Talk about a flat trail. You barely notice any grade changes at all, but of course that’s one of the perks being near the beach.
Flat also means you can move quicker and cover more ground faster.
The Trailhead
Located in Lewes proper, near the trailhead is a very nice parking area, complete with bathrooms and water fountain. Like a lot of other well thought out trails, there is a repair station as well. On the other side of the lot is the Lewes Public Library.
The actual trailhead is located where it terminates at Gills Neck Road near the canal. The railroad previously went across the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, in fact, the bridge is still there.
The Trail
Shortly after you first start cycling/hiking you’ll come up to the Savannah Road crossing. It is heavily marked for motor vehicles, and both times we crossed both directions stopped to let us cross.
Similar to the C&D Canal Trail, there are a number of benches where you can sit and relax for a minute.
You know you’re in farm country when you need to keep your eye out for the cattle crossing!
Should you get a “hankering” for some ice cream, Hopkins Creamery is very close to the trail.
What’s really surprising is the amount of shade along the trail. It was around 90 degrees when we went biking, therefore the shade was both welcome and noticeable.
The entire trail is quite popular with both bikers and hikers. As you get closer to Cool Spring (the end of the out and back), there are slightly less hikers. This is logical as most of the residential area is nearer the Lewes trailhead and mostly farm fields further out. This is where the bike trail currently ends.
There are numerous access points along the trail, from both subdivisions and private residences.
All totaled the improved trail is currently around 7 miles long. If you add on the ride to the beach like we did, that’s only another mile. So it’s a relaxing 16 mile ride. Eventually the trail will ultimately extend all the way into Georgetown, but for now it only goes as far as Cool Spring, DE. Near the current west end is The Brimming Horn Meadery. There’s a foot trail beyond the Cool Spring Terminus.
The trail does connect (via some roads) to the west end of the Junction and Breakwater Trail which takes you all the way into Rehoboth, DE to its east end on Hebron Road near the point where SR#1 and SR#1A split. It also connects to Cape Henlopen State Park, then to Gordon’s Pond State Park Trail, ultimately ending up at North Shores. The Gordon’s Pond Trail was the bicycle trail President Biden took in June of 2021.
There’s more than a few signs depicting the history of the railroad that the trail is built upon.
The Practical Stuff
Given the number of road crossings in the eastern section, safety is highly emphasized along this trail. This trail is tricked out with numerous features to keep cyclers safe. But even though it is well marked, you’ll still need to pay attention. Most motor vehicle drivers are very respectful, but like any situation, there are those approaching the bike crossing that are not always paying attention.
There’s plenty of places to park and ride. There are several access points on the east end that are free parking.
There are other places, that if they are more convenient, you may want to park there instead. For example, Lewes Beach has paid parking on the beach. You can park, ride your bicycle, then sit out on the beach all without having to move your vehicle.
As there is no fully dedicated trail across the canal, biking towards Lewes Beach or Cape Henlopen State Park, requires being on the road system. At least long enough to get over the canal.
And finally, if you left something home, need an additional piece of equipment, or perhaps a repair, there’s the Seagreen Bicycle Store only a couple hundred feet from the trailhead parking area.