Written by Erik Windrow
There is a common misconception that the Delaware coast "shuts down" after Labor Day. But for those of us who live here year-round—or those who visit specifically for the peace of the off-season—winter is when the landscape truly reveals its soul.
The humidity is gone, the crowds have thinned, and the air has that crisp, salty bite that makes a hot coffee afterward taste so much better. Whether you’re looking to clear your head or get your heart rate up, here are the best ways to experience our coastal trails this winter.
1. The Junction & Breakwater Trail (Lewes to Rehoboth)
This is the "Old Reliable" of our trail system. A 6-mile rail-trail connecting Lewes and Rehoboth, it’s a favorite for its flat, crushed-stone surface.
The Winter Vibe: In the summer, this trail is a bustling highway of beachgoers. In the winter, it transforms into a tranquil, almost hauntingly beautiful corridor. Crossing the bridge over Holland Glade, you’ll see the marsh grasses turned a deep amber, often dusted with frost or framed by a low-hanging mist.
Pro Tip: It’s perfectly graded for a reflective solo walk or an easy bike ride without the stress of navigating summer traffic.
2. Gordons Pond Trail (Cape Henlopen State Park)
If you only have time for one trail, make it this one. It skirts the edge of the pond and winds through pine forests and salt marshes.
The Winter Vibe: The highlight here is the elevated boardwalk. Without the summer haze, the views across the pond to the ocean are crystal clear. It’s a prime spot for winter bird watching—keep an eye out for migratory waterfowl that make the marsh their seasonal home.
Why We Love It: The contrast between the sheltered pine forest and the wide-open, wind-swept marsh provides a sensory experience you just don't get in July.
3. Cape Henlopen State Park: The Loops & Dunes
The park offers a 3-mile paved loop, but the real treasures are the Walking Dunes and Salt Marsh Spur trails.
The Winter Vibe: This is where you go to feel the raw power of the coast. The dunes look like a lunar landscape under the pale winter sun. With the deciduous trees bare, the architectural beauty of the shoreline really stands out.
Bonus: You can often find a stretch of beach here entirely to yourself. There’s nothing quite like the solitude of a quiet Atlantic sunrise in January.
4. Heading South: The Quiet Resorts
While the trail network is densest around Lewes, don't overlook the ride down toward Bethany Beach. Using Delaware Bicycle Route 1, you can traverse the "Quiet Resorts" with ease.
The Winter Vibe: During the season, Route 1 is a logistical challenge. In winter, it’s a scenic coastal highway. The traffic is light, the views of the Inland Bays are expansive, and the sense of peace in downtown Bethany is a welcome change of pace.
Why We Brave the Cold
Why head out when the thermometer drops? Because winter offers things summer can't:
True Solitude: You can actually hear the wind through the beach grass and the distant crash of the surf without the hum of crowds.
Perfect Exercise Weather: No more worrying about heat stroke. The cool air keeps your core temp down, making a 10-mile ride feel like a breeze.
The Light: Photographers love winter at the beach for a reason. The "Golden Hour" lasts longer, and the sunset colors are often more vivid—think deep purples, oranges, and pinks reflecting off the icy marsh water.
Tips for Your Winter Trek
Layer Up: Start with a moisture-wicking base. You’ll warm up quickly once you start moving, but the wind off the bay can be bracing.
Check the Tides: High winter tides or storms can occasionally splash over the boardwalks in Gordons Pond. Give the park office a quick check if it's been a rainy week.
The Reward: Half the fun of a winter hike is the "warm up" afterward. We recommend finishing your trail in Lewes and heading straight to a local coffee shop for a latte or a bowl of hot soup.
Are you looking to make the Delaware coast your year-round home? I'd love to show you some properties within walking distance of these very trails. Reach out to the Windrow Group today, and let’s find your perfect coastal retreat.
Published: January 02, 2026