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Paddling in Delaware State Parks
Choose Delaware State Parks for your next paddling adventure. Whatever your skill level, there is a state park that will serve your needs, from a serene trip around one of our beautiful millponds to a more strenuous paddle in the open waters of the Delaware Bay!
Paddling in Delaware State Parks
| Park | Location | Miles | Ease |  |
| Brandywine Creek | Brandywine Creek | 6-7 | Easy to Moderate | No |
| Cape Henlopen | Delaware Bay | 1-3 | Easy to Moderate | No |
| Delaware Seashore | Coastal Bays | Varies | Easy to Moderate | No |
| Killens Pond | Killens Pond | 2-4 | Easy | No |
| Lums Pond | Lums Pond | 1-7 | Easy | No |
| Trap Pond | Trap Pond | Variable | ||
| *James Branch Water Trail | 5 (one way) |
Internediate to Advanced | No | |
| Racoon Pond Water Trail | 2 (round trip) |
Moderate | No | |
| Terrapin Branch Water Trail | 2.8 (round trip) |
Moderate | No | |
*Special Notice:
The James Branch Nature Preserve, from the Trap Pond Spillway downstream to the bridge at Hitch Pond Road, is closed until further notice. |
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Boat Rentals
No boat? No problem! All types of paddling adventures await you, with boat rentals available by the hour or by the day, or through guided tours and excusions! Follow the links for information about fees and available options.
| Brandywine Creek | Rentals and excursions provided by Wilderness Canoe Trips |
| Cape Henlopen | Canoe/Kayak rentals and excursions provided by Delaware State Parks |
| Delaware Seashore | No rentals, but guided paddling tours and excursions are offered, led by Delaware State Parks staff |
| Fenwick Island | Rentals and excursions provided by Coastal Kayak |
| Killens Pond | Canoe/Kayak/Rowboat/Pedal Boat rentals provided by Delaware State Parks |
| Lums Pond | Canoe/Kayak/Rowboat/Pedal Boat/Sailboat rentals provided by Delaware State Parks |
| Trap Pond | Canoe/Kayak/Rowboat/Pedal Boat rentals provided by Delaware State Parks |
Guided Paddling Trips
Are you nervous about paddling for the first time? Don't have a kayak or canoe? Perhaps you just want to paddle with a group. Join our state park staff on a guided canoe or kayak trip! Kayak excursions are offered at Trap Pond, Killens Pond, Delaware Seashore, Cape Henlopen and Brandywine Creek. Check out these upcoming paddling adventures! Please call the park to confirm scheduling and make reservations.
Guided Paddling Programs at Delaware State Parks from There are currently no guided paddling programs scheduled. |
James Branch Canoe Trip at Trap Pond Friday, May 18, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This trip will last up to six hours and can be very strenuous; it is recommended for intermediate to experienced paddlers. $25 per person. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 875-5163. |
EMS Kayak Demo Day at Lums Pond Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Eastern Mountain Sports will be in the park with kayaks and other gear. Take a test-paddle! Call the office for more information. |
Raccoon Pond Canoe Trek at Trap Pond Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Recommended for intermediate to experienced paddlers. Meet at the Boathouse and bring old clothes; you will get muddy. $14 per person. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 875-5163. Basic kayak instruction will be provided. |
James Branch Canoe Trip at Trap Pond Thursday, May 24, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This trip will last up to six hours and can be very strenuous; it is recommended for intermediate to experienced paddlers. $25 per person. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 875-5163. |
Delaware Breakwater Kayak Trip at Cape Henlopen Saturday, May 26, 2012 from 10 a.m.-Noon Experienced naturalists and instructors guide this tour in sit-on-top kayaks. Trips can be strenuous. Equipment is provided. Closed-toe shoes are required. Ages 8 and up with an adult; solo paddlers must be at least 13. Limit 10. Pre-registration is required. $25 for solo-kayaks, or $35 for tandem. |
Kayak Rentals at the Fishing Pier at Cape Henlopen Saturday, May 26, 2012 from 12:30 - 4 p.m. Sit-on-top kayak rentals include PFD, seat and paddle. Participants must have paddling experience. Closed-toe shoes required. Ages 8 and up with an adult; solo paddlers must be at least 13. No reservations taken. Single or tandem: $15 per person per hour. |
Guided Canoe Trip at Brandywine Creek Saturday, May 26, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. A certified leader and a naturalist will help with canoe instruction and nature identification. Ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. You and a partner must be able to carry your canoe to the river. We provide equipment; bring plenty of water and a snack, and dress to get wet. Some experience is recommended. Meet at Thompson’s Bridge parking lot. Advance registration and payment are required. $20 per person; a third person in a canoe is $10 (700-lb. capacity). Register by May 23. |
Swamp Canoe Tour at Trap Pond Sunday, May 27, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Look for great blue herons, eagles and other wildlife as we paddle along the pond’s edge. $14 per person. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 875-5163. Basic canoe instruction will be provided. |
Kayak Exploration at Killens Pond Sunday, May 27, 2012 from 4 p.m. Explore the pond and the Murderkill River that feeds it. Kayak instruction will be available for the novice paddler. Space is limited. $10 per paddler |
Memorial Day Camping Weekend: Sunset Canoe and Campfire at Lums Pond Sunday, May 27, 2012 from 7 p.m. Stick around after an evening paddle to roast marshmallows around a fire. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the boathouse (Area 2). Pre-registration required. $15 per non-camper; $12 per camper |
Swamp Canoe Tour at Trap Pond Monday, May 28, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Look for great blue herons, eagles and other wildlife as we paddle along the pond’s edge. $14 per person. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 875-5163. Basic canoe instruction will be provided. |
Guided Canoe Trip at Brandywine Creek Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. A certified leader and a naturalist will help with canoe instruction and nature identification. Ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. You and a partner must be able to carry your canoe to the river. We provide equipment; bring plenty of water and a snack, and dress to get wet. Some experience is recommended. Meet at Thompson’s Bridge parking lot. Advance registration and payment are required. $20 per person; a third person in a canoe is $10 (700-lb. capacity). Register by June 7. |