Gordon’s Pond Trail reopens after February closure

Severe damage was done to Gordon’s Pond Trail at Cape Henlopen State Park following the late-January winter storm.

“that particular trail is in a vulnerable area within the marsh area on an impoundment,” said Delaware State Park Administrator Pat Cooper.

Cooper tells 47 ABC that the unexpected high tides destroyed the trail’s surface and damaged the area where the trail meets this boardwalk. To the side laid scattered debris, trees ripped out from the root and eroded land. It’s been closed since the beginning of February, but on Friday it reopened following over $80,000 in emergency repairs.

Cooper told us, “what happened was the water from the pond actually came over the trail and created lots of breaches that had to be fixed and repaired,”

We’re told that parts of the trail effected by the storm the most have been patched up. Cooper tells us with spring on the horizon, many will be out enjoying the scenic route in Southern Delaware. That’s part of the reason why crews acted so quickly to have the trail restored. Even so, that doesn’t mean a similar storm or even one worse couldn’t bring a similar result.

“we can’t beat mother nature when she wants to release this force,” Cooper added, “more damage could happen,”

Cooper tells us the trail is 100% ready to go for this weekend. Elsewhere in the park, we’re told the pier is still undergoing some repairs along with some other trails.