National Trails Day promotes awareness of the benefits trails provide, while encouraging people to discover their local trails and instill excitement for nature. With this program, Delaware and Maryland Humanities intend to highlight ways the humanities can enrich our experience with the great outdoors.

Along the 5-mile stretch of trail between Chesapeake City and the South Lums Trail Head in Delaware, visitors will encounter markers with QR codes linked to literary passages to read, reflect, and discuss topics of nature, water and the local environment. A dedicated website created for the program will provide additional content to explore, such as historical photos, bird calls, podcasts, and poems.

This FREE event takes place along the trail between Chesapeake City and the South Lums Trail Head. Two guided walks will take place that will last approximately 60 minutes each. The first will start at the Ben Cardin Trailhead in Chesapeake City at 9:30 AM. The second will start at 11 AM at the South Lums Trail Head. More information about the hikes will be available soon.

The Cardin-Castle Recreational Trail is a public path running along the beautiful Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. The flat, paved trail is perfect for families, strollers, cyclists and hikers.

The distance one way between South Lums Trail Head and Chesapeake City is approximately 5 miles. Visitors are reminded that long stretches of the trail will have no shade. Prepare for the walk by wearing a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and bring lots of water to drink.

This event is rain or shine, but will be cancelled in cases of severe weather. Cancellations will be posted on our Facebook page and website.