Background

Gordons Pond Trail: Coastal Serenity

Explore coastal Delaware's beauty on this scenic trail through Cape Henlopen State Park, perfect for hiking, biking, and bird watching.

★★★★★4.8 (52)

The Gordons Pond Trail, nestled within Cape Henlopen State Park, offers a scenic 3.2-mile crushed gravel path winding through coastal forests, marshes, and dunes. Perfect for hiking, biking, and bird watching, it connects Lewes and Rehoboth Beach with stunning views of the 900-acre Gordons Pond.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Gordons Pond Trail

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
Lewes, Delaware, 19958, US
Monday
7 am-7:30 pm
Tuesday
7 am-7:30 pm
Wednesday
7 am-7:30 pm
Thursday
7 am-7:30 pm
Friday
7 am-7:30 pm
Saturday
7 am-7:30 pm
Sunday
7 am-7:30 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Gordons Pond Trail.

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Bring binoculars for optimal bird watching, especially during migration seasons.
Check for seasonal trail closures due to nesting or hunting by contacting Cape Henlopen State Park before your visit.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for crushed gravel and boardwalk surfaces.
Consider visiting in the spring to witness the wildflowers in bloom along the trail.
Bring your beach chair and umbrella to enjoy the wide scenic beach at the Gordons Pond parking area.

Discover more about Gordons Pond Trail

Gordons Pond Trail is a captivating journey through the diverse ecosystems of Cape Henlopen State Park. This 3.2-mile trail meanders along the western edge of Gordons Pond, a 900-acre saltwater lagoon, offering breathtaking views and a chance to immerse yourself in nature. The trail's surface is primarily finely crushed gravel, making it suitable for hiking and biking. A highlight is the half-mile elevated boardwalk that traverses wetlands, providing scenic overlooks of the surroundings. Keep an eye out for osprey nests and bald eagles in the trees lining the path. Gordons Pond Trail is also a haven for bird watchers, as it lies on a major migration route. During the fall, winter, and spring, the pond becomes a resting spot for various waterfowl. The trail connects the resort towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, offering a unique car-free link between the two communities. It also provides access to the Fort Miles Historical Area, where you can explore a former World War II military base.

Explore places near Gordons Pond Trail

    See all →

    Unlock the Best of Gordons Pond Trail

    Find tickets, tours with entry, and experiences available for this location.

    Buy tickets

    No tickets available

    Book tours with entry

    No tours with entry available

    Book tours without entry

    No tours without entry available

    Getting There

    Driving

    From Rehoboth Beach, follow Route 1 North. Turn left onto Henlopen Avenue/Ocean Drive. Continue on Ocean Drive until you reach the Gordons Pond parking area, located at the end of the road. Note that a park entrance fee is required.

    Biking

    From Rehoboth Beach, follow the bike path north towards Gordons Pond. The Gordons Pond Trail connects to the Cape Henlopen State Park Bike Loop, offering a scenic route through the park. Be prepared for a mix of paved and crushed gravel surfaces.

    Walking

    From Rehoboth Beach, access the trail via the Gordons Pond parking area at the end of Ocean Drive. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. Be aware that the full trail to Herring Point in Lewes is approximately 5 miles roundtrip.

    Mobile App
    Get the app

    Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

    Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.

    Visitor Center Area and South Side Trails - Mammoth Cave National Park  (U.S. National Park Service)

    More about Lums Pond State Park

    Discover the natural beauty and diverse activities at Lums Pond State Park, Delaware's largest freshwater pond oasis, perfect for family outings and adventurous escapes.

    Tell me more about Lums Pond State Park

    Select Currency

    Choose the currency you want prices to display in.