Saturday, February 14, 2026

St. Jones Reserve, DE

ABOUT THE PARK: 
St. Jones Reserve - Delaware DNREC

DIRECTIONS: 
GSP Coordinates 39.08958, -75.44026

TRAIL MAP:


HIKE DISTANCE:
Delaware Seashore State Park, DE - Fresh Pond - 5.9 miles
Delaware Seashore State Park, DE - Burton Island Nature Preserve - 1.5 miles
St. Jones Reserve, DE - 2.15 miles

THE HIKE: 
I had just enough daylight time left to drive 1 hour in the direction of home and stop to do this hike.  There was snow and ice here but it had been  melting all day in 55 degree temps so it was mostly a sloppy mess but a nice short hike nonetheless.
There is an extensive span of boardwalk.
Weather Station
After the power cut the trail continues into the Ted Harvey Wildlife Area.
Hearing the cacophony of cackling the snow geese came into view overhead.
They were joined by Canada Geese.
The snow geese are not that much smaller rather farther away.
I have too good of a time trying to capture geese flying overhead.  I must have taken 30 pictures.  I am always amazed at their formations and wonder how they decide who flies in which position.
The trail ends at this abandoned old house.
Heading back.

Delaware Seashore State Park, DE - Burton Island Nature Preserve

ABOUT THE PARK:
Delaware Seashore State Park - Delaware State Parks
Rehoboth Bay and Burton Island - Delaware State Parks

DIRECTIONS: 
GPS Coordinates 38.61603, -75.07269
Parking is along the right side of the road just before the trail head after passing through the marina.

TRAIL MAP:

HIKE DISTANCE:
Delaware Seashore State Park, DE - Burton Island Nature Preserve - 1.5 miles

THE HIKE: 
The trail alternates between boardwalk ...
... and very loose sand.
Lots of views along the way.
Brants flying over.
A female red-breasted merganser and ...
... a male red-breasted merganser ...
... going for a dive.