Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park | |
---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)[1] | |
Location | Sussex County, Delaware, United States |
Nearest city | Lewes, Delaware |
Coordinates | 38°46′00″N 75°05′45″W / 38.76667°N 75.09583°W |
Area | 5,193 acres (21.02 km2) |
Established | 1964 |
Named for | Cape Henlopen |
Governing body | Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control |
Website | Cape Henlopen State Park |
Cape Henlopen State Park is a
History
Cape Henlopen, on
The cape was an important strategic location for the
A small gun platform was built by 1918 near the present site of Point Comfort parking lot. It was abandoned and removed prior to construction of Fort Miles.[3]
During
Wildlife
Cape Henlopen State Park is home to a vast array of wildlife, notably several species of shorebird. The black skimmer, least tern, and piping plover are all endangered species that are abundant within the park. Horseshoe crabs are also very common, especially in the Delaware Bay.
Recreation
The beach at Cape Henlopen State Park is open year-round. There are two beaches that are open to swimming at the park with lifeguard patrols between the Memorial and Labor Day weekends.[5] A modern bath house with showers, changing rooms and a snack bar is located at the northern beach. North Shore Beach, the southern beach at Cape Henlopen State Park, is a popular beach among lesbians.[6]
Cape Henlopen State Park has two facilities that are rented out for large group gatherings, a pavilion for picnics and the "Officer's Club" a remnant of the Fort Miles days. The 18 hole disc golf course and basketball courts are open year-round. Hunting is permitted during Delaware's designated hunting seasons in some parts of the park. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Cape Henlopen State Park is a popular fishing destination. Anglers may fish from the beach or from the fishing pier on Delaware Bay. A concessionaire operates the Cape Henlopen Fishing Center, a bait and tackle shop at the pier. It is open seven days a week May 15 - October 1.[7] Visitors to the park may drive onto the beach for surf fishing after receiving a permit from the park authorities. Access over the dunes is open to pedestrians at all times.
The pine covered dunes of Cape Henlopen State Park are open to camping in some areas with over 150 campsite available. Most sites have running water. They are available from family camping March 1 - November 30. Reservations are required. A primitive campground is available for use by youth groups.
There are a variety of marked nature and hiking trails at the park, ranging from a beach to pine forests. Bicycles are another popular way to explore the park, and free bike loans are available (weather permitting).
Cape Henlopen State Park is the eastern terminus of the American Discovery Trail, which is the only transcontinental trail in the United States.[8]
Seaside Nature Center
The park's Seaside Nature Center features
Programs offered include hayrides, guided nature walks and hikes, birding trips, preschool programs, school programs and children's vacation workshops.
Nearby state parks
The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Cape Henlopen State Park:
- Cape May Point State Park (New Jersey)
- Delaware Seashore State Park (Sussex County)
- Fenwick Island State Park (Sussex County)
- Holts Landing State Park (Sussex County)
- Killens Pond State Park (Kent County)
- Trap Pond State Park (Sussex County)
See also
References
- ^ "Cape Henlopen State Park". Protected Planet. IUCN. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
- ^ "The Nation's First Public Lands". Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Archived from the original on March 3, 2017. Retrieved September 6, 2007.
- ^ Images of America: Fort Miles, Dr. G. Wray and L. Jennings, Arcadia Publishing, 2005
- ^ "Fort Miles Historical Area". Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Archived from the original on May 28, 2009. Retrieved September 6, 2007.
- ^ a b "Cape Henlopen State Park". Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Archived from the original on September 25, 2007. Retrieved September 6, 2007.
- ISBN 9780061230806. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
- ^ "Cape Henlopen Fishing Center". Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Archived from the original on May 27, 2009. Retrieved September 6, 2007.
- ^ "American Discovery Trail website". Retrieved October 21, 2010.