9 Reasons Delaware State Parks Are The Most Underrated In America
Delaware state parks are among the most underrated in America. In fact, our beautiful parks are so underappreciated that when you Google “Delaware state park” you’ll be taken to pages and pages about parks in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania! Most of the country is really missing out on some of the incredible sights and attractions that our state parks have to offer. Check them out and fall in love with our beautiful state all over again:
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For more information about hiking, camping, or paddling in these incredible Delaware State Parks, check out the park service website here. Remember, if you’re out and about in the First State with a camera (or even just your phone), we’d love to see your best photos! Share them on our Delaware Nature Lovers Facebook page, or tag #onlyindelaware on Instagram!
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More to Explore
Delaware State Parks to Visit
What are the best state parks in Delaware?
Delaware is a pretty small state. As a result of this, people often overlook it in favor of larger east-coast states like New York or Maine when it comes to state park trips. Well, they shouldn’t be doing that – as it turns out, Delaware is tiny but mighty as it’s home to 17 amazing state parks. Of course, “best” is subjective, but if you look at the parks that see the most visitors each year, you could logically assume that those are the “best” parks in Delaware as decided upon by visitors themselves. Some of the most beloved state parks in the Diamond State include the world-renowned Cape Henlopen State Park, which is located on a former military base and features some incredible ocean views and a photogenic lighthouse. Then, there’s Lums Pond State Park, a beautiful getaway near Bear, Delaware, that features amazing hiking, walking, and biking trails (and the pond, of course). Other amazing state parks in Delaware include White Clay Creek State Park, Brandywine Creek State Park, Killens Pond State Park, and Bellevue State Park. Interested in going more off the beaten path? Check out this list of some of Delaware’s underappreciated parks.
What are the most popular hiking trails in Delaware?
Delaware may not be the largest place in the world, but it’s home to 200 awesome hiking trails of varying difficulty, so even the most seasoned hikers will find a trail for them here. According to our friends at AllTrails, the most popular hike in the state is Gordons Pond Trail, an easy trek that features great birdwatching and creek views. You can find that one at Cape Henlopen State Park; other beloved choices include Swamp Forest Trail, at Lums Pond State Park, Alapocas Woods Trail, at Alapocas Woods Park, and Brandywine Creek River Loop, at (you guessed it) Brandywine Creek State Park. Hiking is an underrated pastime in Delaware, and the state is absolutely amazing once you get out and explore it. You may never want to leave – or at least, never hike anywhere else.