Opting Outside on the Delmarva Peninsula

Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving. What used to only be known for doorbusters and mega sales at every big box store, has slowly become a day known as Opt Outside day. The Opt Outside movement is a campaign to encourage people to skip the overwhelming materialism of Black Friday and instead, spend the day outdoors with friends and family. The whole idea originated a decade ago when REI stores decided to close their doors on Black Friday and allow their employees to connect with nature. Since then, Opt Outside has exploded in popularity with many outdoorsy businesses also shutting their doors on Black Friday and many public lands waiving entry fees for the day. 

If you plan to spend Thanksgiving on the Delmarva Peninsula, consider Opting Outside. It’s the ideal day to get outside. Most people are off from work, it’s a great way to spend extra time with family and burn off a few extra calories from your Thanksgiving meal, and the day doesn’t fall during a firearms season in either Delaware or Maryland’s Eastern Shore. 

While you can always search our trail database or use the interactive hiking trail map to find places to hike, we’ve rounded up some ideas just to help inspire your day of Opting Outside.

Blackbird Creek Reserve

Managed by DNREC’s Coastal Programs, Blackbird Creek Reserve is a gem of a trail system in central Delaware. With over 7 miles of trails meandering through forested and agricultural lands, as well as a stretch along the creek, this is a great spot to log some serious mileage.

Chapel Branch Nature Area

The Chapel Branch Nature Area is tucked away in the woods outside of Seaford, Delaware. This 3-mile trail system is a great spot to Opt Outside and enjoy some peace along its wooded trails and creekside boardwalks. 

James Farm Ecological Preserve

For those looking for something slightly off the beaten path in Delaware with a beachy vibe, check out the James Farm Ecological Preserve in Ocean View. This property is managed by the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays and offers 2 miles of wooded trails, marsh boardwalks, scenic overlooks, and a sandy beach.

Bohemia River State Park

One of Maryland’s newer state parks, Bohemia River State Park on Maryland’s upper shore is a relaxing place to hike amidst the rolling hills of Cecil County. Over 4 miles of trails pass through wooded areas and meadows, and eventually meet up at a riverfront picnic area.

Conquest Preserve

Conquest Preserve is tucked away between Centreville, MD and the Chester River and has over 7 miles of trails to explore. A portion of the property passes along the shores of the river, while other sections traverse old agricultural fields, meadows, and freshwater impoundments. Don’t miss the trails across the street!

Wye Island NRMA

For even more miles of trails on Maryland’s mid-shore, it’s also worth checking out the Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area. This spot has over 8 miles of trails, with several glimpses of the surrounding waterways along the way. 

Black Walnut Point

Driving out to Black Walnut Point Natural Resources Area may feel like driving to the end of the earth, but the views are worth the trek. The southernmost point of the peninsula is privately owned, but a publicly accessible hiking trail is located just before you reach the private driveway. There is also a fishing and parking area overlooking the bay which is perfect for a waterfront picnic.

Marshyhope Bird Trails

Chesapeake Forest Lands (a fancy name for a state forest) has a great place to hike when it’s not a firearms season. The Marshyhope Bird Trails consist of two loops totaling about 3 miles that are mostly wooded, but offer occasional views of Marshyhope Creek.

Libertytown Branch

If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t mind a little bush-whacking, consider exploring the Libertytown Branch property, part of the state forest, just a few miles west of Berlin, MD. This newly-acquired land is under development to have 12 miles of trails, but it is already open to the public. Formerly the “Bay Club” golf course, it’s fascinating to see how nature has taken over.

Brownsville Preserve

If you’re looking for a place to explore on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Brownsville Preserve is a great choice. This Nature Conservancy property has several trails to explore through the woods, marsh, and meadow, and there’s even an observation deck to overlook the barrier islands in the distance.

Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve

For a short jaunt that’s all boardwalk, head to the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve. This trail is barely a half mile long (one-way), but it provides easy access to an otherwise delicate ecosystem. Although the map looks as though it leads to the beach, the end of the boardwalk is actually quite high in elevation and beach access is not permitted due to the threat of erosion.

While the above list is a great starter list of ideas across the Delmarva Peninsula to Opt Outside this year, there are tons more options on our website. Search our trail database or use our trail locator map for even more trails. If hiking sounds too active for the day after Thanksgiving but you still want to get outside, search our site for beaches and fishing piers too!