Gordons Pond State Park Area: Coastal Serenity

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.