The Natural Wonders in Delaware
Delaware is one of the smallest states in the US, but it has a ton to offer. Located in the Northeast, Delaware is tucked away, far from the sound and fast-paced city living that the region is known for. The slower-paced lifestyle and charming atmosphere of Delaware make it an ideal place to relax any time of the year. The whole state has a hometown feel and packs a surprising amount of natural beauty.
Delaware is often overlooked by its neighbors in Maryland and New Jersey, but it is home to some of the best landscapes and the most underrated natural wonders in the Northeast.
The Rolling Hills Of Piedmont
The Piedmont is a geographical region in the Northeastern United States that runs all the way from Alabama to New York. The area is famous for its gently rolling green hills and sublime landscapes. The soil in the Piedmont region is great for farming and, therefore, is a more rural part of the state. In the fall, all of the surrounding trees and small forests transform into vibrant colors of red and orange, making for quite a striking experience.
The Piedmont crosses over Northern Delaware, and the results are magnificent. The Delaware countryside is serene and peaceful. Charming farmhouses and small towns dot the landscape, making it the perfect place to go on a relaxing weekend drive.
Great Cypress Swamp
Delaware's biodiversity is quite remarkable considering its small size, making it a contender as a natural wonder. Delaware hosts one of the largest forested wetlands in the region, most of which is swampland. The largest of these is the Great Cypress Swamp, which covers an area of roughly 50 square miles. This swamp, in particular, gets its name due to a large concentration of great cypress trees.
The trees themselves are incredibly unique and are often home to all manner of wetland critters and wildlife. Snakes and even freshwater fish can be found in its shallow waters. Herons and other birds are a common sight, and otters and bobcats occasionally appear.
The Atlantic Coastline
Much of Delaware borders the Atlantic Ocean, one of the state's top natural wonders. Its coastline is famous for its large sandy beaches, which are full of dunes and tall grass that sprouts up from beneath the sand. Not only is this a great place to get in touch with nature, but there are also tons of charming beach towns to visit.
Broadkill Beach and Primehook Beach are standout locations where you can see the beaches in all their glory. Cape Henlopen State Park, in particular, is a quiet place to go to get the full experience.
During the summer months, the Delaware coastline gets plenty of sunshine. No matter how hot the weather, a cooling breeze from the ocean helps keep things manageable.
Salt Marshes
The salt marshes in Delaware might not look like much at first glance, but they are a vital part of the state's ecosystem and biodiversity. Some claim that the salt marshes have the same level of biodiversity as the Amazon Rainforest. The salt marshes are similar to cypress swamps but without the tall trees.
The salt marshes are dominated by winding waterways and tall grass. This region is home to thousands of animals, birds, and insects. Keep an eye out for some of the turtles that nest here. The infamous snapping turtle is known to live in the marshes and can be an unpleasant surprise if you are not careful. They might look harmless but they can take off fingers with a single bite if you get too close. You can even smell the marshes long before you arrive, they give off a very distinct smell of sulfur.
Rehoboth Bay
Found in the south of Delaware, Rehoboth Bay is a staple of the Delaware landscape. Along with the other inland bays in the area, Rehoboth Bay is often characterized as being surprisingly shallow and calm. On average, the waters are only three to eight feet deep.
The bay is teeming with waterfowl and fish. Various flounders and bass are commonly caught here. Locals and visitors from out of state often come to Rehoboth to spend a day on the water and enjoy the sunshine. There are also plenty of trails and hiking spots nearby for a great view of the surrounding area.
Final Thoughts
Delaware has some fantastic natural wonders hidden across the state. While it might not be the biggest state, it does have a surprising amount of natural landmarks and beauty to enjoy. If you are ever in the Northeast, make sure to take a weekend trip to this lovely state and see what you can discover on your own.
