Exploring the Thompson Island Nature Preserve
Earlier in December, I decided it was finally time for me to check out a trail I had been thinking about for some time - the Thompson Island Trail, which leads out to the nature preserve of the same name.
This trail was one I intially learned about a few years ago, but could never figure out where the access point was. Recently, I figured out where the trailhead was located, and finally made a point of checking it out.
The Thompson Island Trail sits off the Forgotten Mile in Dewey Beach, behind the Spring Lake community. You don’t park in the community to access it though - their roads are private. Instead, you take Bay Road and follow that to the trailhead.
Admittedly, it felt a little strange finding the trailhead. It is in a small residential area behind the El Azteca restaurant, and one home even has a homemade sign up pointing to the trail parking.
The parking area is very small - I’d say just large enough for four or five vehicles to ensure space to pull out and leave. But, that is what makes this trail such a hidden gem and quickly one of my favorites. It is close to people and places, but at the same time, quiet.
Once you find the parking, you can find the trail head just off the parking lot, running along the backside of the Spring Lake community.
The trail itself is about 3/4 of a mile in length one-way. It winds through a wooded area along Spring Lake to start, and about one-third to half way down the residential area disappears and you enter the heart of the preserve. You know you’ve found that spot because there’s a small raised walkway that crosses a marsh patch. From there to the end of the trail is nothing but nature.
It was at this point where I had an amazing encounter with a gorgeous red fox during my walk along the trail.
When I first came upon it, the fox was sitting in the middle of the bridge - the sun had just come up over some trees and it was sunning itself in a nice bright patch. Once it spotted me, it headed back into the woods, but turned back to see if I had followed, almost acting as a guide for the rest of the trail (see right).
The big thing to keep in mind with the Thompson Island Trail is that you have to stay on the trail and once you reach the end you absolutely cannot go any further. According to information from Delaware State Parks, Thompson Island itself is restricted area, so the trail ends with an overlook area with views of the marsh, island, and Rehoboth Bay. It is a great place to search for birds and other wildlife, or just enjoy a coastal landscape you haven’t experienced before.
Aside from the fox, it was a pretty quiet first experience for me on the Thompson Island Trail.
I did spot a red-bellied woodpecker (left) working its way along some trees near the observation deck, and also captured a great blue heron flying over the marsh area when I was headed back to the Jeep.
Hopefully I get the chance to explore this trail again soon, as despite how short it is, I feel it is truly a great place to have some wildlife encounters.
Overall, the Thompson Island Trail is one I highly recommend you check out if you have the chance. Even if you’re not a photographer like me, this trail is ideal for getting out for a quick walk in nature and seeing somewhere new.
Trails like this one always have me excited, and wanting to see what else I can find, and what other lesser-known trails the State Parks have to offer.
If you know of any that I should check out, please send them my way - I’d love to explore them and see what I can find out there next!
Thanks for reading this blog post, and see you all on the next one!
- Tyler
Don’t miss this other content from Tyler Smiley Photography:
FOLLOW TYLER SMILEY PHOTOGRAPHY ON SOCIAL MEDIA