Lums Pond State Park

Delaware State Park In Southern New Castle County Around Lums Pond, The Largest Freshwater Pond In The State, A Former Millpond Tied To The History Of The Chesapeake And Delaware Canal · Bear, Delaware

Lums Pond State Park surrounds the largest freshwater pond in Delaware, roughly 200 acres of water in the flat farm and woodland country between Bear and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. The pond began as a millpond when St. Georges Creek was dammed, and in the 1800s it was used as a feeder reservoir to keep water in the locks of the original canal before the canal was rebuilt at sea level. Today it is a busy, practical park for families in the Newark, Bear and Middletown area rather than a scenic showpiece. The main draws are a long trail that loops the pond through swampy woods, boat rentals in season, fishing for bass and catfish from the shore or a boat, a campground, open fields, a dog park and equestrian trails, and a commercial treetop ropes and zip-line course in the woods. Swimming in the pond is not allowed. It is a short drive from the canal and the Michael N. Castle Trail, Delaware City and the ferry to Fort Delaware, which makes it a good base for a day on the canal side of the state. A per-vehicle fee applies in season.

1068 Howell School Road, Bear, Delaware, 19701, United States

The park is open all year, generally from about 8 AM to sunset every day, with gates closing at dusk except for registered campers; confirm current hours. A per-vehicle entry fee is charged during the fee season, roughly March through November, and is higher for out-of-state plates; outside that season entry has usually been free - confirm amounts and dates. Boat rentals of kayaks, paddle boats and similar craft run mainly from late spring to early autumn, often daily in summer and on weekends only in the shoulder months, and stop in storms or high wind - confirm whether pontoon or larger boats are offered. The treetop ropes and zip-line course is run by a private company on its own seasonal schedule and usually needs booking ahead; it closes in winter and in bad weather, and has age, height and weight limits - confirm the operator, season and rules. The nature center keeps its own shorter hours. The campground has its own season and check-in rules. Swimming in the pond is not allowed at any time. Parts of the park may be affected by hunting seasons - confirm.

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