Everyone knows that Delaware is full of colonial history! In fact, you can even visit a restaurant that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back to the 1600s at Jessop’s Tavern in New Castle. But, are you familiar with our more modern history? Not only do we have Fort Delaware, a confederate prison during the Civil War that’s now one of the most haunted places in the world, but we’re also home to the incredibly important Fort Miles, which was abandoned shortly after World War II. Fort Miles was once a key player in the Delaware Bay defense plan, protecting the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia, but it has since been left for curious Delawareans to explore. Now that it’s forever part of Cape Henlopen State Park, you can hike the park’s trails and head straight for abandoned bunkers, barracks, and coastal watchtowers.
Have you ever wondered about the watchtowers along the Delaware Coast? Well, you can hike to the abandoned Fort Miles to learn more about why they still stand tall.
Flickr / Steve Snodgrass
Head out on the trails of Cape Henlopen State Park to get a close-up view of Delaware’s military history.
Flickr / Lee Cannon
As you explore Cape Henlopen State Park’s trails, you’ll soon come across Fort Miles Historic Area.
Flickr / Mr. T in DC
The abandoned Batteries and Bunkers were once home to thousands of soldiers stationed here during World War II.
Flickr / Steve Snodgrass
The eerie, abandoned Fort was left with its artillery and machinery still in tact.
Flickr / Jeffrey
You can even tour the bunkers!
Flickr / Lee Cannon Tours are offered daily! Make a reservationon the DE State Parks website, here.
Keep walking on the sandy trails and look out for wildlife! Cape Henlopen is an important spot for migratory birds to nest.
Flickr / Lee Cannon
You can even climb to the top of a World War II Fire Control Tower…
Flickr / Jukie Bot
… and you’ll be rewarded with mesmerizing views of the entire park.
Flickr / Jeffrey
From up here, in a Fort Miles watchtower, you can almost imagine what it was like to scan the coastline for German UBoats in the middle of the war.
Flickr / Jeffrey
The trails through Cape Henlopen State Park and Fort Miles are easy for anyone to enjoy, and they’re such a huge part of our state’s history.
Flickr / Jeffrey
The Fort Miles trails are just a few of the incredible, breathtaking trails at Cape Henlopen State Park. Read more about the Gordon’s Pond – Junction and Breakwater Trail Loop here – it’s the most unforgettable hike in all of Delaware!
Flickr / Steve Snodgrass
Flickr / Lee Cannon
Flickr / Mr. T in DC
Flickr / Jeffrey
Tours are offered daily! Make a reservationon the DE State Parks website, here.
Flickr / Jukie Bot
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