Hiking offers an idyllic way to spend time outdoors and shed some of life’s stress. What I really love about hiking is how I always discover something new - a patch of wildflowers, unique rock formations, or a hidden waterfall - no matter how many times I’ve followed the same path. While I usually prefer little-known hikes for the quiet they promise, some paths, like this iconic trail in Delaware, are so beloved that they belong on every hiker’s bucket list.
Meandering nearly five miles through Middle Run Valley Natural Area Park in Newark, the Lenape Loop South Trail boasts abundant natural and manmade beauty and, if you’re up for it, a bit of a challenge. Snagging a moderate rating from All Trails, the obstacles, including a narrowing path and overgrowth in some spots, are all fairly easy to overcome. The trail isn’t well-marked through either, so keep that in mind before setting off.
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Despite those slight obstacles, the Lenape Loop South Trail is kid-friendly and welcomes leashed dogs. Be prepared to share the trail with mountain bikers and other hikers, although you might luck out and run into fewer adventurers if you hike at certain times of the day or even during the winter. Pack plenty of water no matter when you hike. Insect repellant is essential during the warmer months.
One of the biggest selling points of the Lenape Loop South Trail is the diverse scenery, which means you’ll probably want to bring your camera. Cross over fairy tale footbridges, past flowing streams, and to fields of wildflowers. Most of the path is flanked by trees, which provide much-needed shade during the spring and summer. The fields of wildflowers in both seasons eventually give way to brilliant colors of fall leaves. Bundle up, too, for a cold winter walk; the trail is particularly breathtaking after a fresh snowfall.
Take a few moments, when you come across a bench, to sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy the scenery. You might even see or cross paths with local wildlife, including deer.
Learn more about Middle Run Valley Natural Area Park on the official website of the Delaware Nature Society.
Do you have a favorite iconic trail in Delaware that everyone should hike at least once? Share with us by filling out this nomination form.
One of the best ways to get to know Delaware is on a scenic hike. After you’ve followed this iconic trail in Newark, set off on another of the best hiking trails in Delaware. Then, head to AllTrails+ for a comprehensive list of Delaware trails, including maps, hiker reviews, and photos.
Skip the Crowds: Explore Delaware’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month
Escape the crowds on these five tranquil hiking trails in Delaware. Discover hidden gems, peaceful forests, and scenic views, perfect for a quiet escape.
Delaware might be known for its beaches and boardwalks, but sometimes you just want to escape the crowds and find a little peace and quiet, right? Well, this month, we're ditching the hustle and bustle and heading for the trails. Get ready to discover some of the most tranquil hiking trails in Delaware, from the rolling hills of Auburn Valley to the hidden corners of Trap Pond State Park. These five serene spots are the perfect antidote to overcrowded attractions.
The Auburn Valley Trail is a great option if you're looking for a relaxed and scenic walk or bike ride. Located in Auburn Valley State Park, this 1.2-mile loop meanders through the Red Clay Valley. It's mostly flat and paved, making it appropriate for strollers and wheelchairs, though some assistance may be needed on the steeper sections. You'll likely spot some interesting birds and wildflowers along the way, and the scenery is quite lovely. Just a heads up, there is an entrance fee for the park, so grab some cash before you go.
If you're up for a bit more of a challenge, there are some inclines along the trail. But don't worry, there are also benches where you can take a break and enjoy the view. For those who prefer a completely flat path, there's a shorter, accessible trail near the Paper Mill Bridge parking lot. This path takes you to the historic Marshall Bridge, which is worth checking out. Whichever way you choose to explore, the Auburn Valley Trail offers a welcome retreat and a chance to reconnect with nature.
If you're looking for a shorter trail that's still packed with natural beauty, check out the American Holly Trail in Trap Pond State Park. This 1.8-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to experience the park's diverse ecosystem without committing to a longer hike. You'll wander through a lovely hardwood forest filled with loblolly pines, bald cypress trees, and, of course, the American hollies with their signature red berries.
The trail itself is pretty easy to manage, with a gentle grade that's suitable for all fitness levels. It begins at the Baldcypress Nature Center and eventually connects with the Bob Trail, which circles Trap Pond. This gives you the option to extend your hike if you're feeling ambitious. While the Bob Trail can get busy, the American Holly Trail tends to be quieter, offering a more secluded experience. Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee for the park, and the nature center has specific days of operation, so it's always a good idea to check before you head out.
3. Parsons Point Trail, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
The Parsons Point Trail at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge provides a unique blend of woodland and wetland environments. This 2.2-mile out-and-back trail meanders through a peaceful forest, eventually leading to breathtaking views of Delaware Bay. It's an ideal spot for birdwatchers, with plenty of opportunities to observe various species in their natural habitat.
The trail is mostly flat and easy to walk, so you can enjoy a nice stroll without breaking a sweat. And while it can be a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, the trail rarely feels crowded, allowing for a tranquil and immersive experience. You might even spot a bald eagle soaring overhead. With a very affordable day-use fee, you can enjoy all the refuge has to offer. And if you love it, consider grabbing an annual pass for even more adventures.
The Fred Hudson Road Trail is a unique pathway that connects the charming town of Ocean View to the Delaware Seashore State Park. This 4.3-mile trail offers a mix of paved and crushed stone surfaces, perfect for various activities like walking, biking, and running.
As you journey along the trail, you'll be treated to a variety of scenery, from wooded areas to open landscapes. It's an excellent place to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. At the northern end, you can even connect to the Prickly Pear Trail for a longer trek that delves deeper into the park's wetlands.
Want to experience the beauty of the coast and the serenity of a pine forest without battling the crowds at Cape Henlopen State Park's main attractions? Then check out the Pinelands Trail Loop. This 1.5-mile loop takes you through a beautiful pine forest, and you'll even catch glimpses of the ocean through the trees.
It's a pretty easy hike, mostly flat with some sandy spots and a few gentle hills. One recent AllTrails hiker described it as "a lovely walk from the beach to the woods," highlighting the trail's diverse terrain. Just remember that dogs aren't allowed on this trail, there is an entry fee, and you might want to bring bug spray if you're hiking in the summer.
So, ditch the crowds and discover the peaceful side of Delaware with these five hidden gems. Have you explored any of these trails yourself? Nominate your favorite quiet hikes! I'm always looking for new recommendations to share with our readers. And for even more options, check out these 18 amazing hiking trails in Delaware.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
