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Bear, DE
Change City

Lums Pond State Park

1068 Howell School Road
Bear, DE 19701

302-368-6989

Lums Pond State Park is built around the largest freshwater pond in Delaware. The park features excellent camping, fishing, sports facilities, hiking trails, and an unforgettable Go Ape! Treetop Adventure Course featuring rope ladders, treetop crossings, Tarzan swings and 5 zip lines — four of them over water! Lums Pond itself covers 200 acres, and although there is no swimming allowed, boat rentals and fishing provide water-bound recreation. A boat launching ramp and two piers allow easy access to the water.

Park History:

Before the pond existed, St. Georges Creek flowed through the hardwood forest and was the site of several Native American hunting camps. The creek was dammed in the early 1800's when the C & D canal was built. Water from the pond was used to fill the locks of the canal and power a small mill. This area was first used as a state park in 1963.

Activities:BikingBirdingBoatingCampingDay CampsDisc GolfFishingGeocachingHayrides (seasonal)HikingHorseback RidingHuntingKayaking/CanoeingCultural/Recreational/Nature ProgramsPicnickingSportsAmenities:Athletic Field RentalsBasketball CourtsBoat LaunchBoat RentalsCamp StoreCampgroundsCanoe/Kayak RentalsDisc Golf CourseDump StationEquestrian FacilityFishing PiersNature CenterNature StoreOff-Leash Pet AreaPedal Boat RentalsPavilionsPicnic AreaPlaygroundRecreation Equipment RentalsRestroomsShower FacilitiesTrailsVending MachinesVolleyball CourtsYurts

Hiking, Picnicking and Learning:

Hikers have the opportunity to explore a variety of habitats along the 7.5 mile Swamp Forest Trail circling the pond. Lums also features over 10 miles of multi-purpose trails (horses, bikes, hikers, and snowmobiles). The Whale Wallow Nature Center hosts a variety of programs for visitors during the summer season (Nature Center will be open daily from noon-6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.). For outdoor dining, picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, and three pavilions can be reserved for larger groups.

Hours: Open Daily 8 a.m. to Sunset

Going ApeThe Go Ape ziplining course allows visitors to see the park from a whole new perspective – from the treetops! The main course, for ages 10 and up, is a 2- to 3-hour adventure featuring rope ladders, treetop crossings, Tarzan swings and four zip lines that take you over the pond. Younger climbers can experience safe climbing fun on the Treetop Junior course.CampingThe newly-renovated campground offers sites with three-point hookups (water, electric and sewer), as well as four horse campsites without hookups. If you prefer a bed to a bedroll, stay in one of our yurts! These round stationary structures with canvas walls feature a single and double bed bunked together, a double bed-sized futon, an outdoor seating area, and outdoor deck.Fishing and BoatingAs the largest freshwater pond in Delaware, Lums Pond is one of the best fishing spots in the state, with anglers landing crappie, bluegill, perch, pickerel, largemouth bass, and more. Striped bass is stocked periodically. Fishing permits are required.Bring your own boat, or rent one of ours: rowboats, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats are available, and a boat launching ramp and two piers allow easy access to the water. The Summit North Marina on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal offers private slips for 250 boats and fuel sales, boat storage and repair services.Horseback RidingThe Little Jersey Trail is a shared-use trail designated for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The campground has four horse campsites where riders can enjoy a getaway without the need for daily trailering.Access to the riding trail is limited to park operating hours (8 a.m. to sunset.)Vehicles and trailers used for the transport of horses must park in designated areas.Riding trails may be closed due to hazardous conditions or at the Division’s discretion.Riders are responsible for cleaning up after their horses on roadways and in parking areas.The Lums Pond Equestrian Center, operated by Sunset Stables, offers riding lessons, day camps, trail rides, birthday parties and a tack shop. Open by appointmentSport Fields and CourtsFootball, soccer, softball, and cricket fields may be rented through the park office for a $50 fee. Tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts are first-come, first-served. Horseshoe, volleyball, and softball equipment may be rented for $25 during the summer season. Individuals renting equipment must be at least 18 years of age, present a valid driver's license as proof of age, and may leave either the driver's license or $50 as a deposit.Nature PreserveLums Pond Woods Nature Preserve – This Nature Preserve is a great example of a Northern Coastal Plain/Piedmont Basic Mesic hardwood Forest. Delmarva Bays are scattered throughout the forest. This Nature Preserve captures all the mature woodlands within the Park.Amenities: Loop Trail (pedestrian, bike, horse) in and outside of Nature Preserve. Parking in park.Acreage: 181 acres

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