Fresh Pond is a tiny oasis at the shore — a small park tucked away just north of Bethany Beach off Route 1 with shady trails and views of the Indian River Bay. There’s plenty to enjoy in southern Delaware — the beaches, the shopping, the amusements (putt putt golf included), and the restaurants. But sometimes you just want to enjoy unspoiled nature while at the shore. And you’re in luck if you’re staying in southern Delaware or in Ocean City, Maryland with Fresh Pond, a part of Delaware Seashore State Park, so close.
Other southern Delaware destinations for nature lovers are Cape Henlopen State Park and Trap Pond State Park.
What You’ll Find at Fresh Pond
- a mostly flat 3.5-mile loop trail to walk, bike, and on some trails, ride on horseback. The trail near the Hickman Road parking lot begins at about 8 feet wide and then narrows a little as you progress. There are connector trails as indicated on the map below. Also, there’s access from Fred Hudson Road and Route 1, but the only parking is in the lot at the Hickman Road trailhead.
- Diverse habitats: woodland, meadow, and coastal wetlands
- Side trails off the main trail to deer stands, used for hunting
- As you begin the trail, you’ll see a sign with a QR (Quick Response) code that you can scan for a trail map. There are pins on that map that you can tap to get more information on an area.
Tips for Your Visit to Fresh Pond
- There’s a fee to park from the Hickman Road parking lot from March 1 through November 30: $5 for Delaware vehicles; $10 for out-of-state vehicles. Bring exact cash as you deposit it in a box before proceeding to the trails.
- Alternate entrances to the trails are located 1) off Route 1, between the water tower and Fred Hudson Road, and 2) off Fred Hudson Road (though this trailhead lacks parking).
- Use bug spray.
- Bring your own water. There are no concessions.
- Rules of the trail (as posted): bikes and pedestrians yield to horses; pedestrians yield to bikes. Pass on the left.
- Do NOT try to feed or otherwise disturb the wildlife.
- There are no bathrooms or other facilities.
- Archery hunting is allowed during that season to thin the overpopulated deer herd, although no hunting is allowed on Sundays. Stay on the trails if visiting during hunting season.
Trail Map
Directions to the Main Trailhead
- From Route 1, north of Bethany Beach, take Fred Hudson Road.
- Turn right onto Cedar Neck Road.
- Turn right onto Hickman Road.
- Drive into the parking lot of Fresh Pond
Note that other access points are on the north and south ends of Fresh Pond; these access points are directly off Route 1.
Nearby Attractions & Map
If you’re a nature lover, there are some other great choices while in the southern Delaware area. Check out Trap Pond State Park for great hiking and biking trails, picnicking, boating, and camping.
Also, in Lewes, there’s Cape Henlopen State Park with more great trails along with beaches, picnicking, and camping — but wait, there’s more: you can learn about its use as a World War 2 facility at Fort Miles, climb a World War 2 observation tower, walk around barracks (no longer in use), and visit its museum.
Other great nearby attractions are:
- Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover (off Rte. 1)
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Smyrna
- Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
- Delaware Beach Guide
- Holts Landing State Park, near Bethany Beach in Dagsboro
- Indian River Life-Saving Station, Rehoboth Beach
- James Farm Ecological Preserve, near Bethany Beach
- Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Milton (off Rte. 1)
Final Thoughts
Fresh Pond is not well known to many visitors, but that might be part of its charm. It’s a relaxing — and at times a very scenic — setting for a walk while enjoying time at the beach. When you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and get out to enjoy this little bit of nature.
Comments?
Please share your experiences and suggestions for other places to visit in southern Delaware. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
