Welcome to Milton, Delaware! You’re in luck if you’re a fan of the great outdoors. Milton and its surrounding areas boast fantastic hiking and walking trails suitable for all experience levels. These seven hikes and trails near Milton, DE, will get you up and moving during your stay at Mansion Farm Inn. Whether you need a long, peaceful walk or a quick loop, there is an array of paths for any fellow step-counter!
Shorter Walking Trails
Milton Memorial Loop Trail
0.4 Miles | Paved Path
Mansion Farm Inn guests can check in and head straight for downtown, taking Milton Memorial Loop Trail as a detour to get acquainted with the quaint community. This brick pathway takes you along the Broadkill River and around Milton Memorial Park. Strolling around with a warm coffee in hand makes for a perfect morning. Parking is just off Chandler Street and within walking distance from local restaurants like Irish Eyes Pub and Restaurant. It’s a great path to walk along after a big meal or happy hour.
Canal Front Park Marina Walk
0.7 miles | Paved Path
Take a trip through time down the Canal Front Park Marina and 1812 Memorial Walk. On this brick-paved path, take in the sights of historic buildings and read up on the local history. Many figures and statues dot the path as well. The highlight of this walk is the view of the Canal. Boats docked in the marina, soft whispers of reeds swaying in the wind, and lights reflected on the water at night make this walking path near Milton enjoyable for sightseers.
Bennetts’ Walk, Julie’s Jaunt, and Ryan’s Ramble
2.7 Miles | Gravel Trail
Located within Edward H. McCabe Preserve, Bennetts’ Walk, Julie’s Jaunt, and Ryan’s Ramble is one of three walking trails within the park. Follow the gravel path along the river, but be prepared for a little mud during the wetter seasons. The preserve is packed with wildlife, with many fish spotted leaping from the ponds and over 100 different species of birds flocking the skies. It is quiet, serene, and a great dog-friendly trail for your furry friends. Plan to park at the trailhead located down Round Pole Bridge Road.
Blue Goose Trail
3.0 Miles | Gravel Trail
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge protects over 10,000 acres of land and is home to an abundance of wildlife while also boasting more than 7.5 miles worth of hiking and walking trails. Narrowing down the list to one trail can be tricky, but that’s why we’re here to help! Our favorite hike in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is Blue Goose Trail. A mix of woods and wetlands, this breezy gravel trail loop is great for birdwatching. You’re guaranteed a migrational shorebird sighting or two!
Longer Walking Trails
Redden State Forest Loop
4.8 miles | Gravel Path
If you wish to break away from the beaten path, take the Redden State Forest Loop through a lush Delaware forest. Many travelers take the trail on horseback, but this path is equally accessible to walkers and leashed pups. Expect a mix of sunny and shady coverage, which is perfect on a warmer day. It is one of the more peaceful hikes on our list; wandering for more than an hour and a half is very normal. Parking is available on the park’s west end, down Redden Forest Drive.
Gordons Ponds Trail
6.4 miles | Boardwalk Path
Gordons Pond Trail is within Cape Henlopen State Park, just down the road from Rehoboth Beach. This is a popular trail, more heavily trafficked than other local trails. However, this is for good reason. This is one of the most beautiful trails on the East Coast, taking you along gravel and boardwalk walkways through coastal dune systems and wetlands. Many visitors prefer to take the gravel path one way, picnic on the beach, and walk the shoreline back to the Whiskey Beach parking lot.
Georgetown-Lewes Trail
12.7 miles | Paved Path
Regarding Georgetown-Lewes Trail, don’t be intimidated by the distance. What once was a railway connecting Georgetown and Lewes is now a fully paved commuter path.
Picnic tables and benches are available along the path, perfect for resting your feet or a mid-day fill-up. This trail combines the natural beauty of Delaware and the connectivity of local towns, making it the perfect way to explore two communities in one day. Parking can also be found at many points along the path, so you don’t have to commit to a day of knocking 12 miles off your belt.
After a day of getting your steps in, take one more stroll down to the saltwater pool or a local restaurant for happy hour cocktails. Kick up your feet in one of our five rooms, two of which are dog-friendly. We want your stay to be as comfortable as can be, so no matter the time of year you’re visiting or the number of trails in Milton you check off your list, we’ll be here to assist you with any of your Delaware endeavors.
Photo credit:
© ballycroy via canva.com
© barsik via canva.com
