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This is an easy figure eight hike on the Indian River Bay.


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Map Key

1.9

Miles

3.0

KM

100%

Runnable

12' 4 m

High

2' 1 m

Low

28' 8 m

Up

28' 9 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (0°)

2%

Max Grade (1°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Closed dusk to dawn. No hunting at the James Farm.

Overview

This loop of trails winds through meadows and forests with views of salt marshes and the Indian River Bay.

Need to Know

Ticks and insects can be troublesome during the summer months. Paddlesport rentals available during the summer at the beach.

Runner Notes

A nice run of approximately 4 miles can be done with just a few duplications. There are some toe-stubber roots to watch for.

Description

The loop is best accessed from the east side on the Purple Trail, where the trail separates pine forest and meadow. Make sure to access the short boardwalk to the viewing platform to view Slough's Gut and Beach Cove. The meadow loop will sometimes reveal deer and turkey.

Crossing back to the west side on the Green Trail, the loop wind through early successional forest, then pines, then mature mixed maritime forest. Be careful of the boardwalks, which can be slippery and uneven. See the views of the salt marsh from the Orange Trail Spur. In addition to Pasture Point Cove and the beach, there is the highlight of the run itself.

Flora & Fauna

An E-Bird hotspot, numerous shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors documented on or passing through the property. Many turtles including eastern box on the wooded trails and diamond-back terrapins in the bay. No venomous snakes.

Various vegetative zones include freshwater wetland, salt marsh, beach, mixed maritime forest, and upland meadow. All sorts of cool mushrooms during wet periods (forage at your own peril).

History & Background

Donated to Sussex County in 1994 by Mary Lighthipe, the property is now operated by the non-profit Delaware Center for the Inland Bays.

Contacts

Shared By:

Bob Collins

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#3408

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Delaware

#3,408

Overall
5 Views Last Month
509 Since Dec 10, 2017
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

33%
0%
67%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

The meadow spur in the spring, with two turkeys
Dec 23, 2017 near Ocean View, DE
Pasture Point Beach
Dec 17, 2017 near Ocean View, DE

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Weather


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