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Gordons Pond State Park Area: Coastal Serenity

Explore scenic trails, observe diverse wildlife, and discover coastal beauty at Gordons Pond State Park Area in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

4.8

Gordons Pond State Park Area, nestled north of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, offers a tranquil escape with scenic trails through salt marshes, forests, and sandy dunes. Perfect for birdwatching and accessing Cape Henlopen State Park, it provides a peaceful beach experience away from crowds.

A brief summary to Gordons Pond State Park Area

  • 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 birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the crushed gravel trails and boardwalk.
  • Check for seasonal trail closures due to nesting or hunting before visiting.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking is limited.
  • Be aware that pets are allowed on the beach year-round but must be kept on a leash.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, head north on Ocean Drive for approximately 2 miles. The entrance to Gordons Pond State Park Area will be on your left. Follow the signs to the Gordons Pond Day Use Area parking lot, which marks the southern trailhead. The walk is relatively flat and takes about 40 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Driving

    From Rehoboth Avenue, drive north on Henlopen Avenue/Ocean Drive for about 2 miles. The park entrance is on the left. Continue for 0.9 miles to the parking area. Parking fees are in effect from March 1st to November 30th. Out-of-state vehicles: $10 per day; Delaware registered vehicles: $5 per day. Limited parking is available, especially on weekends.

  • Public Transport

    The DART First State Route 305 stops at the Rehoboth Beach Park & Ride. From there, transfer to the DART First State Beach Bus (Route 201 or 204) towards the northern end of Rehoboth Beach. Get off closest to the intersection of Henlopen Avenue and Surf Avenue, and walk north on Henlopen Avenue/Ocean Drive for about 2 miles. Check DART's website for schedules and specific stops. A single ride on DART is $2.00, and a day pass is $4.40.

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Discover more about Gordons Pond State Park Area

Gordons Pond State Park Area, a serene landscape within Cape Henlopen State Park, is located just north of Rehoboth Beach. This coastal haven features the Gordons Pond Trail, a 3.2-mile crushed gravel path that meanders through diverse ecosystems. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of salt marshes, maritime forests, and sandy dunes, offering stunning views of the 900-acre saltwater lagoon. The area is renowned for its exceptional birdwatching opportunities, as Gordons Pond lies within one of North America's major migration flyways. Birders can spot a wide array of waterfowl, including threatened species like piping plovers, least terns and black skimmers. The trail also provides access to the Great Dune, which rises 80 feet above sea level. The Gordons Pond Trail connects Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, offering a car-free route between the two coastal towns. The trail includes an elevated boardwalk section with scenic overlooks, providing panoramic views of the surrounding wetlands and the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the park's proximity to Fort Miles Historical Area allows visitors to explore World War II-era military history. Gordons Pond has a history as a drop-off point for bootleg liquor in the 1920s, and later, in the 1960s and 70s, it was known as "Whiskey Beach". Today, it is a popular spot for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts alike.

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