I love hiking because it helps me to relax and put things into perspective, all while getting a little exercise. If you’re like me, you might not have a whole day to devote to this hobby. Luckily, Delaware has lots of easy and short hiking trails to get you moving and still have you home in time to check off the next item on your to-do list. Here are a few of the best short hikes in Delaware that you’re sure to enjoy.
- Twin Valley Trail - 3.9 miles
White Clay Creek State Park, Newark There are 10 wonderful trails at White Clay Creek State Park in Newark. My favorite is the moderate Twin Valley Trail, which passes lots of wild bird habitat, making it easy to spot many songbird species. You’ll find plenty of easy hikes in Delaware in this scenic New Castle County park.
- Loblolly Trail - 4.6 miles
zizzybaloobah / flickr This leisurely hike loops around Trap Pond in Laurel! It’s one of the best short hikes in Delaware and showcases a gorgeous pond full of baldcypress trees. Take a walk around the pond and then rent a canoe or kayak and see Trap Pond from the water, too.
- Crosscountry Trail - 3.1 miles
Killens Pond State Park / Facebook This trail at Killens Pond in Felton takes you over a bridge and through the forest. It will leave you energized and feeling more connected to nature. See how many different birds you can spot as you stroll along the shoreline.
- Northern Delaware Greenway - 0.9 miles
Alapocas Run and Wilmington State Parks / Facebook Located in Brandywine Park in Wilmington, this is one of the easier hikes to take in northern Delaware. Its Swinging Bridge is breathtaking and you can connect to other trails and parks and go on forever if you’re feeling like a longer adventure.
- Seahawk Trail - 1.5 miles
Lee Cannon / flickr Holts Landing State Park in Millville has a beautiful beach plus two hiking trails. The Seahawk Trail will lead you through the forest and meadow. A must-do if you’re near the beach this summer - it’s one of the best short hikes in Delaware near the beaches.
- Rocky Run Trail - 2 miles
Ryan Keene / flickr The moderate hike in Brandywine Creek State Park (different from Brandywine Park above) is beautiful in all seasons, but is definitely one to remember when the fall foliage is at its most vibrant. The historic stone walls make for a unique backdrop.
- Bellevue State Park Trails - 4.9 Miles
Bellevue State Park / Facebook You can technically hike all three of Bellevue State Park’s trails and still have walked only 4.9 miles. This is a peaceful park to relax and reflect, and each of its trails are easy enough for all fitness levels. It’s a great place to escape for a lunchtime stroll when you need to get out of the office.
- Walking Dunes Trail - 1.6 miles
The West End / flickr Hike through the woods and beside the mash and to the Great Dune on this trail at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. The view of the Atlantic Ocean from the top of the tall dune is one you won’t soon forget.
- Christina Riverwalk - 1.3 miles
likeaduck / flickr This is the perfect lunchtime getaway for those who work in downtown Wilmington. It also conveniently passes shops and restaurants, just in case you’re looking to pick up some goodies while you’re out.
- Boardwalk Trail at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - 0.5 miles
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region / flickr The quick half-mile loop is perfect for sneaking a peek at shorebirds. The walk is also wheelchair accessible. Prime Hook NWR is located in Milton and allows for beautiful marsh views.
- Carousel Park Trail - 2.5 miles
pheanixphotos / flickr I love this Pike Creek hike because it also includes a dog park and equestrian facilities. You can take your pup to scamper around with other dogs and easily squeeze in a walk - all before lunchtime.
- South Marsh Trail at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - 0.25 miles
James O’Guinn / flickr The quarter-mile walk may be the perfect way to stretch your legs after cruising the 12 mile wildlife drive in your car. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is located in Smyrna.
Even if you’re short on time, there are lots of opportunities to get outdoors. Do you have a favorite short hike you like to take in Delaware? Leave it in the comments below! Check out a few more of our favorite natural areas by reading 7 Lesser-Known State Parks In Delaware That Will Absolutely Amaze You.
White Clay Creek State Park, Newark
There are 10 wonderful trails at White Clay Creek State Park in Newark. My favorite is the moderate Twin Valley Trail, which passes lots of wild bird habitat, making it easy to spot many songbird species. You’ll find plenty of easy hikes in Delaware in this scenic New Castle County park.
zizzybaloobah / flickr
This leisurely hike loops around Trap Pond in Laurel! It’s one of the best short hikes in Delaware and showcases a gorgeous pond full of baldcypress trees. Take a walk around the pond and then rent a canoe or kayak and see Trap Pond from the water, too.
Killens Pond State Park / Facebook
This trail at Killens Pond in Felton takes you over a bridge and through the forest. It will leave you energized and feeling more connected to nature. See how many different birds you can spot as you stroll along the shoreline.
Alapocas Run and Wilmington State Parks / Facebook
Located in Brandywine Park in Wilmington, this is one of the easier hikes to take in northern Delaware. Its Swinging Bridge is breathtaking and you can connect to other trails and parks and go on forever if you’re feeling like a longer adventure.
Lee Cannon / flickr
Holts Landing State Park in Millville has a beautiful beach plus two hiking trails. The Seahawk Trail will lead you through the forest and meadow. A must-do if you’re near the beach this summer - it’s one of the best short hikes in Delaware near the beaches.
Ryan Keene / flickr
The moderate hike in Brandywine Creek State Park (different from Brandywine Park above) is beautiful in all seasons, but is definitely one to remember when the fall foliage is at its most vibrant. The historic stone walls make for a unique backdrop.
Bellevue State Park / Facebook
You can technically hike all three of Bellevue State Park’s trails and still have walked only 4.9 miles. This is a peaceful park to relax and reflect, and each of its trails are easy enough for all fitness levels. It’s a great place to escape for a lunchtime stroll when you need to get out of the office.
The West End / flickr
Hike through the woods and beside the mash and to the Great Dune on this trail at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. The view of the Atlantic Ocean from the top of the tall dune is one you won’t soon forget.
likeaduck / flickr
This is the perfect lunchtime getaway for those who work in downtown Wilmington. It also conveniently passes shops and restaurants, just in case you’re looking to pick up some goodies while you’re out.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region / flickr
The quick half-mile loop is perfect for sneaking a peek at shorebirds. The walk is also wheelchair accessible. Prime Hook NWR is located in Milton and allows for beautiful marsh views.
pheanixphotos / flickr
I love this Pike Creek hike because it also includes a dog park and equestrian facilities. You can take your pup to scamper around with other dogs and easily squeeze in a walk - all before lunchtime.
James O’Guinn / flickr
The quarter-mile walk may be the perfect way to stretch your legs after cruising the 12 mile wildlife drive in your car. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is located in Smyrna.
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Address: White Clay Creek State Park, Park Office, 750 Thompson Station Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USAAddress: Trap Pond, Delaware 19956, USAAddress: Killens Pond State Park Entrance, Felton, DE 19943, USAAddress: Brandywine Park, 1080 N Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19802, USAAddress: Holts Landing Rd, Dagsboro, DE 19939, USAAddress: Brandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USAAddress: Bellevue State Park, 800 Carr Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809, USAAddress: Cape Henlopen, Delaware 19958, USAAddress: River Walk, Wilmington, DE 19801, USAAddress: Prime Hook Beach, DE, USAAddress: 3700 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808, USAAddress: Bombay Hook, Delaware 19977, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best short hikes in Delaware April 04, 2020 Kim Magaraci What are the best outdoor adventures in Delaware? If you’re looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure in Delaware, it’s hard to beat GoApe in Lums Pond State Park! This treetop adventure course is perfect for adrenaline junkies and it’s home to the longest zipline in Delaware. Does Delaware have any natural wonders? Perhaps the best-known natural wonder in Delaware is the Brandywine Spring! This mineral healing spring was so famous that it was once the centerpiece of an enormous amusement park. Read more about this famous early Delaware park here. What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Delaware? You’ll find gorgeous hiking trails in many of Delaware’s state parks. Aside from the ones mentioned above, Alapocas Run State Park offers unique views and beautiful scenery near the signature rock faces.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best short hikes in Delaware
April 04, 2020
Kim Magaraci
What are the best outdoor adventures in Delaware? If you’re looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure in Delaware, it’s hard to beat GoApe in Lums Pond State Park! This treetop adventure course is perfect for adrenaline junkies and it’s home to the longest zipline in Delaware. Does Delaware have any natural wonders? Perhaps the best-known natural wonder in Delaware is the Brandywine Spring! This mineral healing spring was so famous that it was once the centerpiece of an enormous amusement park. Read more about this famous early Delaware park here. What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Delaware? You’ll find gorgeous hiking trails in many of Delaware’s state parks. Aside from the ones mentioned above, Alapocas Run State Park offers unique views and beautiful scenery near the signature rock faces.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Does Delaware have any natural wonders? Perhaps the best-known natural wonder in Delaware is the Brandywine Spring! This mineral healing spring was so famous that it was once the centerpiece of an enormous amusement park. Read more about this famous early Delaware park here.
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Delaware? You’ll find gorgeous hiking trails in many of Delaware’s state parks. Aside from the ones mentioned above, Alapocas Run State Park offers unique views and beautiful scenery near the signature rock faces.
