Love the Junction & Breakwater but tired of the weekend crowds? It’s time to go 'off-map.' From the elevated boardwalks of Gordons Pond to the silent, pine-scented paths of the Great Marsh, we’ve found the three best coastal loops where you can actually hear the birds and less bicycle bells!
1. The Gordons Pond - Salt Marsh Boardwalk
Most people stop when the pavement ends at the Rehoboth outlet of the Junction & Breakwater. The real magic is pushing through Cape Henlopen State Park toward Gordons Pond.
The Experience: This is an elevated, wide boardwalk that skims across the edge of a picturesque saltwater lagoon. In late March and April, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise. You’ll see ospreys returning to their nests and Great Blue Herons stalking the shallows.
Pro Tip: Stop at the Gordons Pond Scenic Overlook. It’s a raised observation deck that provides a 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the salt marsh on the other. It feels like you’re standing at the edge of the world. While you’re there, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths!
2. The Great Marsh Preserve -The "Quiet" Loop
Located on the northwestern side of Lewes (off New Road), this is the trail for people who want to escape the summer crowds entirely.
The Experience: Unlike the flat beach trails, this area winds through coastal loblolly pines and overlooks the Broadkill River. It’s part of a 17,000-acre puzzle of protected wetlands. The ground here is often packed dirt or gravel, giving it a more "mountain bike" feel without the inclines.
"Pro" Tip: Head here close to "Golden Hour" (1-2 hours before sunset). The light hitting the marsh grasses turns the entire landscape into a painting of gold and deep purple. This is a great environment to turn your amateur photography into one of professional level!
3. The Walking Dunes Trail - The "Sand & Forest"
Located deep within Cape Henlopen State Park, this trail is often overlooked by cyclists because it's shorter, but it offers diverse terrain.
The Experience: You’ll bike through a "maritime forest" where the trees are stunted and twisted by the salt spray, eventually opening up to massive, migrating sand dunes. It’s one of the few places in Delaware where you can see the ecosystem shifting from one to the next in real-time.
"Pro" Tip: Take some extra time and look for the "ghost trees"—ancient cedars that were buried by shifting dunes decades ago and are now being "exhumed" as the dunes shift.
While there are a plenty of well-worthy trails to explore in our area, these are just a few we’ve rounded up. These can be enjoyed any time of year however, we find them especially magical as the Winter blues start to melt away and give way to a more hospitable Spring welcome! If you have any photos of your trail travels you’d like to share with us, please do! We would love to see where you’ve been exploring lately.
As always, we are proud to serve an area as rich in wildlife, culture, and beauty as this one! If you have friends or family who are ready to embrace this wonderful lifestyle, give us a call. Our team of experienced professionals is here to help—remember, we don’t just work here, we live here, too!