Adventures in Cape Henlopen State Park
PHOTO PROVIDED Bike trails within Cape Henlopen State Park meander through different ecosystems. This bridge over a marsh creek is surrounded by salt marshes.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL BIEDA Sunset from the beach at the Point in Cape Henlopen State Park, overlooking Delaware Breakwater East End lighthouse.
PHOTO PROVIDED Aquariums within the Seaside Nature Center give a good glimpse into the ecosystem under the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay waters.
PHOTO PROVIDED One of the fire control towers is open to the public and allows for an excellent overview of Cape Henlopen State Park and the maritime forest below.
PHOTO PROVIDED Bike trails within Cape Henlopen State Park meander through different ecosystems. This bridge over a marsh creek is surrounded by salt marshes.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL BIEDA Sunset from the beach at the Point in Cape Henlopen State Park, overlooking Delaware Breakwater East End lighthouse.
PHOTO PROVIDED Aquariums within the Seaside Nature Center give a good glimpse into the ecosystem under the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay waters.
PHOTO PROVIDED One of the fire control towers is open to the public and allows for an excellent overview of Cape Henlopen State Park and the maritime forest below.
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Breaks and vacations away from the ordinary can occur at any time of the year. Still, summer is the most popular period to unwind, explore and spend time with the family to create memories. While I have many places that I would love to visit on a summer vacation, Delaware placed low on my list. But a family gathering in early July took me to Lewes, Del., and altered my perspective. Thanks to my wife's family, I was introduced to Cape Henlopen State Park, and over three days, I explored the beaches, maritime forests and trails. I still did not see and do everything the park can offer.
Spanning over 5,000 acres (similar in size to Bald Eagle State Park) and bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, Cape Henlopen State Park caters to the young and old, outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and history buffs.
The area was open to the public for centuries but became a state park in the 1960s. Before that time, it was used by the US military as an essential site for WW II coastal defenses. For those interested in history, a park segment contains the Fort Miles Historic Area, which showcases barracks, military equipment and a museum. Combine some history with exercise and climb one of the observation towers, which served as the eyes for the guns of Fort Miles.
Cape Henlopen State Park offers an abundance of options for those seeking outdoor recreational pursuits. Naturally, any visitor to this region of Delaware should explore the park's six miles of coastline. One of the beaches is staffed with lifeguards, perfect for families. However, venture beyond this area and discover beaches that accommodate vehicles. Although primarily favored by surf-fishing enthusiasts, these spots also offer opportunities for swimming.
Speaking of fishing, the Seaside Nature Center is deserving of a stop. Here, visitors can peer through several 1000-gallon aquarium displays, each representing aquatic life thriving within the park. One such tank showcases the vibrant ecosystem surrounding docks, piers and pilings with diverse marine life. For the more adventurous, a touch tank grants an up-close encounter with horseshoe crabs and other exciting species.
But it was the trails off the beach where I spent much time exploring. Whether on foot or bicycle, there is plenty to see on the 20-plus mile trail system. At sea level, everything is flat and easy for all ages.
Again, this is where one can combine some history with exercise. Portions of the bike trail in the park trace its roots to an era when a railway ran along the coastline. Since abandoned, it was paved throughout the park and extended beyond it as it connects nearby towns. One morning, we biked into Lewes and through Cape Henlopen State Park to Rehoboth for a coffee. One of the fantastic observations was how many people were biking. The whole area was very bike-centric, and great to see entire families out and about.
While much of the park was busy with vacationers and local residents, the walking trails were almost empty, making me feel like I was the only one there. They have a variety of courses that wind through dunes and maritime forests.
As I travel our highways and roads, my eyes always wander over the surrounding vegetation of our managed and unmanaged landscape. While I would love to pull over and explore, it is dangerous and counter-productive to marriage (it would annoy my wife to no end). However, within the Cape Henlopen State Park trail system, I found time to stop wherever and whenever and quench my interest in plants. In upcoming articles, I will delve into the plant life of Cape Henlopen State Park.