Cape Henlopen State Park
Delaware
Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware covers 5,450 acres of diverse coastal landscape including beaches, dunes, and pine forests. Established as public land by William Penn in 1682, it is one of the earliest public use areas in the United States. The park features a 24-hour fishing pier on Delaware Bay, campgrounds, and year-round recreational activities such as disc golf, basketball, hiking, and biking. Its beaches, including the popular Herring Point for surfing and North Shore Beach, provide swimming areas with lifeguards during summer. Historically, the area served as a strategic military site through multiple wars, with remnants of Fort Miles including bunkers, observation towers, and fire control towers still visible. The park is a sanctuary for endangered shorebirds like the black skimmer and piping plover, and it hosts abundant horseshoe crabs in the bay. Visitors can enjoy modern amenities such as a bathhouse, snack bar, and bike rentals. Cape Henlopen is also the eastern terminus of the American Discovery Trail, the only transcontinental trail in the US, making it a unique destination blending natural beauty, history, and outdoor adventure.
ヒント: Visit during late spring to early fall for lifeguard-supervised swimming and full access to park amenities. Reserve campsites in advance, especially for family camping seasons. Obtain a permit for surf fishing and take advantage of free bike loans when available. Explore early in the morning or at sunset for optimal wildlife viewing, especially shorebirds. Check park schedules for special events and group facility rentals like the pavilion and Officer's Club.
興味深い事実
- •William Penn declared Cape Henlopen public land in 1682, making it one of the earliest public lands in the US.
- •The original Cape Henlopen Lighthouse, built in the late 1760s, fell into the Atlantic Ocean in 1926.
- •Fort Miles, a World War II coastal defense fort, features remaining bunkers and observation towers within the park.
- •The park is home to endangered shorebirds such as the black skimmer, least tern, and piping plover.
- •Cape Henlopen is the eastern terminus of the American Discovery Trail, the only transcontinental trail in the United States.
歴史
Cape Henlopen was designated as public land by William Penn in 1682, making it one of the first public lands in the American colonies.
The cape served strategic military roles during the American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War, World War I, and World War II.
The Cape Henlopen Lighthouse, built between 1767 and 1769, was one of the earliest Atlantic Coast lighthouses but collapsed into the ocean in 1926 after storm damage.
During World War II, Fort Miles was constructed with bunkers, observation towers, and gun batteries, remnants of which remain today within the park.
The area officially became a Delaware state park in 1964, preserving its natural and historical heritage.
場所ガイド
Fort Miles Bunkers and Observation Towers1940s
Explore the concrete bunkers and observation towers built during World War II as part of the coastal defense system. These structures served to monitor and protect the Delaware Bay from naval threats.
Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier
A 24-hour fishing pier on Delaware Bay offering excellent opportunities for anglers year-round. The pier is equipped with a bait and tackle shop operating seasonally.
Herring Point Beach
A popular surfing spot located within the park, known for its Atlantic Ocean waves and natural scenic beauty. The beach offers access for walking, swimming, and surf fishing with permits.
Nature and Hiking Trails
Marked trails traverse the park's diverse environments, including beaches, dunes, and pine forests. Trails vary in length and difficulty, suitable for hiking, walking, and biking.
Bathhouse and Recreation Facilities
Modern bathhouse with showers, changing rooms, and a snack bar located at the northern beach. Additional facilities include a pavilion for picnics, basketball courts, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
連絡先
電話: (302) 645-8983
