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DELAWARE SEASHORE STATE PARK

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TRAP POND STATE PARK

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3 days of wonder from Delaware’s Tip to Tip

Day OneChoose the campground at Lums Pond State Park to stage your first day of exploring. Situated around the largest freshwater pond in Delaware, this park is a short trip from Delaware City, where you can board a ferry bound for Fort Delaware State Park. This Civil War-era fortress, featured on Syfy’s Ghost Hunters, offers award-winning living history programs and more. Return to shore and travel to nearby Old New Castle for shopping and dining.

Day TwoAfter a cup of coffee in camp, head south 40 miles to Dover and stop at the nearby First State Heritage Park to learn how Delaware became the “First State.” Then continue for 13 miles through the heart of Delaware—perhaps with a stop to try your luck at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino—to one of the camping cabins in centrally-located Killens Pond State Park. In the afternoon, rent a canoe and paddle the pond or play in the Water Park before returning to your cabins to freshen up for a free concert under the stars.

Day ThreeAfter a restful night’s sleep in your cabin, finish your trip with a scenic drive to some of Delaware’s beach parks, featuring some of the best fishing on the East Coast at the Indian River Marina. Consider visiting Fort Miles Historic Area at Cape Henlopen State Park, and stop in at the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum and Gift Shop. Bonus: Extend your stay a few nights by staying in a Cottage at the Indian River Marina at Delaware Seashore State Park, with the nearby tax-free shopping at Tanger Outlets and wonderful seafood.

Discover the wonders of Delaware State Parks from north to south, enjoying history and nature along the way. Explore the state from top to bottom in just a couple of days, but be sure to leave time to take in all that our parks have to offer: a lot. From Civil War tours to paddling in a canoe, there’s something for all.

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Park Staff RecommendationsHIKING, BIKING, RIDINGChestnut Hill Trail This single-track 3.4-mile trailin White Clay Creek State Park A1features a packed-earth surfaceperfect for hiking or mountainbiking through the forest andacross meandering creeks.

Loblolly Trail A 4.6-mile loop around Trap PondState Park B10, the Loblolly Trail has a variety of trail surfaces for hiking and biking. Borrow one of the park’s bikes for the trail.

Northern Delaware Greenway Trail The 1.6-mile portion of the trail within Bellevue State Park B1 features a wide, paved surface. Loaner bikes and a special adaptive tricycle are available. Ask at the park office.

Life Course Trail The trail follows an easy contouralong a forested path of grass andsoft pine needles in Killens PondState Park B7. Stop at one of twenty exercise stations along the trail.

FISHINGCape Henlopen State Park E8A long pier provides access to Delaware Bay, where you can grab bait and tackle, equipment and snack foods for your trip. Dune crossovers allow access to designated surf fishing areas.

Delaware Seashore State Park E9In addition to surf fishing, anglersmay try their luck along the banksof the Indian River Inlet. A specialaccess pier allows people of allabilities to get close to the action.

White Clay Creek State Park A1Fish for trout in the spring, and bluegill and crappie year-round. Ponds offer a catch-and-release program for bass, and the stocked creek has rainbow and brown trout.

HISTORIC PLACESFort Miles Historical AreaBuilt in 1941 and home to the 261st Coast Artillery—which helped to protect the coast during World War II—this fort, located in Cape Henlopen State Park E8 was last used by the military in 1991.

Auburn Heights Preserve A1See what life was like at the dawnof the automotive age. AuburnHeights Preserve features thelargest collection of operatingsteam cars in the world.

Fort Delaware State Park B2This Civil War-era prison is easilyaccessible by ferry, and featuresliving history, live cannon firing,ghost tours and was highlighted onSyfy’s Ghost Hunters program.

Several state parks, including White Clay Creek, Rockford Tower, Bellevue and Killens Pond offer exciting concerts in the summertime under the stars. View the schedule online.

Summer Concert Series

I D E A S F O R P L A N N I N G Y O U R F U T U R E V I S I T

I N S I D E R T I P S H I T T H E R O A D

FIRSTS IN THE FIRST STATE:First State Heritage Park – Delaware’s first “park without boundaries”

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FIRSTS IN THE FIRST STATE:Indian River Marina – First “Clean Marina” in the state

Lums Pond State Park

Telephone: (302) 368-6989

Website:www.destateparks.com/park/ lums-pond

62 Campsites4 Horse Sites (no hookups) 6 Family Sites & 2 Yurts Travel Times: Rehoboth Beach — 2 Hours Dover — 45 Minutes Wilmington — 30 Minutes Annapolis, MD — 1.5 Hours Baltimore, MD — 1.25 Hours Philadelphia, PA — 1 Hour

Indian River Life-SavingStation and Museum E9Built in 1876 for use by theUnited States Life-Saving Service,the station has been restored toits 1905 appearance, completewith diamond-shaped trim. Besure to visit the gift shop forsouvenirs.

MUSIC AND ARTSBellevue State Park B1Enjoy free lunchtime and nighttimeconcerts each summer and aholiday concert in the winter. TheArts Center features crafts for allages and an annual children’s Earth Day poster contest.

Summer Concert SeriesEach year, we host free concertsunder the stars at White ClayCreek A1, Killens Pond B7, Bellevue B1 and Rockford Tower B1. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a wide variety of music.

Delaware Folk Art CollectionThe stunning Blue Ball Barn B1 is the backdrop for this unique

collection of works that represents the many influences that shape Delaware’s cultural heritage.

COTTAGES, CAMPING, CABINS

Lums Pond State Park A2Year-round camping sites, yurtsand four horse sites with modernshower facilities, picnic tables,grills and more.

Trap Pond State Park B10Waterside camping cabins have heat and air for three-season comfort. Yurts and secluded walk-in tent sites are perfect for a relaxing getaway stay.

Killens Pond State Park B7Year-round family cabins sleep four and feature a kitchenette, eating area, bedroom, bath with shower, A/C and heat. Cabin rentals include a coupon for free canoe rental (subject to availability).

The Cottages atIndian River MarinaYear-round, furnished cabinsalong the Indian River Inlet, inside

Delaware Seashore State Park E9,sleep six and feature screened porch, kitchen, gas fireplace and more with fishing, swimming and tax-free shopping nearby.

BIRDINGPea Patch Island Heronry B2This is the summer home to nine different species of herons, egrets and ibis. The island’s remote marshes provide a habitat for one of the East Coast’s largest wading bird nesting areas.

Hawk Watch HillThe aptly named Hawk Watch Hill in Brandywine Creek State Park B1 is the perfect place to view migratory hawks, flycatchers, warblers and other neo-tropical migrants.

Seaside Nature CenterSee nesting Osprey on the Osprey cam at the Cape Henlopen State Park E8 Nature Center. The camera provides a live feed on a nearby nest. Watch eggs hatch and adults start their winter migration.

CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK

FORT DELAWARE STATE PARK

LUMS POND STATE PARK

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c a n ’ t m i s s i d e a s f o r y o u r V I S I TFrom the Piedmont Region in the north, to the white sand beaches and cypress swamps in Sussex County, there is a wealth of diverse habitats here.

meet the Locals

Birds Migrating BirdsReptiles/MammalsREPTILESDiamondback Terrapinthe diamondback terrapin prefers salt marshes for their nesting sites. each summer dozens of terrapins are killed trying to cross the highway to reach the marshes on the other side. When traveling to the beaches, please watch for turtles crossing the road.

Salamanderssalamanders provide a clue to the health of an ecosystem because they absorb pollutants and pathogens through their skin. Our salamanders are being monitored to assess the effect of natural and human processes on their population and the ecosystem.

MAMMALS White-tailed DeerOur largest park animal can be seen in abundance in most of our parks. careful visitors might see these majestic creatures along the trails that run through the parks.

5 Fun Things to do in Your Park

Get smartLearn more about your park by stopping by the Visitor or nature center, checking to see if tours are offered, or taking the time to read the placards, signs, and displays

located throughout the park. What new fact will you take home with you?

Go the distanceHow far do you plan on walking, running or biking today? Why not consider doing this at home? You can save money by not using your car, get some healthy exercise and

see your neighborhood in a new way. Will you change your habits? We hope so.

Petiquette in the ParkWe want our pets to enjoy the park as much as we do, while still preserving others’ experiences:• Keep your pet on a

6’ leash or shorter• Always clean up

after your pet• Call ahead to

confirm pets are allowed and if there are any restrictions

• Keep your pet quiet and calm

• All vaccinations must be current

Here are some simple ways that you can support your state parks. By helping your park today, you will save it for future generations.

How You can Help Your Park

Friends GroupsFriends groups are independent non-profit organizations of community members dedicated to assisting a particular park. Friends groups help with special events and programs, park maintenance, planning, fundraising, staffing and advocating for the park. call (302) 739-9193 or visit www.destateparks.com/volunteers to learn more.

Donatedelaware state Parks is responsible for protect-ing and managing our precious natural, cultural and historical resources. This enormous task cannot be achieved without your help. the delaware state Parks trust Fund is a charitable endowment established with the delaware community Foundation to provide protection for delaware’s precious resources, now and in the future. to learn how you can join us in preserving our treasures, call (302) 739-9200.

Carry In – Carry Out in 1994, the delaware state Parks established the carry in - carry Out (cicO) trash-Free Parks Program. trash cans were removed and visitors are asked take their trash with them when they leave. the cicO program has fostered a partnership with visitors by encouraging everyone to help maintain clean parks.

Leave No Trace delaware state Parks is a partner in the Leave No Trace® Outdoor ethics Program which is dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation. Leave no trace builds awareness and seeks to minimize human impact on our parks, conservation areas, wildlands, and historic and cultural places. to learn more, visit: www.LNT.org.

Tree Recyclingeach year, delaware state Parks collects christmas trees to be chipped for mulch. this offers families an opportunity to dispose of their trees in an eco-friendly way and put the principles of recycling into effect.

LEED BuildingsLeadership in energy and design (Leed) sets the standard for eco-friendly building design. Our Parks have adopted these standards, incorporating features such as rainwater collection, use of recycled materials, composting toilets and energy efficient fixtures.

Hunt for treasuredo your kids love to hunt for treasure, how about planning a scavenger hunt? While hiking, they

can learn to identify different plants and trees. Put natural items like acorns and pinecones on your list of things to find. the first one to correctly identify a species checks it off their list. Use this time to talk about keeping the park clean and healthy for the next visitors. For list ideas go to www.parkvisitor.com/treasure.

Great Blue HeronPea Patch island is home to one of the largest wading-bird nesting sites on the east coast. take the Prison camp trail to the observation tower to catch a glimpse of this graceful bird with blue-black plumage. at 66-79 inches in wingspan, it’s one of north america’s largest wading birds and the largest of the herons.

Hawksa variety of hawk species can be seen throughout the state. Brandywine Creek, White Clay Creek and Cape Henlopen are particularly good spots to see the spring and fall hawk migrations. Keep your eyes open for Red-tailed and sharp-shinned Hawks, and maybe even the elusive cooper’s Hawk. For a list of Birding events, visit www.destateparks.com.

Piping Plover this beautiful sparrow-sized bird often nests along the shores of delaware. Look for its yellow-orange legs, black ring around its neck and band of black across its forehead.

Red-knot this migrating north american shorebird also makes stops here along the coast during migration. they have short, dark legs and a dark bill.

The Delaware coastline is a popular stop for two threatened species of shorebirds during their annual migrations. Please note that some areas of our parks where these birds make their nests may be closed to visitors. Help us protect these fragile species by observing posted restrictions.

Chat it up Park staff are the park experts. take the time to talk with them to get the inside scoop. Before you start your adventure, ask a staff member

what their favorite spot is, how long it takes to get there, and why it’s special to them. their favorite part of the park may become yours, too. For more ideas see the staff Recommendations article.

Did you KNOW?

simple tips for Going Green

Delaware State Parks promotes environmental responsibility and encourages visitors and staff to “Go Green” by reducing impact on our natural resources in order to create a healthier environment and lower the cost of operating the parks.

Delaware LEEDs the way the renovated Blue Ball Barn in Alapocas Run State Park, originally built in 1914, is the first Leed-certified state-owned building in delaware. it is a great example of the preservation and adaptive reuse of an historic structure.

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Let technology meet natureUse your GPs-enabled cell phone or wrist top computer to trace your steps while hiking or exploring your state park. take pictures at landmarks,

during your road trip, or at interesting areas and then mark the way point on your device. When you get home, add the GPs tag to your photos when you post them to Flickr.com, Google maps or other web sites to show your photos tagged along the trail you walked or hiked. now, you have a trail map complete with photos for next time.

MUST DO IN THE PARK:

Firsts in the First state:Can-Do Playground – Delaware’s first bound-less playground in alapocas run state

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Lend a Helping HandBecome a volunteer! any group or individual can help by working on trails, leading environmental programs, maintaining buildings and grounds, or in other ways help improve the parks. Or consider making money and having a blast with the AmeriCorps Program. You’ll receive a stipend, student loan forbearance, day care and other benefits. members 17 and older serve in a 13-week summer program or 11-month full-time program providing quality recreation, environmental education, cultural and historic programming, and more. Get started today! call (302) 739-9193 or visit www.destateparks.com/volunteers.

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Documents

fort delaware state

state heritage park

killens pond state park

lums pond state park

park office

water park

bellevue state park

loblolly trail