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Great Cypress Swamp: A Remnant Wilderness

Discover the wild beauty of the Great Cypress Swamp, a northernmost bald cypress swamp with unique birdlife and ongoing restoration.

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Explore the Great Cypress Swamp, a significant freshwater wetland on the Delmarva Peninsula. Once a vast expanse, it now represents a vital ecological area with ongoing restoration efforts. Discover diverse birdlife and unique swamp landscapes.

A brief summary to Great Cypress Swamp

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, as the swamp is home to diverse avian species.
  • Wear appropriate footwear as the area can be wet, especially after rain.
  • Visit in the spring or fall for the most comfortable temperatures and to avoid peak insect season.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Great Cypress Swamp is located near Frankford, DE. From US 113, take Route 54 west towards Gumboro. Continue for approximately 3 miles to enter the swamp area. Note that road shoulders may be narrow in some areas. There is no dedicated parking area, so find a safe place to pull over along the roadside. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is free but limited.

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Discover more about Great Cypress Swamp

The Great Cypress Swamp, also known as Burnt Swamp, is a forested freshwater swamp straddling the Delaware-Maryland border on the Delmarva Peninsula. Once a sprawling wilderness covering approximately 93 square miles, it's now the largest contiguous forest on the peninsula. This unique ecosystem is one of the northernmost bald cypress swamps in the United States. Historically, the swamp was a rich habitat supporting diverse wildlife, including bears and wolves. It also served as the headwaters of the Pocomoke River. However, extensive logging, agricultural drainage, and fires, particularly a devastating peat fire in 1930 that burned for eight months, significantly degraded the swamp. This fire led locals to call it the 'Burnt Swamp'. Today, the Great Cypress Swamp is a focus of restoration efforts led by organizations like Delaware Wild Lands. These initiatives aim to restore the natural hydrology and promote the regrowth of native species like bald cypress and Atlantic white cedar. Visitors can explore the swamp's unique environment and observe a variety of bird species. While access is limited, a drive through the area offers views of the large bald cypress trees and a sense of wild remoteness.

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