Parks & Nature
Sussex County's coastline and inland waterways offer a mix of Atlantic barrier islands, tidal marshes, and rare freshwater ecosystems. This collection features the northernmost baldcypress stands in North America at Trap Pond and the historic 1876 Indian River Life-Saving Station at Delaware Seashore. Visitors can explore WWII-era observation towers at Herring Point, observe raptor migrations from the Hawk Watch platform, or navigate the saltwater lagoons of Gordon's Pond. These sites protect critical habitats for shorebirds and provide access to the diverse wetlands of the Assawoman Wildlife Area.
A Fenwick Island State Park
A three-mile stretch of barrier island situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay, featuring designated surfing beaches and dunes.
B Delaware Seashore State Park
Spans six miles of shoreline between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth and Indian River Bays. It houses the restored 1876 Indian River Life-Saving Station.
C Holts Landing State Park
Located on the southern shore of Indian River Bay, this site contains the only pier on the bay specifically built for crabbing and fishing.
Trap Pond State Park
Features the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees in North America within its 3,653-acre freshwater wetland and forest system.
Gordon's Pond Overlook
An elevated platform providing views of a 115-acre saltwater lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, serving as a primary resting spot for migrating shorebirds.
Herring point
A coastal vantage point known for WWII observation towers and its location at the junction of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Bethany Beach Nature Center & Conservation Area
Encompasses 26 acres of protected wetlands and forest, featuring a boardwalk trail through the Baldwin Marsh Preserve.
Hawk Watch
A specialized observation deck used by naturalists to monitor the autumn migration of ospreys, falcons, and other raptors along the coast.
Sunken Barge
Remains of a shipwreck visible from the shoreline, often used as a landmark for local surf fishing and coastal navigation.
Massey Marsh
A tidal wetland area within the Assawoman Wildlife Area providing habitat for wading birds and accessible via shallow-water paddling routes.
Cat Hill Marsh
Part of the Assawoman Wildlife Area, this marsh features tidal guts and mudflats essential for local waterfowl and shorebird populations.
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