Trap Pond State Park

Trap Pond State Park

Trap Pond State Park has over 2,000 acres of natural attractions, hiking, boating, fishing, and recreational amenities. Freshwater wetlands once covered a large portion of southwestern Sussex County. Trap Pond State Park retains a part of the swamp’s original beauty and mystery, and features the northernmost natural stand of bald cypress trees in the United States. The pond was created in the late 1700s to power a saw mill during the harvest of large bald cypress from the area. The Federal Government later purchased the pond and surrounding farmland during the 1930s and the Civilian Conservation Corps began to develop the area for recreation. Trap Pond became one of Delaware’s first state parks in 1951.

Visitors have many opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the wetland forest. Hiking trails surround the pond, providing opportunities to glimpse native animal species and many flowering plants. Bird watching is a popular activity and the observant hiker may spot a Great Blue Heron, owl, hummingbird, warbler, Bald Eagle or the elusive Pileated Woodpecker. The Bald cypress Nature Center features a variety of displays and programs. The park also includes picnic areas, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and a playground.

Boating among the bald cypress is a favorite pastime at the park. Rowboats, pedal boats, canoes and kayaks can be rented for use within the park during the summer season, and the park interpreter hosts narrated pontoon boat tours on weekends and holidays. A boat launching ramp can accommodate small motorized boats for fishing or scenic excursions. One of the streams that flow into Trap Pond has been marked as a wilderness canoe trail for those who wish to explore the swamp’s interior.