wind, waves, and currents carried massive amounts of sand to the mouth of the Delaware Bay over thousands of years. Grass and other plants grew, holding the sand and trapping more. The Great Dune was 46 feet tall and covered by a pine forest by colonial times. Humans subsequently altered the Great Dune. Many of the trees were felled in the early 1800s. The remainder was destroyed by fires. The sand, no longer held in place by plants, was released and blown by the wind. The Great Dune moved inland at such a steady rate that it was given the moniker "Galloping Dune". During the War of 1812, the dune provided a vantage point from which to observe the bombardment of Lewes by the British. In the 1930s, it served as a perch from which to watch boats search for the sunken DeBraak and its treasure. During World War II, the Army added sand to conceal a newly built bunker, raising the Great Dune to its current height. The Army planted grass, trees, and shrubs to stabilize the sand, and the dune's movement is less noticeable today. However, the dune has faced challenges throughout the centuries, and its continued presence in the Cape Henlopen landscape is due to a 330-year-old land grant and a 1982 court decision confirming the grant's continued validity. Today, visitors can climb the dune and enjoy the views from the observation tower resting atop a former military bunker.

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