🦅 Coastal Boardwalk Between Rehoboth and Lewes — 900-Acre Saltwater Lagoon, Birding Superhighway, and WWII Towers — A 3.2-mile crushed gravel and boardwalk trail through salt marshes, dunes, and maritime forest with epic birding, observation towers, and WWII history — part of Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
Gordons Pond Trail is Delaware’s most spectacular coastal walk — a 3.2-mile crushed gravel and boardwalk trail connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach through the heart of Cape Henlopen State Park. The trail skirts a 900-acre saltwater lagoon (Gordons Pond) through salt marshes, coastal maritime forests, and sandy dunes, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and some of the best birding on the entire East Coast.
This is a legitimate “migration superhighway” — ospreys, bald eagles, and hundreds of species of waterfowl and shorebirds funnel through the area during spring and fall migrations. Historic World War II observation towers stand along the beach, relics of Delaware’s coastal defense system. The elevated boardwalk sections over the marshes are wheelchair-accessible and provide stunning overlooks.
Trail Details
| Feature | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 3.2 miles one-way | ~6.4 miles out-and-back |
| Surface | Crushed gravel + boardwalk | Mostly flat, stroller-friendly |
| North Trailhead | Herring Point (Lewes) | Cape Henlopen SP parking |
| South Trailhead | Gordons Pond lot (Rehoboth) | Near Rehoboth Beach |
| Difficulty | Easy | Flat, accessible boardwalk sections |
What to See
| Feature | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gordons Pond | 900-acre saltwater lagoon | Brackish habitat, wildlife-rich |
| Birding | Migration superhighway | Ospreys, bald eagles, waterfowl |
| Observation Deck | Southern end overlook | Panoramic pond + ocean views |
| WWII Towers | Coastal defense lookouts | Historic concrete towers on beach |
| Boardwalk Marshes | Elevated sections | Over salt marsh, wheelchair-accessible |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 52–70°F | Peak bird migration, wildflowers |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 55–72°F | Fall migration, comfortable temps |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 72–88°F | Beach combo, biking, sunrise walks |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 32–45°F | Wintering birds, solitude |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DE Resident | $5/vehicle | Cape Henlopen SP entry |
| Non-Resident | $10/vehicle | Memorial Day–Labor Day higher |
| Day Trip | $5–$10 | Trail + birding + WWII towers + beach |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bike the trail?
Yes — and it’s excellent for biking. The crushed gravel surface is smooth and well-maintained. The 3.2-mile one-way distance makes a perfect bike ride between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.
What birds can I see?
During migration: hundreds of species — ospreys, bald eagles, warblers, shorebirds, herons, and waterfowl. Gordons Pond sits on a major Atlantic Flyway migration route.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The elevated boardwalk sections are wheelchair and stroller accessible. The crushed gravel sections are generally smooth but may be challenging for some wheelchair users.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Cape Henlopen State Park (a short drive away) and Beachside Camping Paradise: Your Guide to Cape Henlopen State Park (a short drive away).
🦅 Delaware’s Best Coastal Walk
3.2 miles of boardwalk and trail through a 900-acre lagoon, migration superhighway birding, WWII towers, and Atlantic Ocean views — connecting Lewes to Rehoboth Beach.
Park Location
Top Tours & Activities Near Rehoboth Beach
from $65
from $175
from $23