Lums Pond State Park

About

Lums Pond State Park sits around Delaware's largest freshwater pond, a 200-acre body of water that draws visitors year-round for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and simply soaking in the quiet beauty of the coastal plain. Located near Bear, Delaware, the park is an easy drive from Wilmington, Newark, and even Philadelphia, making it a perfect day trip or weekend escape.

The pond itself is the star attraction. Anglers cast for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie from the shore or from boats. Kayak and canoe rentals are available seasonally, and the calm water makes for a relaxing paddle. A disc golf course winds through the woods, and the park's zipline and aerial adventure course add a shot of adrenaline for those who want it.

Four distinct trails loop through the park, ranging from easy paved paths to longer woodland routes. The Swamp Forest Trail takes hikers through a striking bald cypress habitat, while the Little Jersey Trail follows the pond's edge and is great for birdwatching. Spring and fall bring migrating warblers and waterfowl, and great blue herons are common sights along the shoreline.

Picknicking is easy with multiple pavilions and open grassy areas scattered around the pond. The park also offers camping, from tent sites to cabins, so you can stretch a visit into an overnight stay. Newer cabins have been designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind, a welcome addition for visitors who want to experience an overnight stay in the park.

Lums Pond hosts seasonal programs including nature walks, campfire talks, and kids' activities run by park naturalists. It's the kind of place where families return year after year, where the pace slows down, and where a morning spent watching turtles sun themselves on a log counts as a highlight. Whether you're here for the fishing, the trails, or just a quiet afternoon by the water, the park delivers a genuine connection to Delaware's outdoors.

Accessibility

Lums Pond State Park has made meaningful strides in accessibility. The park is one of five Delaware state parks offering free Trackchairs, motorized all-terrain wheelchairs designed to handle packed dirt and paved trails. These can be reserved through Delaware State Parks and allow visitors to reach areas that standard wheelchairs cannot.

Several trails at the park are marked as handicap accessible, with paved or hard-packed surfaces suitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. Pavilions feature ADA-compliant designs with level concrete floors and paved approach paths. Newer cabins at the park have been built to be wheelchair accessible, providing an overnight option for visitors with mobility needs.

Parking areas include designated accessible spaces near trailheads and key facilities. Restrooms at the main activity areas are ADA-compliant.

For visitors who are blind or have low vision, the park's natural setting offers rich sensory experiences including birdsong, water sounds, and woodland scents along the trails. Contact the park directly to ask about guided programs or additional accommodations.

For the most current information on Trackchair availability, accessible cabin bookings, and specific trail conditions, contact Lums Pond State Park or visit the Delaware State Parks website. Conditions can vary by season, and calling ahead ensures you'll have the equipment and access you need for a great visit.

More accessible places in Delaware

• Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington)
• Biggs Museum of American Art (Dover)
• Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village (Dover)
• Delaware Museum of Nature and Science (Wilmington)
• Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Winterthur)
• Longwood Gardens (across PA but major draw) (Wilmington)