Cape Henlopen State Park, State park in Sussex County, United States
Cape Henlopen State Park is a protected coastal reserve in Sussex County where Atlantic waves meet the calm waters of Delaware Bay. Sandy beaches alternate with salt marshes and dunes that line the shore and shelter many bird species.
Fort Miles was built here in 1941 as a defense installation to protect the bay during the Second World War. After the war the area transformed into a public park, with some observation towers remaining to this day.
The name comes from Dutch captain Cornelis Jacobsen May, who named this cape in 1616, recalling similar landforms in his homeland. Today visitors connect the shoreline with quiet nature watching and walks through the tall dunes.
Visitors can hike marked trails, camp or swim at the beach all year, with Herring Point Beach offering a dedicated section for wave riders. Early morning hours work well for bird watching, while midday usually sees busier beach conditions.
This cape forms the eastern starting point of the American Discovery Trail, which runs across the country to the Pacific coast. Hikers begin here a journey crossing several climate zones and landscapes over 6000 miles (9600 kilometers).
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