Background

Trap Pond State Park: A Cypress Swamp Sanctuary

Explore the northernmost baldcypress swamp in the U.S. at Delaware's Trap Pond State Park: paddling, hiking, camping, and nature await.

4.7

Trap Pond State Park, Delaware's first state park, protects a unique landscape featuring the northernmost naturally occurring stand of baldcypress trees in the United States. Visitors can explore the beauty of this swampy ecosystem through paddling, hiking, and educational programs.

A brief summary to Trap Pond State Park

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching; Trap Pond is home to diverse bird species, including herons and bald eagles.
  • Consider a pontoon boat tour for an informative and relaxing way to experience the baldcypress swamp.
  • Check the park's event calendar for family activities, such as campground crafts and wagon rides.
  • Be aware that entrance fees are in effect from March 1 through November 30; an annual pass can be a worthwhile investment for frequent visitors.
  • If camping, reserve your site in advance, especially during peak season.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    Trap Pond State Park is easily accessible by car via US-13 in Sussex County, Delaware. From US-13, follow signs to DE-24 W/Laurel Road, then turn onto Bald Cypress Lane to reach the park entrance. Note that entrance fees are in effect from March 1 to November 30: $4 for Delaware-registered vehicles and $8 for out-of-state vehicles. Parking is available in several areas within the park, including the main parking area, Cypress Point Picnic Area, and near the Baldcypress Nature Center. Limited parking is available at the Day Use Area.

  • Public Transport

    While direct public transportation to Trap Pond State Park is limited, you can take a bus to a nearby town and then use a taxi or ride-sharing service to reach the park. For example, from Rehoboth Beach, take the DART Route 201 bus to the Lewes Transit Center, then transfer to Route 206 to the Sussex Correctional Institution. From there, a taxi or ride-share to Trap Pond State Park will cost approximately $20-$30. Bus fare from Rehoboth to Sussex Correctional Institution is approximately $4-6.

Unlock the Best of Trap Pond State Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Trap Pond State Park

Trap Pond State Park, located near Laurel, Delaware, is a captivating destination renowned for its unique natural environment and recreational opportunities. Encompassing nearly 4,000 acres, the park's centerpiece is the northernmost naturally occurring stand of baldcypress trees in the United States. These majestic trees, adapted to calm, shallow waters, create an ethereal swamp landscape that beckons exploration. The area's history is intertwined with the harvesting of baldcypress wood, prized for its rot resistance. In the late 1700s, settlers dammed the wetlands to power a sawmill, forming what is now Trap Pond. While the old-growth cypress was eventually harvested, the pond and surrounding wetlands were repurposed as a drainage area for local farms. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps recognized the recreational potential of the area, initiating development that led to the park's establishment as Delaware's first state park in 1951. Today, Trap Pond State Park offers diverse activities for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Visitors can paddle through the baldcypress swamp via canoe or kayak, hike or bike along scenic trails, or embark on a guided pontoon tour to learn about the pond's ecology and history. The Baldcypress Nature Center features exhibits and programs that delve into the park's natural and cultural heritage. Camping is also a popular option, with a variety of RV, tent, cabin, and yurt sites available. Birdwatchers will find Trap Pond to be a haven, with opportunities to spot herons, owls, warblers, and even bald eagles. Anglers can cast their lines for largemouth bass, pickerel, and other fish species. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat into nature or an active outdoor experience, Trap Pond State Park offers a memorable escape.

Popular Experiences near Trap Pond State Park

Popular Hotels near Trap Pond State Park

Select Currency