Delaware beaches are a big draw for folks in neighboring states — and for good reason. But sometimes you just want a break from the beach scene. Luckily, Trap Pond State Park in Laurel, Delaware is a great retreat from the beach with options for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping. (Other great get-away-from-it-all options near Delaware beaches are Cape Henlopen State Park and Bombay Hook State Park.)
An Overview of Trap Pond State Park
Trap Pond State Park is one of several great nature-centric places to visit in southern Delaware. It’s a wetland area that dates back centuries. Here you’ll find bald cypress trees which were heavily harvested in the 18th century due to the wood’s resistance to rotting and termites. Today you’ll see the trees growing right out of the calm pond waters, but the sawmill is no longer here. The park encompasses over 3,600 acres.
There are quite a few peaceful trails that meander around the pond and through the woods. You’ll see wildflowers, bald cypress trees, and wildlife along the way. The trails range from barely .3 to 3.3 miles long and are either packed earth, crushed stone, or boardwalk — all easy walks with relatively flat terrain. Great for walking and talking. Consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables after a hike exploring the trails and pond.
Accessibility
The terrain is mostly flat and most of the trails are covered with packed earth and crushed stone, though there are some sections that are paved or a boardwalk. This makes it a great hiking spot for most people.
Admission
A day pass is $4 per car for Delaware residents; $8 per car for out-of-staters.
Your leashed dog is welcome to join you. 🐶
What You’ll Find at Trap Pond
- Variety of birds (including herons, owls, woodpeckers, warblers, and bald eagles) and other wildlife depending on the season
- Trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding
- Plenty of picnic tables overlooking the pond (in the shade)
- Volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a disc golf course, athletic fields, and a playground
- Kayak, canoe, rowboat, and pedal boat rentals available in the summer
- Fishing opportunities for bluegills, crappie, catfish, eel largemouth bass, and pickerel
- Boat launching site for small motorized boats
- Campsites for primitive camping as well as sites with water and electric hookups and a few yurts for rent
- Cabins on the waterfront for rent
- Pavilions for rent
Location
Trap Pond State Park: 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE
Trap Pond State Park Map
Tips for Your Visit to Trap Pond
These tips should help make your visit to Trap Pond pleasant.
- Plan on arriving early in the day to increase the likelihood of seeing wildlife.
- Enter the main park entrance in your GPS (on Bald Cypress Road) to reach the main entrance with access to the trails, boat rentals, nature center, recreation areas, etc. Otherwise, you’ll most likely head to the entrance for the campsites (on Goose Nest Road) which is a short distance away.
- Bring money. There’s an admission charge per car to visit for the day (as mentioned above). There is a place to self-pay the park entrance fee if there is no park official to collect the admission fee. Note that there are additional charges are assessed for renting campsites, boats, and pavilions.
- Bring sunscreen and bug spray. Having both handy will be helpful. It can get quite buggy at times. And remember that ticks may be present, as well.
- Bring binoculars for the best observation of wildlife.
- Bring your good camera to capture scenes of the natural beauty that surrounds you here.
- Bring your own food and drink. Don’t forget to bring water! There is no snack bar or concession stand, but there are lots of picnic tables to sit at and enjoy a break.
- Stop in the Bald Cypress Nature Center.
- Do NOT feed or otherwise disturb the wildlife.
- Do NOT plan on swimming in the water. It’s not safe.
- You may bring your dog along. She/he must be leashed at all times, stay on the paths, and is not allowed in the picnic areas.
Brief History of Trap Pond
The pond was created in the late 18th century to power a sawmill that cut the bald cypress trees into lumber. This wood was valued because it is strong and resists rotting and termites. When the lumbermen dammed the existing wetlands, it created the pond that we see today. The pond was enlarged over the years, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (a public work relief program that operated from 1933-1942 to help the unemployed) helped develop the area for recreation. Trap Pond became a Delaware state park in 1951.
Nearby Attractions & Map
There’s plenty of fun to be had along the Delaware shore. Here are a few other ideas for you:
- Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover (off Rte. 1)
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Smyrna
- Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
- Delaware Beach Guide
- Fresh Pond Trail, Bethany Beach
- Holts Landing State Park, near Bethany Beach in Dagsboro
- Indian River Life-Saving Station, near Rehoboth Beach
- James Farm Ecological Preserve, near Bethany Beach
- Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Milton (off Rte. 1)
Final Thoughts
I drove to Trap Pond State Park on a day when I just wanted something besides another leisurely day on the beach. (I can’t believe I just said that!) As much as I love relaxing along the ocean’s edge, I sometimes yearn for some peace and quiet — someplace away from all the other beachgoers. I read about Trap Pond State Park and decided to give it a try.
Trap Pond is about a 45-minute drive from Bethany Beach and Ocean City, Maryland. The drive was pretty — most of it on small roads through farmland. Check your GPS for those kinds of roads, if interested. (I still regret not stopping at some of the farmstands or the pick-your-own blueberry farm.) I arrived early in the morning (highly recommended to see more wildlife) and my visit was peaceful and tranquil; I enjoyed hiking, watching ducks and kayakers silently glide by on the water, watching turtles pop their heads above the water to breathe, and listening to the birds singing their songs. I highly recommend a trip here if you have an extra half or full day in the area.
Other places to get your nature fix in Delaware are Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Dover, and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge just off Route 1 between Dover and Lewes.
Comments?
Please share your experiences and suggestions for other places to visit in the general area. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
