Abby ShepardExplorer

Camp within the enchanting forest of Trap Pond State Park and explore the northernmost natural grove of baldcypress trees on the east coast. Be sure to take out a kayak or canoe and paddle among the ancient baldcypress swamp to discover native birds, turtles, wildflowers, and other incredible species.  The Trap Pond Campground contains 142 campsites on the pond's northern shore. Yurts, cabins, ...

Lums Pond State Park offers endless adventures while you camp in the newly renovated campground. Explore the pond via kayak, hike through more than 12 miles of trails, fish from the water’s edge, take your dog to enjoy the off-leash dog park, or try the Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course.   The campground now features electric, water and sewer hook-ups. Amenities include:  WaterRestroomsFire pitsS...

The Rocky Run Trail is a 3.2-mile loop through Brandywine Creek State Park in Wilmington, Delaware. The trail has some nice views of the Brandywine River and the surrounding forest. There are some rocky areas of mild elevation, so be prepared.  The trail is not well marked, and there are many offshoots of the main trail. I recommend downloading an offline map of the area.  Park at the Thompso...

With a high fish populations, calm shallow water, and white sand, Hanauma Bay is the perfect snorkeling destination on Oahu. Large reefs teeming with marine life are located a short swim from shore. The water is calm, and the bay is protected from waves, making it a great spot for beginners and advanced snorkelers alike. Snorkel gear is available for rent on the beach.  The parking lot fills qu...

Assateague Island is a 37 mile long barrier island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia, and is home to the famous herd of wild horses. Asssateague National Seashore is located on the Maryland side of the island, and offers Atlantic beaches, bay beaches, biking routes, hiking trails, and wild horse sightings. Park at the Assateague Island Visitor Center and explore the exhibits inside. To ...

Ċirkewwa is a harbor on the northernmost point of Malta, and serves as a popular, and beautiful dive site for beginners and advanced divers alike. Beneath the crystal clear Mediterranean water, you'll find reefs, rock arches, submerged artifacts, and even Rozi Wreck, a sunken tugboat. Many dive centers on the island lead trips to Ċirkewwa, and trips can be adjusted to skill and comfort level. R...

Ohiopyle State Park, located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, is full of adventure along the Youghiogheny River. During your visit, make sure you stop by the Meadow Run natural waterslide for some serious fun.  You can park for free at the Meadow Run parking lot, and then take a short walk down a flight of wooden stairs to access the water. The parking lot fills fast, so plan to get there at o...

Delaware Seashore State Park offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Rehoboth and Indian River Bays to the west. the campground is located beside the iconic Indian River Inlet Bridge, only a short walk from the beach. Be sure to visit the Indian River Life-Saving Station, a historic station built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service to respond to the alar...

A cenote is a a natural sinkhole that appears when bedrock collapses and exposes groundwater beneath. The exposed water can be above ground, or in a series of underground caves and rivers. The Yucatan Peninsula is somewhat known for cenotes, and a trip to the area isn't complete without a swim in one. There are a ton of different cenotes on the peninsula, so the key is choosing which ones you w...

White Clay Creek State Park is a large expanse of beautiful woods and streams with over 37 miles of trails. The PennDel Trail follows White Clay Creek and winds through the hardwood forests.  The PennDel Trail actually begins at the Pennsylvania state line, but the easiest way to access the trail is from the White Clay Creek Nature Center. If you park at the Nature center, you can take the trai...

Brandywine Creek State Park, a 933-acre park located in Northern Delaware, offers 14 miles of hiking trails, expanses of open fields, and the beautiful Brandywine Creek. The Hidden Pond trail is an excellent hike through the hardwood forests and down to the banks of the creek.  The trail begins by the nature center. Park in the large lot in front of the building, and follow the signs to the tr...

Holts Landing State Park is a small, yet beautiful park in Dagsboro, Delaware. The park features a variety of landscapes including salt marshes, hardwood forests, and access to the Indian River Bay.  The Sea Hawk Trail is a 1.4-mile loop that takes you through the marshes and forests of the park. You'll also see beautiful views of the freshwater borrow pits throughout the forested sections. The...

The 5.8 mile Junction and Breakwater Trail connects the resort towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. The trail follows a section of the old Penn Central Rail Line, which transported passengers between Lewes and Rehoboth in the mid-1800s. Today, the trail offers a beautiful tour of the marshes, farmland, and forests that lie beyond the usual tourist stops. Suitable for biking, hiking, running, and...

Cape Henlopen State Park is located at the mouth of the Delaware Bay where the Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Gaze over the sandy cape itself to see the Atlantic while paddling through the calmer bay water. During the summer months, it is common to see osprey, dolphins, or even schools of rays and skates gliding through the water below. Kayaks launch from the fishing pier beach. To access this b...

Griffith Lake, located in Milford Delaware, is a peaceful spot for an easy, scenic paddle.  There is a free, public boat ramp just off the road where you can launch a kayak. The water itself is flat and calm, but offers great views of the surrounding forest, especially in the fall! Rentals are not available, so bring your own. 

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic, and is nestled on the Eastern shores of Kent County, Delaware. Upon arriving at the refuge, there is a small visitor center with maps, a video presentation, restrooms, and educational exhibits. There is a small admission fee, and the visitor center is the easiest place to pay. A 12 mile ...

Located at the point where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Henlopen is a 7,000 acre park which offers a unique combination of natural wonders and cultural history. During your stay, you can swim in the ocean waves, bike through the sand dunes, fish from the Bayside fishing pier, climb historical WWII towers, and more.  The campground is located minutes from the beach and histori...

The 2.6 mile Gordons Pond Trail meanders through the maritime forest and salt marshes of Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware, and is a popular destination for biking, hiking, running, and bird watching. The trail was recently renovated in 2014, and now includes both a crushed gravel path and a 0.5 mile elevated boardwalk over the dunes and wetlands.  The trail is accessible from 2 loca...

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, located on the west side of the Delaware Bay, contains over 10,000 acres of protected habitat including salt marshes, freshwater marshes, ponds, wooded swamps, upland grasslands and forests. The refuge serves as an important stopover site as well as a breeding ground for many species of migratory birds. The area is also home to a diverse array of native plan...

Longwood Gardens, located in Kennet Square Pennsylvania, is one of the premier horticultural display gardens in the country. Explore over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, wetlands, and floral displays. Don't miss the Meadow Garden Trail!The Meadow Garden features an 86 acre expanse of native plants, wildflowers, and scenic views over the gently rolling landscape. To reach the Meadow Garden tr...

Killens Pond State Park surrounds a 66-acre pond. Kayak, canoe, and peddle boat rentals are available from their boat dock. You can also bring your own water craft and launch it from the boat ramp.After entering the park, follow the road until you arrive at the nature center. Park in the nature center lot, and take the short trail to the left of the center to the boat dock. Rent your kayak and ...

The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park is unique because the sandy peninsula separates the Delaware Bay from the Atlantic ocean, and curves in a way that the sun sets directly over the water on the Bay side even though you’re on the east coast.  On the Delaware Bay side, you'll get an excellent view of the East End Breakwater Lighthouse with the sunset. During low tide, the bay turns into a ser...

Cape Henlopen is a true gem of a park, located in Southern Delaware. The park is situated at the point where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique combination of natural wonders and cultural history. The bay and ocean ecosystems allow for a wide array of wildlife, and during WWII, the park became a military base named Fort Miles. Today, Cape Henlopen draws millions of bea...

Redden State Forest, located in central Sussex county, is Delaware's largest state forest with over 12,400 acres. The forest offers 44 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and bird watching.  A limited number primitive campsites are available for no charge. Reservations are required, and the maximum stay is 3 nights. No bathrooms or showers are available, but there are 2 portable toilets and a d...