The 3,143 acre park contains a wealth of natural beauty. In addition to the attractive bay and ocean beaches, the Gordon’s Pond Wildlife Area features a unique saltwater impoundment. Along the coast, the Great Dune rises 80 feet above sea level, and further inland, the famous “walking dunes” slowly move across the pine forests. A broad salt marsh stretches along the park’s western boundary. The variety of habitats within the park make it a valuable home to many species of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Hiking trails and interpretive displays throughout the park help visitors to learn about these fascinating natural features. In addition, several WWII-era bunkers provide scenic overlooks, and one of the concrete observation towers has been renovated to provide a panoramic view of the Cape.
For those interested in fishing, a quarter-mile long pier provides convenient access to the Delaware Bay. The bait and tackle concession at the pier offers fishing supplies and snack foods.
Delaware Seashore State Park
There are six miles of Ocean and Bay Shoreline. Bounded on the east by the mighty Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay, the 2018-acre park is a beach-goers delight.
Fishing is a very popular year-round pastime at Delaware Seashore. In addition to surf fishing on the ocean beaches, anglers may try their luck along the banks of the Indian River Inlet
Headboats and charter boats welcome visitors aboard for ocean fishing excursions, too. Several captains operate fishing boats from the Indian River Marina, located on the bay side north of the Inlet. The marina’s 295 boat slips can be rented on a yearly basis, and for those bringing boats for the day, 2 launching ramps at the marina allow access to the bays and the ocean (fee required).
Holts Landing
The 203-acres area contains a variety of beautiful landscapes, from bay shore beach to grassy fields and hardwood forests.
The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation provides a surprising variety of recreation pursuits at this small bayside park. Picnicking is one of the more popular activities. Picnic tables and grills are located under shade trees throughout the park, and the large grassy lawns overlooking the bay invite visitors to spread out a picnic blanket. A picnic pavilion with a built-in barbeque grill can be reserved for family reunions, corporate parties, and other group events. Children will enjoy the new playground near the picnic area, and horseshoe pitching provides an entertaining diversion for those who bring the stakes and horseshoes.
The park also maintains two ball fields. Bring baseballs or softballs, bats and gloves to practice this all-American sport. The ball fields are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fishing in the bay is a fun leisure activity, from boats or from the shoreline. Lucky anglers may land a flounder, bluefish, perch, or sea trout. The shallow bay waters are perfect for clamming, too.
The nearby Assawoman Canal is also part of Holts Landing State Park. The 97-acre canal connects the Indian River Bay with Little Assawoman Bay to the south. Measuring over three miles in length, the canal was originally dug by hand by immigrants during the 1890’s.
Trap Pond
Trap Pond became one of Delaware’s first state parks in 1951. Trap Pond is one of the largest fresh water ponds in the State.
Visitors have many opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the wetland forest. Hiking trails surround the pond, providing opportunities to glimpse native animal species and many flowering plants. Bird watching is a popular activity and the observant hiker may spot a great blue heron, owl, hummingbird, warbler, bald eagle or the elusive pileated woodpecker.
Boating among the bald cypress is a favorite pastime at the park. Rowboats, pedal boats, surf bikes, canoes and kayaks can be rented during the summer season, and the park interpreter hosts narrated pontoon boat tours on weekends and holidays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. A boat launching ramp can accommodate small motorized boats for fishing or scenic excursions. Anglers on the water or shore may land largemouth bass, pickerel, catfish, and bluegills. One of the streams that flows into Trap Pond has been marked as a wilderness canoe trail for those who wish to explore the swamp’s interior.
