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Cape Henlopen State Park is located one mile east of Lewes, 1/2 mile past the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal. Take US1, following Cape May Ferry signs, left at Ferry red light, then left on Rte. 9. Follow the traffic flow to the admission booths. Take the first left after the booths, and then follow the signs to the Nature Center.
General Description: Delaware's largest State Park at 7,000 acres lies along the Atlantic Ocean providing beaches, coastal dunes, woodland trails and military history (see historical notes below). Along the coast, the Great Dune rises 80 feet above sea level, and further inland, the famous "walking dunes" slowly move across the pine forests. A broad salt marsh stretches along the park's western boundary.. The variety of habitats and the fact that the Park is situated along the eastern flyway make it a valuable home to many species of birds, reptiles, and mammals including the piping plovers, a threatened to extinction shorebird. The most incredible spectacle at Cape Henlopen State Park and the Junction Breakwater Trail comes in May when thousands of horseshoe crabs arrive on the beaches to lay their eggs. Migrating shorebirds arrive just in time for a feast of protein-rich horseshoe crab eggs and hatchlings. Biking is a great way to explore the park. There are both paved bike paths and the crushed stone surface Junction and Breakwater Rail Trail. The 3-mile paved bicycle path travels around the park and is open to the public year round as the weather permits. This is the perfect place for a family bike & beach excursion in the Mid-Atlantic Area. The Seaside Nature Center is the place for park information and the chance to experience a variety of recreational and nature programs year round. The Center also offers a free bicycle program, where you can leave a drivers license and take out their bicycles for up to 2 hours. The hours for bicycle rental are 9-3 daily, and are appropriate for ages 9-adult. There are also two trailers for the bicycles, that can hold up to 100 lbs. or two small children. Two life-guarded swimming beaches, a modern bath house with showers, changing rooms, food concession and a new Fishing & Kayak Rentals Center are also available at the Park.
The Trails: You can bike and ride around the park either with your own bicycles or on bikes loaned by the Seaside Nature Center. However, they ask that you do not leave their loaned bicycles unattended to go on a nature trail (bring a bike lock). Pick up a trail map when you come into the park. Paved Loop: This three-mile-long paved trail loops the Park. Ride up to the observation area at the top of the tallest dune between Cape Hatteras and Cape Cod. Take a trail break and climb the 115 steps of the World War II observation tower for a 360 degree panoramic view. Then ride through the deserted army base. Stop to take a short climb to the top of a former military bunker to view the action along the Atlantic coastline. The Junction and Breakwater Trail: Located at the Southwestern side of Cape Henlopen State Park at Wolfe Neck, the trail gets it's name from the rail line that ran between the towns in the mid-1800s. A section of the trail follows the old rail bed. The trail takes you through scenic woods and marshland. It is easy to forget how close you are to commercial Rt.1. The trail is 12 feet wide with a crushed stone surface. (see Other Area Trails: above for more details).
Side Trips: Lewes The first Dutch settlement in Delaware, Zwaanendael, now known as Lewes is often referred to as the "First Town of the First State." Lewes was first settled by the Dutch in 1631 and is located where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean with miles of beautiful ocean and bay beaches. Lewes is a seaside resort town noted for its maritime history. A more laid back cousin of Rehoboth Beach, it is a charming walking town of museums, historic sites and architecture, antique shops and boutiques. Quaint inns, beds and breakfasts and eateries are all located within a half-mile walk from the beach.
The Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve A 2 mile long, 129-acre barrier island located just northwest of the park. Most of the island is protected habitat and is part of the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established to conserve an important segment of the Delaware Bay marshes, to protect migrating and wintering waterfowl habitat. Gaining access from Broadkill Beach you can walk south along the shores of Delaware Bay. Cars and overnight camping are not permitted. It is a great spot for bird watching and offers unspoiled views of the Delaware coastline. Bring plenty of insect repellent. For more information see Bicycling in Southern Delaware
Historical Note: Cape Henlopen's strategic location at the mouth of the Delaware Bay led to its role in local shipping and military history. With the onset of World War II, the U.S. Army established a military base at Cape Henlopen in 1941. Bunkers and gun emplacements were camouflaged among the dunes, and concrete observation towers were built along the coast to spot enemy ships. In 1964, the Department of Defense turned the 543 acres of the Cape lands over to the State of Delaware.
For more information: Cape Henolopen State Park Phone: (302) 645-8983
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