Laurel Is Home To Delaware’s Best Hiking Trail
There is still time this summer to travel to Lauren for Delaware’s best hiking trail.
I’ll be honest, I never considered myself a hiker.
The bugs, the bug bites, the sweating, and the snakes was never appealing to me.
I had actually never been a legit hike until I moved to California, then I went on my first hike and I was hooked.
A hike can be challenging but the feeling of accomplishment and the relaxation of being surrounded by nature changed my mind in an instant.
I would also promise myself a big breakfast after my hike. That part helped too.
I would even try to find a cool picture of a rock formation or nature feature and then try and find a breakfast place with a dish that resembled what I would take pictures of.
Maybe I like breakfast a little more than hiking, but at least I was motivated to get off the couch.
According to TravelAwaits Delaware’s best hiking trail in located in Laurel at Trap Pond State Park.
“Marvel at the bald cypress trees that rise from the still waters of Trap Pond when you take to the five-mile-long Trap Pond Loop. In addition to these majestic trees, you could see a variety of birds, from fierce bald eagles to red-headed woodpeckers” according to TravelAwaits.
The Trap Pond Loop is about a 5-mile hike and is ranked as an easy hike.
AllTrails says the loop takes hikers 1 hour and 28 minutes to complete, is open year round, and leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
They also say you won’t run into too many people while on the loop so there won’t be any weird heavy breathing smiles as you pass by fellow hikers.
One trail reviewer says the trail is easy and flat and is a nice walk through the pines.
Have you been to Delaware’s best hiking trail?
9 Great Hiking Trails Close To Wilmington
Brandywine Creek State Park River Loop
Some of the most beautiful views along this one! If you do the entire loop its close to 5 miles. We love doing this one throughout the year. We prefer loop trails and this one does not disappoint! The starting point is at Brandywine Creek State Park office where you can get a free trail map!
Brandywine Creek State Park Indian Springs Trail
This one is a shorter Brandywine hike. It’s 2.3 mile loop. Some say it’s a bit challenging, but it takes under an hour to do. I love this one on quiet winter days.
Susquehanna State Park To Conowingo Dam
Do you love to watch eagles soar and land in close by trees where you can get kind of close to them? Then the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail is for you. Of course you can drive right to the parking area at Conowingo Dam which is just under an hours drive from Wilmington. But if you want to get a scenic hike in along the river along with your eagle watching go to parking area at Stafford and Craig’s Corner Roads along the Deer Creek. Park your car and cross the bridge and the trail head is just past the bridge over the creek. Be ready for a 7 to 8 mile hike from this point to the Conowingo Dam and back again. Totally worth it!
John Heinz Lake Loop
For a totally different hiking experience from the hikes mentioned above, do the John Heinz experience! I’m sure you’ve driven by it many times while going up and down I95 or going to catch a flight at PHL. But a trip to John Heinz Wildlife Refuge is totally worth it! Where else can you see the Philly skyline and be about a mile away from jets taking off and landing? And the birds taking off and landing are just as compelling to watch! This loop is 3.5 miles. When I’m in the mood for a flat run, this is the place!
First State National Historic Park
Did you know there is a National Park right on the boarder of Delaware and New Castle Counties? First State National Park is right at the end of Beaver Valley Road at Beaver Dam Road. Who knew such beauty was just miles from Route 202? There are great hiking trails on both the PA and the De side of the park A nice quick hike is The Rocks at Brandywine Creek Trail…it’s on 1.7 miles.
Ridley Creek State Park Blue Trail Loop
So many great hiking opportunities at Ridley Creek State Park in Delaware County PA. I’ve both hiked and trail ran on the Blue Loop. It’s 3.4 miles with steep hills and flat land along Ridley Creek. It’s a really pretty hike, especially in fall. The trail goes through an old homestead where there ruins of a house and farm equipment!
Ridley Creek State Park Orange Trail Loop
The Ridley Creek Orange Trail is 2 miles and goes up a hill and along the creek. Along the way is very scenic with nice views of Ridley Creek. It’s easy to get to via Gradyville Road.
Hildacy Preserve near Media PA
Hildacy Preserve is 55 acres of Natural Lands on the site of a former farm. We generally don’t follow a trail, but instead just wander making our own hike up as we go along. You can get in a good 3 to 6 mile hike here. Enjoy the meadows and Crum Creek. Keep your eyes and ears out for a pretty cool fountain! Find it at 1031 Palmers Mill Road in Media.
Darlington Trail in Middletown Township Delco
The Darlington Trail is in Middletown Township, Delaware County. This hike can be combined with the Rocky Run Trail located just off Baltimore Pike on Valley Road or at the Darlington Trailhead on Darlington Road.
These are some of my favorite hiking trails and I hope you enjoy them too!
Bike Trails Near Wilmington - EJ's Favs!
Northern Delaware Greenway Trail Wilmington
The Northern Delaware Greenway Trail runs thru New Castle County, including Alapocas Run State Park, Rockwood County Park, Bringhurst Woods Park and Bellevue State Park. A few years ago we took a ride from Bellevue to the Brandywine Zoo. It’s a great ride, and you will encounter some hills along the way. Be sure to check out the rock ledges at Alapocas!
Jack A. Markell Trail Wilmington to New Castle
My favorite trail in Delaware is the Jack A. Markell Trail that is a rather easy 7.9 mile ride from Wilmington to New Castle Battery Park. It’s paved and includes a boardwalk through a freshwater tidal marsh refuge where you not only have a great view of the city of Wilmington, but also wildlife including bald eagles! We park at the DuPont Environmental Education Center and ride down to Battery Park. After spending some time enjoying the river views in New Castle, be sure to have lunch or a snack at the restaurants Delaware Street.
C&D Canal Bike Trail Chesapeake City MD to Delaware City DE
Last year for our wedding anniversary, my wife and I stayed at a cool Airbnb in Chesapeake City and of course we brought our bikes along!The C&D Canal Trail follows the Chesapeake-and-Delaware Canal from Chesapeake City to Delaware City. If you are up for a long ride, this is a great one! It’s 30 miles round trip on smooth asphalt with two short steep hills. If starting in Chesapeake City, you are greeted in Delaware City by many great restaurants and shops and a great view of the Delaware River.
