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8 STATE PARKS & WILDLIFE
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For more information or camping reservations:
Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation 877-98-PARKS www.destateparks.com
Trap Pond Nature Center
State Parks & Wildlife
Trap Pond State Park
302-875-5153
ampground–877-987-2757
3587 Baldcypress Ln, Laurel
reshwater wetlands once covered a large portion of
outhwestern Sussex County. Trap Pond State Park
etains a part of the swamp’s original beauty and mystery, and features the northernmost natural stand
f baldcypress trees in the United States. The pond was created in the late 1700s to power a sawmill during the harvest of large baldcypress from the area.
he Federal Government later purchased the pond
nd surrounding farmland during the 1930s and the Civilian Conservation Corps began to develop the area
or recreation. Trap Pond became one of Delaware’s rst state parks in 1951.
isitors have many opportunities to explore the atural beauty of the wetland forest. Hiking trails
urround the pond providing opportunities to limpse native animal species and many flowering
plants. Birdwatching is a popular activity and the bservant hiker may spot a Great Blue Heron, owl, ummingbird, warbler, Bald Eagle, or the elusive ileated Woodpecker.
oating is also a favorite pastime at the park. owboats, pedal boats, surf bikes, canoes, and kayaks an be rented during the summer season, and the
park interpreter hosts narrated pontoon boat tours on weekends and holidays, from Memorial Day weekend
hrough Labor Day. A boat-launching ramp can ccommodate small-motorized boats for fishing or cenic excursions.
Anglers on the water or shore may land largemouth bass, pickerel, crappie, and bluegills. One of the
treams that flow into Trap Pond has been marked as wilderness canoe trail for those who wish to explore
he swamp’s interior.
n addition to the natural attractions, the park offers variety of recreational activities. Experience the
wonders of southern woodlands along the 4.9 mile oundary Trail that skirts the park’s 90-acre pond.
Baldcypress Nature Center
(Trap Pond)
302-875-5163
33587 Baldcypress Ln, Laurel
In addition to the natural attractions, Trap Pond offers a variety of recreational activities. The Baldcypress Nature Center features a variety of displays and programs that will enhance any visit to the park.
The displays reflect the variety in Trap Pond’s environment and in the animals, bugs, and other creatures that call this state park home.
Picnic areas overlook the pond and three pavilions may be reserved for group events. Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits encourage active competition among friends, and children will enjoy the playground complex.
Nanticoke Wildlife Area
302-875-2157
Seaford
The Nanticoke River, like the Pocomoke, drains into the Chesapeake Bay. In 1993 the Maryland Department of Natural Resources purchased a 1,700-acre tract along the Nanticoke to help conserve the wildlife habitats found along this mostly tidal river.
Deer hunters will enjoy the plentiful deer populations found here. Mourning doves, cottontail rabbits, bobwhite quail, woodcock, and waterfowl hunting are also available. A special license is needed to hunt wild turkey. A peninsula jutting from the area into the river offers a scenic hike, which may include bird watching and nature photography.
Redden State Forest
302-856-2893
18074 Redden Forest Dr, Georgetown
Delaware’s largest state forest totaling over 12,400-acres. With over 44 miles of trails, the 18 tracts of Redden State Forest are popular for hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, and bird watching. Redden’s large timbered tracts are also ideal for deer hunting. It also contains a natural resource education facility, formerly a historic carriage house.
STATE PARKS & WILDLIFE