Junction and Breakwater Trail

Rail Trail Managed By Delaware State Parks Linking Lewes And Rehoboth Beach Along The Bed Of The Former Junction And Breakwater Railroad · Lewes, Delaware

The Junction and Breakwater Trail is a rail trail of roughly six miles between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, built on the bed of the old Junction and Breakwater railroad that once carried trains toward the Delaware Bay breakwater at Cape Henlopen. It is managed by Delaware State Parks and runs through a mix of woods, farm fields, wetlands and the backs of new housing developments, on a mostly firm crushed-stone surface with some paved sections. The best-known spot is a trestle-style bridge over a marshy glade, where the trail crosses open wetland with views of reeds and birds. The trail gives the beach towns something rare: a car-free way between them, so you can ride from a Lewes breakfast to the Rehoboth boardwalk and back without facing Route 1. It connects with trails in Cape Henlopen State Park and the Lewes-Georgetown Trail, and bike rental shops in both towns make it an easy half day. Entry is free. It is flat, family friendly and busy on summer mornings, with a few busy road crossings to take carefully.

Gills Neck Road trailhead, Lewes, Delaware, 19958, United States

The trail is free and generally open daily from about sunrise to sunset; it is not lit, and trailhead lots are for daytime use - confirm current hours with Delaware State Parks. There is no fee to use the trail itself, but trailhead parking is limited, and in summer the small lots at the Rehoboth end and the Lewes end can fill early in the morning; Rehoboth and Lewes both run paid parking in town in season - confirm. If you continue into Cape Henlopen State Park by car, a per-vehicle fee applies in season, roughly March to November, higher for out-of-state plates, while bikes and walkers entering on the trails have generally not paid - confirm. Restrooms and drinking water along the trail are limited and may be seasonal. Sections can close briefly after storms, for resurfacing or for construction where new roads and developments meet the corridor. Bike rental shops in Lewes and Rehoboth keep seasonal hours and book up on summer weekends.

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