18 Best Hikes in Delaware: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2023

Delaware is one of those states that seems to have just about everything you could think of jam-packed into a small place. So, sure, it’s small – but it’s got huge soul, especially when it comes to the great outdoors. There are 17 amazing state parks and one pristine National Park in Delaware, all of which are chock full of hiking trails and other outdoor recreation opportunities. You’d be amazed at the sheer number of hikes that could reasonably be considered the best hikes in Delaware – it’s all captivating.

Speaking of the best hiking trails, Delaware is (at the time of this writing) home to 49 amazing trails, covering almost 150 amazing miles of some of the most beautiful landscapes on the east coast. How on earth does one know where to begin when deciding where to hike? We went ahead and did the footwork for you, scouting out all the best hikes in Delaware for your hiking pleasure.

Some of these trails are short – some are lengthy. Some are so easy that even small children can likely do them, and others are challenging through and through (but oh so rewarding). What better way to explore this stunning little state than on foot, traversing some of the best hiking trails of the eastern United States? The topography is incredible, the scenery is diverse, and you just can’t go wrong with a lick of it. Ready to conquer every mile of trail Delaware has to offer? Try AllTrails+ for free, which is so handy you’ll wonder how you ever hiked without it.

Best Hikes in Delaware

Let’s get something perfectly clear: just about every hiking trail in Delaware is worth it. Our little state is otherworldly in its beauty, and every trail within every natural area has a story to tell as long as you’re willing to listen. There are some, however, that are essentially Delaware Hikes 101. These are the most amazing trails that, when it comes to hiking in Delaware, you cannot possibly go wrong with. Next time you feel the need to find all the best places to hike in Delaware be sure to revisit this list. Many of the trails listed here are excellent for biking, too, so keep it in mind and always be safe.

Chestnut Hill Trail Connector, Old Coach Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA

Nichole Whetham Warner/AllTrails

• Location: White Clay Creek State Park
• Mileage: 3.6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Trail is popular for hikers and mountain bikers, so be aware of your surroundings. Takes about one hour and 20 minutes to finish (as long as you don’t make any stops, which you should). It is a loop, so you ought to end up where you started out. It’s open year-round and dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a leash.

Hikers love the Check out the Chestnut Hill Trail for its outstanding beauty! This is a beautiful hardwood forest hike in a stunningly beautiful, hilly area that traverses between two pristine creeks. You’ll find a number of charming footbridges along the way so you don’t need to worry about getting your shoes wet when crossing. Eventually, you’ll end up in a gorgeous soybean field and be led back to where you started. If you keep walking a bit, you’ll be treated to the old Judge Morris house, a 19th-century mansion-turned-museum. Check out the official Judge Morris Estate brochure (https://destateparks.com/wwwroot/downloads/brochures/judge-morris-estate.pdf) for more information, and be sure to also visit the awesome nature center while you’re here, too.

Alapocas Run State Park, 1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA

K Mack/AllTrails

• Location: Alapocas Run State Park
• Mileage: 1.8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: This is a dashing little loop trail that takes about 45 minutes to complete. Google Maps tends to struggle with locating the trailhead, so just park near the baseball field just off of Alapocas Drive and you’ll find it. This trail is popular with hikers and rock climbers and is best traversed from February until November. Wear good shoes and pack lots of water. Bring bug spray - this is one of those hiking trails where there are bugs plenty depending on the time of year.

This delightful, short-and-sweet hike is quite popular for lots of reasons – all of which you’ll learn upon arrival. You’ll be led through the forest alongside Brandywine Creek, which is crystal-clear and oh-so-quieting for the soul. Eventually, you’ll reach a picnic spot where rock climbers gather to, well, climb. It’s not just scenic – it’s great for your health too! This is one awe-inspiring Delaware hiking trail that you're sure to want to re-do time and time again.

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Brandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA

Jen McGovern/AllTrails

• Location: Brandywine Creek State Park
• Mileage: 3.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: This trail is a loop that takes about one hour, 13 minutes to complete with no stops (but why not stop?). It’s quite popular, but if you arrive early or on a weekday, you might just get a little alone time. The trail is open year-round, and dogs are welcome on a leash. Brandywine Creek State Park has an entry fee; for the most up-to-date fees or to get passes, be sure to visit the official Delaware State Parks website. The parking lot fee is $4 for Delaware residents and $8 for out-of-state visitors. Bring bug spray.

This stunning, moderately challenging trail isn’t too easy, but it’s not too difficult, either. It follows along two creeks: Rocky Run Creek and Hurricane Run Creek. Along the way, you’ll spot tiny waterfalls and little natural nooks. Lush green mosh thrives on many rock faces, ensuring a very vividly green paradise at the warmer times of year. Visit AllTrails for all the details you need to plan your hike.

Best Short & Easy Hikes in Delaware

Sometimes, you’re a little strapped for time. Maybe you don’t have time to get lost in every state forest Delaware’s got. In this case, you can always put a short-and-sweet hike in the books instead of something that takes hours at a time. Maybe you’re hiking with kids and need something a little milder, or perhaps you just got out of work and don’t have all day. No matter the situation, no worries – there are so many amazing kid-friendly hikes in Delaware that double as easy, short-sweet hikes you’re sure to love for any occasion. Check out three of the downright best short and easy hikes in Delaware and plan your next outing ASAP.

Walking Dunes Trail, Delaware 19958, USA

Stephen Berkebile/AllTrails

• Location: Cape Henlopen State Park
• Mileage: 2.6 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This gorgeous loop trail in Lewes takes about 48 minutes to complete. It’s popular with hikers, bird watchers, bicyclists, and road biking enthusiasts and quite popular. It’s open all year, and dogs are welcome on leash. This trail is very accessible, with paved or shelled trail surfaces (along with some sandy ones) along the way. A motorized chair might be more appropriate for the sandy parts. The entry fee for in-state vehicles is $5, and for out-of-state vehicles is $10.

You can begin this hike in any direction you’d like (which is the best thing about loop trails). In this event, you’ll either start or finish in a gorgeous, wooded area at one of the most amazing state parks in Delaware. Be sure to bring bug spray, especially during the warmer months. As always, pack water and wear good hiking shoes! The views along this particular trail are simply pristine, so don’t forget a camera. Lewes - the town you start in - is pretty adorable, too! Cape Henlopen State Park is just north of beautiful Rehoboth Beach, which is also worth checking out. If you like this hike, you might also enjoy the Salt Marsh Spur nearby.

Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Rd, Felton, DE 19943, USA

Laura Desimone/AllTrails

• Location: Killens Pond State Park
• Mileage: 3.2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This loop trail takes about one hour and 10 minutes to finish. It’s popular not only for hiking but birding and/or camping as well, so remember to share the trail. From March 1st until November 30th, there are entry fees; the entry fee for in-state vehicles is $4, and entry for out-of-state vehicles is $8.

Killens Pond Loop Trail is open year-round and is beautiful always. The trail is color-coded and very well-marked. You’ll meet other hikers along the way, though if you show up during a quiet part of the day, you might just get some time to yourself. In the spring, this trail lights up with wildflowers. In the fall, this trail comes ablaze with color. All year, it’s a treat - gotta love these beautiful freshwater escapes in a coastal state.

Newark Reservoir, Newark, DE 19711, USA

Noah Pehowic - AllTrails

• Location: William Redd Jr. Park
• Mileage:1.8 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This little loop takes just over half an hour to complete, typically, and there’s a lot of scenery jam-packed into that little distance! The best time of year to hike it is from March through October. Entry to the park – and subsequently the trail – is free.

This ridiculously charming, short, and easy hike is a favorite among the locals for good reason. It’s in a great location, it’s super easy, and it’s a fabulous way to enjoy the outdoors in Delaware. If you’d like to bring your dog, you’re in luck – dogs are welcome on a leash. This loop is paved, making it very accessible, and there’s a playground for the kids in the event you’d like to take a break. This is a great option for solo hikers and family groups alike! AllTrails has more information if needed.

Check out this enchanting one-minute sneak peek at the beauty of Newark Reservoir Trail:

Hardest Hikes in Delaware

So, what about the other end of the spectrum? Delaware is home to plenty of sweet-n-easy hikes, but what about the trails for those who prefer a challenge? No worries – Delaware’s got plenty of those, and we’ve discovered the top three. Whether they’re lengthy, feature drastic elevation changes or climbing, or anything else, here are a few of the toughest hikes in Delaware.

Brandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA

Ken Kramer/AllTrails

• Location: Brandywine Creek State Park
• Mileage: 11.7 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: This loop trail takes about four hours and 39 minutes to complete – that is, like all the others on this list, if you can resist the urge to stop and look closer at all the awesome sights along the way. It is long and challenging, but absolutely worth every moment of the trek. Bring plenty of water, bug spray, and good hiking shoes you don’t mind getting wet. For the most up-to-date fees or to get passes for Brandywine State Park, be sure to visit the official Delaware State Parks website. The parking fee is $4 for Delaware residents and $8 for out-of-state visitors. Be sure to finish your hike by dusk – that's when the park closes, so be back to the parking area by then. Some parts of the trail aren’t as well-marked as others, so be sure to stay alert.

This lengthy hike within Brandywine Creek State Park is an amazing testament to the joys of long hikes. There's no one portion of this trail that’s boring; everywhere you go, there’s beauty in every direction. This trail is open year-round, but if you prefer the lush paradise kind of aesthetic, then hike this one in the late spring or summer.

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Northern Delaware Greenway, Delaware 19803, USA

Kristin Maldonado/AllTrails

• Location: Bellevue State Park
• Mileage: 10.4 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: This out-and-back hike at Bellevue State Park takes about four and a half hours to complete. It’s a popular trail for hiking, biking, and running, so be mindful of your surroundings. The trail is mostly paved or wooden boardwalks, and there is a steady grade, if subtle - and who doesn’t love a good boardwalk trail? This trail is challenging for its length more than its terrain! Download a map before you leave; the trail can get confusing in parts.

This beautiful little slice of paradise is located near the Brandywine Zoo, and if by some chance you have time at the end of the day, you should check it out! If not, we get it – it's more than ten miles long and accessible for most, but it’s not for everyone. It’s open year-round, and we strongly recommend doing the whole thing during the warmer months for the best experience. Entry fees are $4 for in-state residents and $8 for out-of-state visitors (and seriously, check out Brandywine Zoo).

White Clay Creek State Park, Park Office, 750 Thompson Station Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA

Wenmy Olivares Pinmentel/AllTrails

• Location: White Clay Creek State Park
• Mileage: 11.4 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: This loop trail takes just over four hours to complete, and it’s quite an adventure. This route is a combination of trails in the immediate area, so download a map beforehand to help with any tricky twists and turns. Though there is an elevation gain of almost 900 feet, it’s quite gradual. Entry fees are $4 for in-state residents and $8 for out-of-state visitors.

White Clay Creek State Park is gorgeous, and so are all of its hiking trails. This particular trek is long and tough, but it's worth every step! The coolest thing about this trail being a combination of other trails is that you can adapt it to your needs as you see fit. Gotta love flexibility!

Best Waterfront Hikes in Delaware

Sometimes you just need to make a splash – especially if the weather is warm, but any time of year will do. If you like your Delaware hikes with a side of water, you’ll love all the amazing waterfront hikes in Delaware there are to choose from. Here are three of the finest waterfront trails in Delaware that you’ll never forget. Don’t forget to stop along the way and dip your toes in. The water is fine.

Gordons Pond Trail, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

JT L/AllTrails

• Location: Cape Henlopen State Park
• Mileage: 6.4 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This out-and-back delight takes about an hour and a half to do – unless, of course, you find yourself hopelessly lost in its amazing views. It is quite popular and open year-round. Dogs are welcome on a leash. The path is quite flat and mostly paved, making it quite accessible. The entry fee to Cape Henlopen State Park for in-state vehicles is $5, and for out-of-state vehicles is $10.

Ah, another truly incredible hike in beautiful Cape Henlopen State Park – but can you blame us? The views on this exquisite trail are to die for, and the trail itself is quite easy. Before you know it, you’ll have done all six miles! Along the way you’ll find benches and picnic tables perfect for stopping to take it all in, and the water views are seriously incredible. Oh, and keep your eyes open for the occasional Blue heron sighting.

Swamp Forest Trail, Delaware 19701, USA

Jessica Loller - AllTrails

• Location: Lums Pond State Park
• Mileage: 6.9 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This little ditty should take just over two hours to finish. It’s popular among hikers and mountain bikers, so maintain awareness. Lums Pond State Park charges entry fees of $4 for in-state visitors and $8 for out-of-state visitors. It’s open year-round and dogs are welcome on a leash.

The Swamp Forest Trail is a fan favorite for a few reasons, but mostly thanks to the gorgeous pond the trail loops around. It’s a great trail for spotting wildlife and getting back in touch with nature! The popularity of the trail just proves its awesomeness, if you ask us. Show up early and take your time; this one’s worth the effort.

Delaware Seashore State Park, 25039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA

Scott Hess - AllTrails

• Location: Delaware Seashore State Park
• Mileage: 3.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This easy, three-and-a-half-mile adventure takes about an hour to complete. From March 1st until November 30th each year, Delaware Seashore State Park charges entry fees of $5 for in-state visitors and $10 for out-of-state visitors. Bring bug spray.

The Prickly Pear Trail's surface is almost entirely paved and/or boardwalks, making it quite easy and accessible to just about anyone. Explore gorgeous meadows, delightful woodlands and countless other natural wonders on this gorgeous Delaware state park hike. There’s lots of shade along the way, and the views are to die for.

Best Winter Hikes in Delaware

What about hiking trails in Delaware for those who like to live a little on the wild side? Everyone knows it gets cold during winter in Delaware (although autumn in Delaware is amazing too) is arguably the best time to come visit thanks to the temperatures and the color), but who says you can’t go out and hike anyway – even when it’s chilly? Here are three of the best winter hikes in Delaware, all of which are absolutely jaw-dropping when covered in a layer of fresh, flawless snow.

Parsons Point Trail, Unnamed Road, Smyrna, DE 19977, USA

Thomas/Flickr

• Location: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
• Mileage: 2.2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: The first of three trails featured at this refuge, this short-and-easy trek typically takes about 38-40 minutes to finish. It’s open year-round, and it’s a hidden gem that you can occasionally get to yourself if you arrive at the right time. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Entry to the refuge is free.

This little out-and-back adventure gives hikers a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Delaware. It’s the perfect little hike for anyone that’s looking to get away from it all without actually going too far; if you show up on a weekday, especially in the early morning, you might even get it all to yourself. You can’t go wrong!

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, 2591 Whitehall Neck Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977, USA

Laura Wolf/Flickr

• Location: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
• Mileage: 1.9 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This little loop trail takes about 30 minutes, should you not stop at all. It’s popular, but if you show up at the right time, you still might get it to yourself. Keep your eyes peeled for unique bird species as this is a great place for birdwatching. Entry to the refuge is free.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a total delight in the winter. It’s cold, yes, but the cold can’t (and shouldn’t) stop you from enjoying the great outdoors in Delaware even when it’s chilly. All of the trails at the refuge are excellent for cold-weather adventures, but the three mentioned here are the best of all! This is one breathtaking Delaware hiking trail you'll never forget.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, 2591 Whitehall Neck Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977, USA

Kayla Miller/AllTrails

• Location: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
• Mileage: 1.8 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This 1.8-mile out-and-back delight should take about 30 minutes. Like its sister hikes mentioned above, it’s short and easy and makes for an excellent daytime outing in the winter. This particular trail is a little more hidden, so you’ll encounter less crowds here.

What more is there to say about the amazing hikes at this Delaware wildlife refuge? As always, be sure to pack water even when the hike’s a short one, and be sure to wear good, sturdy shoes – preferably ones that will help prevent you from slipping should ice and/or snow be present.

Best Hikes Near Dover, Delaware

Living in Delaware’s capital city doesn’t mean you can’t go on some truly amazing hikes without getting too far away from home; there are plenty of excellent hiking trails in Delaware that happen to be in or near the city of Dover, and all of them are wonderful. You can’t possibly go wrong with choosing any single one in particular, but if you’re up for it, we recommend trying them all. There’s plenty of time; why not start with these ones?

Hunn Nature Park, 1624 Sorghum Mill Rd, Dover, DE 19901, USA

Heather Gunter/AllTrails

• Location: Hunn Nature Park
• Mileage: 1.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This loop trail takes just under a half-hour, on average. Dogs are welcome but need to be leashed. This one’s open all year round. Bug spray is a must for this one.

Who says you need to leave the city to experience nature at its finest? Not in Delaware. There are so many amazing hikes in Dover, DE that we can’t list them all, but the Hunn Nature Trail at Hunn Nature Park is something special. It’s outrageously beautiful and proves that nature is amazing everywhere... even near city limits. This trail is highly accessible for the majority of folks, including those in wheelchairs.

Fork Branch Nature Preserve, 2373 Kenton Rd, Dover, DE 19904, USA

Marissa Gilinsky/AllTrails

• Location: Fork Branch Nature Preserve
• Mileage: 1.1 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This trail is open all year and is dog friendly as long as the pup’s on a leash. This trail is nice and flat, making it highly accessible to just about everyone. For the most part, it’s wooden boardwalks.

Okay, seriously – Cape Henlopen State Park might just be the single coolest place near Dover, but this one's a close second. It’s outrageously beautiful and jam-packed with excellent hiking options, including this one. It’s just over a mile long, and with little to no incline or elevation gain, it’s quite easy. Count us in for one of the best hikes in the United States.

St. Jones River Greenway Trail Isaac Branch Segment, Public Safety Blvd, Dover, DE 19901, USA

S M/AllTrails

• Location: Dover, Delaware
• Mileage: 4.6 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This little out-and-back trail typically takes about an hour and a half. It’s perfect: not too long, not too short, and best of all, free! Do bring bug spray.

St. Jones River Greenway Trail features wetlands on one side and the highway on the other (separated by trees), so be prepared to hear traffic at times. This hike goes right through this beautiful capital city, and it’s perfect for everyone as it’s very flat and accessible to all. When it comes to all the best hiking trails in Delaware, this one’s probably among the best urban trails in the state. Sure, it’s not a crazy trail beside, say, the Atlantic Ocean or in Delaware Bay - but it’s awesome nonetheless. This particular Delaware river is well-known for its amazing canoeing, kayaking, bike trail, and more.

Are there many things in this world more amazing than all the hiking trails in Delaware? We think not, and once you’ve begun exploring them, we expect that you’ll agree. Delaware is a state that manages to pack a heavy punch in terms of amazing places to hike, and it’s easy to be totally hypnotized by its wonder. So get out and explore: there’s a whole world out there waiting.