PUBLIC PARKS
There are numerous public parks spread out along Delmarva’s coastal
corridor. These “greenways” include everything from small municipal
parks, county parks, state parks and of course the national seashore park.
Delaware
Cape Henlopen State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park
Assawoman Wildlife Area
Holts Landing State Park
Great Cypress Swamp
Maryland
Isle of Wight Wildlife Area
Assateague National Seashore
Pocomoke River State Park Forest
EA Vaughn Wildlife Area
Virginia
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
The Barrier Island Center
Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge
Mockhorn Island Wildlife Area
Virginia Coast Reserve
A GUIDE TO DELMARVA’S COASTAL CORRIDOR
The distance between Cape Henlopen, Delaware and Cape Charles,Virginia is
approximately 120 miles. Inside that distance there lies a treasure trove of history,
heritage, outdoor recreation and enough activities to fill three lifetimes of adventure.
This long coastal corridor, which embraces three states along its Atlantic seaboard
path, has attracted adventurers for over four centuries. Today this unique land and
seascape region still beckons the intrepid.
This hand book is only the beginning of your own self-guided expedition to remote tidal
back creeks, upland forests, small historic villages and outdoor recreation opportunities. Exploring the coastal region of Delmarva will allow you to understand the area’s
diverse cultural heritage and natural history, including local maritime trades, traditions,
and abundant native wildlife. Use this guide to wet your appetite for additional regional
research and inspire you to get on the road and water and go further.
Delmarva’s coastal corridor, from Cape Henlopen to Cape Charles, is easily accessible
via two other capes. They are Cape May in New Jersey and Cape Henry in Virginia.
To reach Delmarva from the north, you need to take the Cape May Ferry which runs
year round and docks in Lewes, Delaware. To reach Delmarva from the south the
famous Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is your coastal corridor connection. Either
way you choose to arrive, the enchanting towns, abundant wildlife and thick layers of
Delmarva cultural heritage will welcome you.
This guide book outlines the historic, wildlife and recreational opportunities found
along the Delmarva coastal corridor, east of routes 1 and 113 and US 13. Modes of
transportation to explore this region can include vehicle, boat, by foot or bike.
HISTORY
The Delmarva Peninsula was born from episodes of ancient upheaval, volcanic activity, faulting,
glaciations and endless erosion from the last ice age. The results of this geographic violence are the
region’s beautiful barrier islands, sand dunes, coastal bays, estuaries, swamps, marshes and tidal rivers.
These areas are in turn breeding areas, nurseries and feeding places for numerous species of wildlife.
Coastal Delmarva is host to tens of thousands of acres of healthy saltmarsh, critical habitat and some
of the most productive land on earth.
The actual capes of Henlopen and Charles are
into the sea, separating ocean from bay. Over
formed and reformed. Both have grown in size
showcasing how dynamic these huge sand
to the power of an incessant ocean.
The human footprint along the
first explorers came ashore at Cape
Henlopen in 1631 there was a steady
entrenched between the capes
navigable coastal inlets, abundant
small villages began to appear
of these first settlements were
Americans who had already
DELAWARE
geographic anomalies, jutting out
the centuries they have continually
since the earliest mapping endeavors,
spits of land can be, always beckoning
Delmarva coast is deep. Since the
Charles in 1603 and then at Cape
movement of mostly English settlers who
during the colonial period. Drawn by the
natural resources and favorable weather,
along seaside creeks and tidal rivers. Many
built on previous occupation sites of Native
been living in the region for thousands of years.
The Lenni Lenape (Delaware) and Nanticoke are the principal tribes associated with the early history
of the Delaware coast and the group the first settlers encountered in the state. During the colonial
period of the early 17th century, there was political and military maneuvering among the Dutch,
Swedes, and English in and around the Cape Henlopen area. Inevitably the English prevailed in
securing the region as a colony and named it after Lord De La Warr. The town of Lewes was shelled
by a British ship during the War of 1812.
Sea Spot
History of the region is well interpreted at the beautiful Zwaanendael museum in Lewes, and
nearby Cape Henlopen State Park. Among the high dunes overlooking the beach and bay are a
series of large bunkers and towers, once part of Fort Miles, used during WWII to defend the vital
Delaware Bay. You can bike or hike its many old roads and explore the gun emplacements.
MARYLAND
Maryland’s coastal history will always include the Ocean City boardwalk (one of the oldest in the
United States) and the legend of the wild ponies of Assateague Island, descendents of animals from
colonial times. Local history also includes the Life Saving Service, who’s men risked their lives to
rescue ships in distress during the post Civil War years. Public Landing once hosted throngs of people
which came to swim, fish, and boat the Chincoteague Bay. It all came to an end in the 1933 hurricane.
Sea Spot
The Rackcliffe House just outside the entrance to Assateague Island, is an original coastal
plantation home built during the 1740s. It features Flemish bond brickwork and a gabled roof. This
two story beauty is a great stop for those exploring the wilds of Assateague State Park.
VIRGINIA
The history of Virginia’s coast is filled with tales of pirates, shipwrecks and lost treasure. Near these
wild shores are an assortment of historic towns and villages such as Chincoteague, Greenbackville,
Willis Wharf, Wachapreague and Oyster. The barrier islands are host to lighthouses, gun clubs, old
life saving stations and the remnants of small wind-swept villages such as Hog Island and Cobb
Island. Area freed black slaves served with distinction during the Civil War.
Sea Spot
The Barrier Island Center located near Machipongo preserves and interprets the lore, legends and
history of Virginia’s famous coastal islands. They have a great collection of historic artifacts
pertaining to the intrepid life of those who once called these storm-swept islands home. Lovely
grounds include a colonial home open for tours.
WILDLIFE OBSERVATION
All three states offer numerous wildlife observation opportunities, including those found at
national wildlife refuges, state parks, wildlife management areas and municipal parks. Upland
habitat hold whitetail deer, wild turkey, red fox, quail, raccoon, skunk, possum and now even
coyote. With a natural geographic corridor between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic
Ocean, millions of migrating birds including waterfowl and hawks funnel through each fall. It’s
no wonder that bird enthusiasts flock to this region to experience this flying rite of passage.
This sea-born region is on the Atlantic Flyway and birding is a sport of passion.
DELAWARE
This coastal state
is host to several parks and wildlife management areas that serve
as great locations
to enjoy a hike among the dunes, marshes or upland forests.
With a variety of
wildlife there are numerous areas to encounter both
forest species and those
which frequent more aquatic environments. Coastal
bay areas offer great wildlife
viewing sites.
Sea Spot
One of the best places to enjoy
wildlife along the coast is at
Cape Henlopen State Park. This
accessible park to the Cape May
ferry is a great spot to view migratory birds such as passerines,
waterfowl and high flying hawks. Peregrine falcons
zoom through in the early fall,
while woodcock, colorful songbirds and the vanguard of endless flights of snow geese fill
the sky. There are often special programs offered on birding and hawk identification during the fall and winter months.
MARYLAND
With extensive back bays and twisting tidal creeks, there are numerous places to engage in
the fine sport of wildlife observation in Worcester County.These include Isle of Wright Bay,
Assateague State Park, Sinepuxent Bay and Chincoteague Bay. On Assateague both state and
federal rangers offer seasonal wildlife programs. Besides birds there are the famous wild ponies and exotic sika deer. But you’ll also find river otters, terrapin turtles, bottlenose dolphin
and occasionally harbor seals in and around the inlet and back bay areas on a seasonal basis.
Sea Spot
One of the most overlooked areas for wonderful wildlife encounters is to be found at E.A.
Vaughn Wildlife Management Area, between Route 12 and Chincoteague Bay. This hidden
gem is loaded with potential for wildlife photographers. Deer, wild turkey, ducks, geese, bald
eagle and endangered Delmarva fox squirrels can be found in open fields, small ponds and
around adjacent waterways. Trails lead through forests of loblolly pine and tidal marshes.
Boat ramps are on site as well.
VIRGINIA
The abundance and variety of wildlife indigenous to the Delmarva Peninsula has been
noted since Henry Norwood and his group were marooned along the coast in 1649. Back
then, red wolves were part of the wild mix. Red wolves are long gone, but coyote are
slowly filling in as top predator. During the winter months thousands of ducks, geese and
swans pour down the flyway, resting and feeding in the coastal bays and marshes. Snow
geese are the main show of winter. Barrier Islands are also host to sea turtles, the
occasional harbor seal and vast flocks of shorebirds. Barrier Islands are boat only access
and are managed by the Nature Conservancy. Some restrictions apply.
Sea Spot
No doubt Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge is the best location for easy access wildlife
observation. Wild ponies are a family favorite along with the introduced Asian sika deer.
Indigenous whitetail deer, raccoon, possum, river otter and quail, mix in with muskrat, and
various turtles and non-poisonous snakes. The edge, where forest meets marsh is a great
place to see species activity and diversity. Visitor centers, brochures and trails
keep you engaged and informed.
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES
The Delmarva cape to cape corridor is a land born of water. Its back coastal bays are
coddled by the region’s magnificent beaches. Tidal creeks, streams and guts create a myriad
of waterways making this true fishing country. Whether surf casting from the beach for
spring black drum or fall striped bass, drift fishing the back bays for summer flounder, or
crabbing from a dock in a small coastal town, fishermen will never run out of places to
practice their passions. Licenses are needed in all types of fishing activities and vary by state.
There is also great shellfishing in the
catching that most iconic Delmarva crusis low effort and low budget, making it an
DELAWARE
The state is known for its great catches
drum. But other fishing opportunitile fish, yellowfin tuna, dolphin,
in-shore, the back bays and the beach
and kingfish. There are numerous tackmany of our coastal communities.
Sea Spot
The newly reconditioned fishing pier
a longtime landmark for family fishing
hauled over its rails, including spot,
on site for bait and information.
MARYLAND
coastal bays for oysters, clams and
tacean of all, the blue crab. Shellfishing
excellent family day on the water.
of sea trout, striped bass and big black
ties exist offshore for sea bass, tautog,
sharks and white marlin. Target species
include striped bass, flounder, croaker
le shops and boat ramps found among
at Cape Henlopen State Park has been
activity. A variety of species have been
croaker, bluefish and sharks. Tackle shop
Fishing for white marlin off Ocean City is legendary, but coastal Maryland also offers
numerous places to fish or shellfish among its beaches, back bays and tidal creeks.
Whether fishing the inside channels for flounder or up in tidal creeks for white perch,
anglers will find the area user friendly. Anglers casting from the inlet jetty or from fishing
piers frequently catch tautog, bluefish, shad, sheepshead and striped bass. There are plenty
of tackle shops, boat ramps and public fishing piers in and around Ocean City to keep
anglers engaged. Surf casting off the beaches is great in the spring and fall.
Sea Spot
An easy access place to fish is the free fishing area from 2nd Street to 4th Street in
Ocean City. This fishing area runs along the back channel above the inlet. Fishing here can
be good for sea bass, flounder, bluefish, rockfish, croaker and small sharks. The tide runs
hard here so bring heavy lead sinkers and plenty of rigs to replace the ones you will lose.
If the fish aren’t biting, the parade of passing boats is always entertaining.
VIRGINIA
You can catch wahoo off Wachapreague, tarpon from Oyster and red fish from Hog
Island. There are plenty of angler choices among the eighteen beautiful barrier islands,
which stretch from the Maryland state line south to Cape Charles proper. The inlet
flushed back bays are barely touched by man and home to clams, crabs, oysters, and fish
species such as flounder, croaker, red drum, speckled trout, sharks, and even the iconic
tarpon in late summer. You’ll need a boat to get into this fishing dreamland. Luckily, there
are plenty of state managed boat ramps found along this seaside corridor of angling.
Wachapreague is the oldest charter fishing port in Virginia.
Sea Spot
Surf fishing on Assateague Island from the Virginia side is one of life’s wonderful outdoor
experiences. Early fall may be the best season for catching red drum, kingfish, bluefish, and
striped bass.
CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES
The history and heritage from cape to cape is embedded in the maritime trades and
traditions that once drove the economic machine. Numerous small historic towns clung to
waterways, which provided subsistence and an economic life-line through shipping, trading
and commercial fishing. Other traditions such as boat building, hunting and decoy carving
rounded out the nautical or maritime heritage of this coastal region.
After the Civil War, steamboats and
beaches and boardwalks. Gun clubs,
and resorts attracted all walks of
based seafood industry.
Native American pre-historic
throughout the coast. Evidence
“middens,” the remnants of
African American heritage can
Emancipation after the Civil War.
force in the successful seafood
economic backbone of this
railroads allowed access to islands,
ocean view lodging, beach swimming
life and accelerated a consumeroccupation sites are found
of their activity can be found in
centuries of shellfish harvesting.
be traced to slavery and
Black workers were the driving
industry, which formed the
coastal region for over 100 years.
DELAWARE
The state was named for its first
peoples, the Native Americans, who
occupied the area for thousands of
years. Displaced Indians moved north
and west and colonial settlers moved
in to fish, harvest whale and trade. Local
heritage today is still associated with fishing, including both sport and commercial activity.
Sea Spot
With a history associated with colonial struggle for a foothold in this coastal region,
Lewes is a great spot to connect the past with the future. Historic homes line the streets
and mix well with the sights and sounds of newcomers browsing among the wonderful
shops and restaurants. There are several historic homes and churches open for tours and
nearby Henlopen State Park offers occasional history talks as well.
MARYLAND
Small towns outside of Ocean City were connected by the railroad which carried Baltimore
and Philadelphia passengers on their way to the beach and boardwalk.These town rail heads
also witnessed the passage of locally harvested potatoes, peaches, strawberries, watermelons
and of course seafood.The fishing industry accelerated when the inlet was created during
the 1933 hurricane allowing boats to find safe harbor to and from the far offshore harvest
grounds. Sport fishing for the famous White Marlin and tuna species also took off and created a lucrative industry. Numerous tournaments attract boats and big money to the scales.
Sea Spot
Fishing has been one of Maryland’s most important industries and visitors can witness it
firsthand at the West Ocean City commercial fishing harbor. Scallops, flounder, swordfish,
tuna, striped bass and even lobster cross the docks daily and go to local restaurants or
distant markets.
VIRGINIA
The Eastern Shore of Virginia has a long storied history, with numerous historic towns
and homes, dating to the 17th century. Trades such as boat building, decoy carving and
commercial fishing still permeate this thin coastal corridor. The “seaside” is also known
for its huge aquaculture operations of growing clams and oysters, a continuum of the
shellfish husbandry practiced since the 1880’s. Willis Wharf has several shellfish hatcheries
and Wachapreague is home to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science Lab.
Sea Spot
Chincoteague has always had a long history of fishing, hunting and maritime trades dating
back over two centuries. Fishing was its primary income since before the Civil War. Today
tourism drives the economy with the nearby public beach, wildlife and famous wild ponies.
Check out the Museum of Chincoteague Island and the old early 19th century historic cabin.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
The term outdoor recreation can mean a lot of things to a lot of people, but in this coastal
region it often means back bay boating, kayaking, canoeing and using various other board craft.
If camping is your game, you can even canoe in to a site at the National Seashore in Maryland.
Since hunting is part of the history and heritage of this region, waterfowl hunting is the stuff of
legend. Ducks and geese pour through this coastal flyway stopping to feed and for generations hunters have shared in this natural resource bounty.They have even raised the hunting
tradition to artistic levels, with decoy carving evolving into a cultural form of art.
DELAWARE
It seems the coast of
Delaware has always embraced the wind or paddle to
define its water craft
conveyance. On hot summer days the
coastal bays of Rehoboth
and Indian River are alive with the colorful
sails of windsurfers or the billowing chutes of kite boarders.
Rising in popularity are the stand
up paddle boarders,
with their tall silhouettes frequently
seen against a falling
sun. Kayaking the tidal creeks and
bays gets you
at eye level with local
flora and fauna. Delaware is a
gracious host to any kind of watercraft and their
associated festivals and events
are testament to their long-term relationship.
Sea Spot
Holts Landing State Park located on the southwestern side of Indian River Bay is a
windsurfering or standup paddle boarding hot spot. Plenty of parking and a launch area,
along with a fishing pier and nature trails make the park user-friendly. Daily afternoon
winds are a bane to boarders, but a blessing to wind surfers.
MARYLAND
The waters around Ocean City can often be abuzz with boats all vying for position to
catch fish or just sightsee, but there are plenty of upper and lower bay areas where
boaters can quietly commune with wildlife. For non-motorized boaters there may be
nothing more soul pleasing than dropping a kayak in at Chincoteague Bay just as the sun
is rising over the horizon. Maryland’s coastal bays offer many pockets of hidden recluse
for canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding purists.
Sea Spot
Both George Island Landing and Taylor Landing in southern Worcester County offer kayakers and canoeists great launch sites to explore Chincoteague Bay. They are part of a Wildlife
Management Area and have interpretive signs and maps posted. This is a great place to see
ospreys, bald eagles, herons, waterfowl and various shorebirds. There is also good fishing for
rockfish and perch. Fall is beautiful here with arriving waterfowl to keep you company.
VIRGINIA
The Eastern Shore of Virginia has plenty to offer the recreational visitor especially if
water-related activity is your passion. With seemingly endless tidal creeks along the
seaside, small boat enthusiasts are in their element. All offer easy access to the
coastal bays and the beautiful barrier islands managed by the Nature Conservancy.
Boat ramps can be found in numerous towns such as those located in and around
Chincoteague, Greenbackville, Wisharts Point, Assawoman Creek, Gargatha Landing, Parkers Creek, Folly Creek, Burtons Shore, Wachapreague, Quinby, Red Bank, Willis Wharf,
Oyster and the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge.
Sea Spot
There are so many places to drop a small boat in the water for paddling, hunting or exploring that it’s tough to choose just one. Three towns that offer a great paddling experience
among tidal creeks include Wachapreague, Willis Wharf and the small village of Oyster. All
have boat ramps and thousands of acres of waterways to explore. It’s wise to bring a GPS,
cell phone and plenty of water to help prepare for hours of adventure. Clamming is a great
activity out on the flats.
ROADS BEST TAKEN
MUSEUMS
Savvy travelers will eventually find their way to a local museum to
plug into the local culture and get further insight into the heritage
of the seaside area. There are a number of them spread throughout
the Delmarva coastal corridor.
Delaware
Zwaanendael Museum – Lewes
Maritime Museum – Lewes
Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum - Delaware Seashore State Park
Discoversea Shipwreck Museum – Fenwick Island
Maryland
Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum – Ocean City
Calvin B.Taylor Museum – Berlin
Assateague Island National Seashore Barrier Island Visitor Center – Assateague Island
Assateague State Park
Virginia
Museum of Chincoteague Island – Chincoteague Island
Barrier Island Center – Machipongo
Cape Charles Museum – Cape Charles
Outdoor Gear Tips
Since this coastal corridor is a water world, its wise to bring those things that will make
your trip more adventuresome. Safety is always a concern so a GPS, insect spray, water,
cell phone, bright colored hat and flashlight are recommended, especially on a boat trip.
Fishing rod with lures, camera and a pair of compact binoculars are good to tote along as
well. Plastic zip lock bags keep things dry.
FISH FOOD FOR FOODIES
With a region awash in seafood, it’s the food of choice along this coastal region. Blue crabs,
oysters, clams and an assortment of finfish are local guests of honor on your plate.
All three states host a menagerie of seafood eateries including everything from massive
buffets to wonderful waterfront restaurants and small roadside shacks and stands. Fresh
Delmarva seafood parades in with the seasons: clams, flounder, and striped bass lead the
spring surge. In summer, locally harvested crabs, tuna, dolphin and scallops are the choice.
Fall and early winter will see the return of striped bass, flounder and oysters on the menus.
You can find wonderful seafood restaurants in Delaware from Lewes through Rehoboth
and down Route 1 to Fenwick, just across the Maryland state line. In Maryland the greatest
selection of restaurants is of course in Ocean City, but there are some really cool dining
places in and around West Ocean City as well. Several waterfront eating establishments are
surrounded by fishing boats, giving the diner that dock to plate experience. In old Virginia,
fish heads will find intriguing seafood restaurants on Chincoteague Island, at the old fishing
town of Wachapreague and in and around the Cape Charles area.
Cape: a piece of land jutting into a body of water beyond the rest of the coast line
Worcester County Tourism
visitworcester.org • 800-852-0335
Cape to Cape Scenic Byway Guide is produced
in partnership with the Maryland Department of
Transportations’ State Highway Administration.
·
This map was funded in part by the FHWA
National Scenic Byways Program.
Gerlitzki Design - Design, Production and Photography
Charlie Petrocci - Text and Photographs