The day after Thanksgiving always seems to call for a good walk. We spent the holiday weekend with family in Ocean City, MD, and on Friday we all made the quick trip into Delaware to walk off our Thanksgiving meal at Gordons Pond in Cape Henlopen State Park.
Gordons Pond Trail is a hiking and biking path made of packed crushed gravel with a half-mile section of elevated boardwalk. It is wide and easily accommodates both bikers and walkers, although walkers should always be alert to bikers coming up behind them. The trail offers pond, forest, wetland, and dune views over its 3.2 miles, with ample opportunity to spot raptors, waterfowl, and other wildlife.
The trail can be accessed from either the Gordons Pond Parking Area in Rehoboth Beach or the Cape Henlopen State Park parking area in Lewes. We headed out from the southern end of the trail in Rehoboth Beach. It was a picture perfect day – gorgeous blue skies with just a few wispy white clouds. But it was COLD. The cold air coupled with a stiff breeze made for a chilly outing and cut our walk shorter than what we probably would have done on a warmer day.
The path runs along the western side of the 900-acre salt water lagoon. There are several vantage points from which to view the WWII observation towers that stand along the beach. Cape Henlopen was a strategically important location during early wartimes, and Fort Miles was built on the cape during World War II. These observation platforms, as well as bunkers, fire control towers, and the pier still stand today.
We continued walking around the pond until we came to an observation deck. This elevated platform gave a great view of the pond and surrounding areas.
Since it was so cold, we made this our turnaround point, although we were all really impressed with the trail. We would definitely love to come back in another season when we can enjoy the length of the trail. The views were just as pretty on the way back.
We were in for one last treat on our walk back. I spotted a large bird flying off in the distance. Thinking it was a hawk, I stopped and watched it fly closer and closer. As it flew right over the path, I was thrilled to discover it was a bald eagle! Amazing! We went all the way to Alaska over the summer to see bald eagles when we apparently could have seen them right in our family’s own backyard all along.
We were all super impressed with this trail and agreed that it merits a return visit in warmer weather. It would be a great place to ride bikes as a family or to walk again. The natural surroundings are varied and beautiful, the views are spectacular, the trail is well-maintained, and there is a good chance of spotting wildlife. Beach access is another plus that makes this a great overall family outing with something for everyone.
