Trap Pond State Park

Delaware State Park In Western Sussex County Around A Historic Mill Pond, Protecting One Of The Northernmost Natural Stands Of Bald Cypress In The United States · Laurel, Delaware

Trap Pond State Park lies a few miles east of Laurel in the flat farm and forest country of western Sussex County, and its heart is a dark, still pond ringed by bald cypress trees. The pond was made in the 1700s when a dam was built to power a sawmill cutting timber from the swamp forest that once covered much of this area, and the cypress stands here are among the northernmost natural ones in the United States. The land became a federal recreation area in the 1930s and in 1951 one of Delaware's first state parks. People come to paddle among the cypress knees on a marked water trail, rent canoes, kayaks or pedal boats, ride a pontoon boat tour in season, walk or bike the trail that loops the pond, and camp. The Bald Cypress Nature Center explains the swamp and its wildlife. The water is brown with tannin from the trees, not dirty. Nearby Trussum Pond, a small cypress pond a short drive away, is one of the most photographed spots in the state. Summer brings ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes.

33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, Delaware, 19956, United States

The park is open all year, generally from about 8 AM to sunset every day, and the gates close at dusk except for campers and cabin guests; confirm current hours. An entry fee is usually charged per vehicle during the main season, roughly from March through November, and is higher for vehicles with out-of-state plates; outside that season entry has typically been free - confirm the exact season and amounts. Boat rentals of canoes, kayaks, pedal 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. Pontoon boat tours of the pond run in season on a set schedule - confirm days and whether they need booking. The Bald Cypress Nature Center keeps its own, shorter hours, and may be closed on some weekdays, especially out of season. The campground, cabins and yurts are open for much of the year with reservations; some loops or facilities may close in winter. Hunting is allowed in parts of the park in season, and some trails may be affected - confirm.

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