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Lums Pond State Park: Delaware's Recreational Haven

Explore Delaware's largest freshwater pond with hiking, ziplining, camping, and more at Lums Pond State Park near Bear.

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Lums Pond State Park, surrounding Delaware's largest freshwater pond, offers diverse recreational activities and habitats. From woodlands to wetlands, enjoy paddlesports, athletics, trails, camping, and a treetop adventure. Once a Native American community and later a mill operation, it became a state park in 1963.

A brief summary to Lums Pond State Park Office

  • Monday 8 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Bring your own kayak or rent one at the park to explore Lums Pond.
  • Visit the Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park for a unique treetop experience (open March - November).
  • Hike the Swamp Forest Trail for scenic views of the pond.
  • Check the park's event calendar for seasonal hayrides and nature programs.
  • Remember that a park entrance fee is charged from March 1 to November 30.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From DE-896, turn onto Howell School Road. The park entrance is on the right. Follow the park road to reach various areas within the park, such as the visitor center, boat launch, or trailheads. Parking is available in designated lots throughout the park. A daily entrance fee is required from March 1 to November 30; $3 for Delaware residents and $8 for non-residents.

  • Public Transport

    The DART First State Route 40 bus connects Wilmington to stops along US Route 40 near Bear. From the bus stop (e.g., at Rt 40 @ Sunset Lake Rd), you will need to use a rideshare service or taxi to complete the journey to Lums Pond State Park, costing approximately $10-$25. Check the bus schedule for current fares and times.

  • Walking

    If you are already within Lums Pond State Park, follow the main park road or designated trails to reach your desired destination, such as the campground, nature center, or specific trailheads. Signage throughout the park will guide you. Walking from one area to another within the park may take 10-20 minutes.

Unlock the Best of Lums Pond State Park Office

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Discover more about Lums Pond State Park Office

Lums Pond State Park, encompassing 1,790 acres, is built around Lums Pond, the largest freshwater pond in Delaware. The park offers a diverse landscape of woodlands and wetlands, providing a variety of recreational activities and habitats. Originally, the area was home to Native American communities thriving on the waters of St. Georges Creek. In the early 1800s, the creek was dammed to create Lums Pond to support local milling operations and provide water for the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. The state acquired the area in 1963, preserving it for outdoor recreation as New Castle County's population boomed. Today, visitors can enjoy paddlesports, explore trails, camp, and experience a high-flying adventure at Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park. The park features football, soccer, and cricket fields, as well as tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts. Hikers can explore the 6.4-mile Swamp Forest Trail or the Little Jersey Trail. Lums Pond is also a popular spot for fishing, with largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie. The Whale Wallow Nature Center hosts programs during the summer. Scenic picnic areas with tables and grills are scattered throughout the park. Lums Pond State Park is a year-round destination with something for everyone.

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