Junction & Breakwater Trail

A coastal walking and biking trail with great views, the Junction & Breakwater Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail, was built partly from Delmarva’s unused rail lines in the early 2000’s.  It was named after the former rail line it replaced, that ran between Lewes and Rehoboth in the mid-1800s and delivered passengers to the resorts along the Atlantic coast. Pennsylvania Railroad abandoned the line in the early 1970s. Situated on the western edge of Cape Henlopen State Park, the trail is easily accessible. 

• The trail is flat with a mix of paved off-road shared use paths, crushed stone and asphalt trail offering hikers, bikers and nature enthusiasts of all ages a peaceful and safe respite from the nearby bustling Route 1 .

• Winding through beautiful hardwood and pine forests, open fields and coastal marshes, the trail includes an 80-foot long railroad bridge originally built in 1913 that crosses Holland Glade and provides an overlook with an incredible view of the marshes, along with view of a World War II observation tower within Cape Henlopen State Park.

• Interpretive signs along the trail provide opportunities to learn about local history, plants and wildlife of the Delaware Coastal region. 

• The trail is popular with tourists and locals alike, remember your trail etiquette. On a given day you’re sure to find yourself alongside bicyclists, walkers, runners, wheelchair users, dogs and families with strollers.  Safety first, it’s about enjoying the moment, if you’re out for speed, best to try another spot. 

• The total distance from the start at Gills Neck Road in Lewes is just about 7 miles to Rehoboth. At Gills Neck, you can also connect to the Georgetown-Lewes Trail, and if you’re in Rehoboth and want to try a different path heading to Lewes, Gordons Pond Trail offers one-of-a kind views every day of the year.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking with trail access can be found at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, Wolfe Neck Road trailhead includes parking, restrooms, and a water fountain, and behind the Tanger Outlets off of Holland Glade Road in Rehoboth. 

The western endpoint on Gills Neck Road is a short walk/ride from downtown Lewes.  A bicycle parking area with informational kiosk can be found at the corner of Gills Neck and Savannah Road.  Leave your bikes and enjoy downtown Lewes. Public bathroom facilities and water fountains can be found off of Pilottown Road. More info can be found on the Lewes Chamber of Commerce website. 

From the endpoint on Gills Neck Road you will also find an entrance to the Georgetown-Lewes Trail.  The Lewes Library Trailhead with bathrooms, water fountains, informational kiosk, bike station and plenty of parking can be found about a ¼ mile from its start on Gills Neck Rd. 

The trail portion ends at Holland Glade Road and continues with segments of bike lanes and shared-use paths into Rehoboth near Grove Park.  Grove Park has bathroom facilities, water fountains and the Rehoboth Visitors Center. It also features a great playground for the kids.