Explore the best rated trails in Delaware, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Junction & Breakwater Trail and Michael N. Castle C&D Canal Trail. With more than 49 trails covering 146 miles you’re bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Q: If I bike ride the short 1.8 mile Ben Cardin trail in Maryland, should I bother continuing on to Delaware's Michael N. Castle trail?
A: Most definitely! Why stop after just two miles?
Q: Is it as flat and easy as the Ben Cardin trail?
A: It's mostly long, flat and occasionally curves as it parallels the not perfectly straight canal, but there are three places where the trail leaves the canal and climbs up the side of the hill. There it's curvier and takes you through woodlands and by a marina.
Q: Are the hills strenuous?
A: For regular, fit bikers and old guys like me with a Swytch pedal assist system, no. For others I would say yes.
Q: How strenuous?
A: One is steep enough to warrant two switchbacks. I also encountered a middle aged couple at the top of one of the hills resting, recovering, and acting like, What have we gotten ourselves into? I also observed another young, fit woman jogging who had to stop halfway up the hill, bend over, and put her hands on her knees.
Q:Is it picturesque?
A: Yes, lots of interesting photo ops of bridges, the canal, birds, woodlands, salt marshes, watercraft, charming homes, and historical sites.
Q: So if I start in Maryland and reach 5th Street in Delaware City, that's where I turn around?
A: Technically, that's the end of the Castle Trail, but why stop there? Cross the road and continue for another mile or so along quiet Canal Road and the Delaware City Marina to old, historic Delaware City, Battery Park, and Delaware Bay! You'll regret it if you don't!
Q: Are there any rest stops or restrooms?
A: There are restrooms at South Lums Trailhead on the trail and at Battery Park. There are also benches consistently along the canal about every 250 yards!
Q: Is it safe? What are the trail users like?
A: The friendliest and most polite you could ever hope for!
Q: As a former educator, what grade would you give this trail?
A: An A, but not an easy A. You'll have to work hard to complete those six inclines (assuming you're traveling the entire distance and doing a round trip).
Firm fine gravel or dirt through the woods around the pond. A small section near the dam was paved. The south side is about 8 feet wide with gradual curves. The north side is about four feet wide and winds through the trees with a couple of sharp turns. We went counterclockwise out of the campground and found that to be downhill all the way around, or felt that way. Really no hills, just a slight up on the wider path for a short distance. We had two inch tires which were fine. One inch tires would probably be fine too. It was an enjoyable ride through the woods. Stop at the lovely church restored church
Actually a small network of multi-use trails, the Smyrna-Clayton Bike Path gives residents of both of these communities a great alternative to walking or biking along busy local roads.
The trail is comprised of two main branches, starting from Duck Creek Parkway on either side of the High School and Middle School campus. The northwest branch separates the high school from adjacent mini-storage facilities and a residential subdivision, while the northeast division follows a powerline that runs along a branch of Duck Creek and connects to the west side of Smyrna via a footbridge. Both branches of the trail wrap around the campus and converge just south of a small cow pasture. The trail continues southeast of here, crossing the creek on a footbridge and ending at the intersection of Routes 6 and 300.
In addition to giving local residents a chance to enjoy nature, the trail gives students at the high and middle schools a safe means to walk to and from school . Unfortunately, I noticed some minor deterioration on the footbridge northwest of the Route 6 and 300 intersection. People who are sensitive to loud noises should also be aware that the local fire company's emergency alert siren is just north of the junction between the northwest and northeast branches of the trail.
The beginning of the trail was easy to find after parking in the alternate parking area since the main parking was closed. The recent storm made the trail somewhat muddy with one fallen tree blocking the way about 1/4 mile from the trailhead. The narrow path along the water's edge on one side, and corn field on the other was fine to bike on, but ended at just over a mile due to a small stream that needed to be crossed. Instead of trying to find an alternate way across, we just turned around and headed back to the parking lot.
Wish they'd extend it somehow. It's a decent workout and somewhat nicer in the colder months since it dumps you into del Rec. Not as many walkers in the winter
This is absolutely one of the nicest urban trail systems I’ve ever seen. The diversity is outstanding as you traverse from park to park. Rolling hills, thick canopies, sheer rock walls, frisbee golf, babbling brooks, historic buildings, on and on. Great for running, hiking, and biking. It is my opinion that if you don’t give this five stars you just don’t like the outdoors.
Surprisingly pleasant trail - crushed stone/pine needle surface w/ plenty of shade. 1 mile out and back w/ ample parking at the trailhead. There are several other trails at the parking area as well. Flat and scenic stroll thru the pine woods and fresh pond waters. Most enjoyable!
We did this trail starting at the outlets in Rehoboth (large parking lot right next to Microtel hotel). The trail starts off in a pine forest with gravel (a little hard for my husband who has skinny tires!) then winds through a new neighborhood where you ride down the center median. Eventually you wind up in the cute town of Lewes. We decided to add to this ride and go to Gordon Pond loop (easy to connect. Just head towards Cape May Ferey/ Cape Henlopen. Everything is well marked and there are maps in strategic places. Loved this!!!
We walked here for our first time and the family went went 3 hours. Trails are well maintained, nice river scenery, and clean! There is a sign about ticks, and we found 5 on us, but that was the only negative.
It has been nearly 10 years since the trail opened. It is beautiful, but it really needs to be re-graded. I mean these crushed stone trails aren't going to last forever.
Nice walk, mostly sunny paved
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