Paddle Sports
Whether you’re canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or finding another way to hit the water, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the First State in Delaware State Parks. From tidal wetlands and prehistoric swamps to millponds and ambling creeks – paddling in parks is the ultimate exploration!
Brandywine Creek
Brandywine Creek in New Castle County is a wide, wandering creek that is popular for paddle sports and tubing.
Brandywine Creek in New Castle County is a wide, wandering creek that is popular for paddle sports and tubing.
Site Specification
- Launch locations:
- Thompson Bridge Day Use Parking Area
- Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, PA (not affiliated with Delaware State Parks).
- Considerations:
- Full sun exposure and slow-flowing at times of low water
- Extreme high or low water levels may limit creek access
- Use extreme caution at dams downriver of Thompson Bridge Day Use Area
Cape Henlopen
Paddling Cape Henlopen in Sussex County is a truly unique tidal, saltwater experience.
Paddling Cape Henlopen in Sussex County is a truly unique tidal, saltwater experience. Explore the area where they Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean – potentially encountering unique marine life, birds and more.
Site Specification
- Launch locations:
- Bay beach adjacent to fishing pier (accessible by footpath beside bait & tackle shop)
- Rentals:
- Rental paddling equipment offered by Quest Kayak
- Considerations:
- Be prepared for weather, wind and tides
- Be aware of fishing lines near the pier
- Strong currents exist near the Point
- Access to the Point is restricted from March to September for the protection of nesting shorebirds.
- Observe all sign postings & respect wildlife
Delaware Seashore
Explore Delaware’s dynamic inland bays – a brackish water estuary and saltmarsh.
Explore Delaware’s dynamic inland bays – a brackish water estuary and saltmarsh. Paddle in the shallow tidal waters of the Rehoboth, Indian River or Little Assawoman bays to experience unique landscapes, nesting shorebirds and other wildlife.
Site Specification
- Launch locations:
- Tower Road Bayside, beach launch
- New Road, beach launch
- Savages Ditch, beach or ditch launch (*note: short trail required for both launches)
- Assawoman Canal Trailhead, floating dock launch (located in Ocean View)
- Boatyard, Indian River Marina (near Burton Island Nature Preserve Trailhead)
- Water trails:
- Cedar Island Water Trail (2.8mi)
- Considerations:
- Be prepared for weather, wind and tides.
- Avoid strong tidal currents of the Indian River Inlet
- Be aware of boaters in the area of the Indian River Inlet/Marina.
- Observe all sign postings & respect wildlife
Fenwick Island
Tidal paddling in the Little Assawoman Bay provides unique opportunities to explore saltmarsh islands, popular boating and fishing grounds and more.
Tidal paddling in the Little Assawoman Bay provides unique opportunities to explore saltmarsh islands, popular boating and fishing grounds and more.
Site Specification
- Launch locations:
- Assawoman Recreation Area
- Rentals:
- Rental paddling equipment offered by Coastal Kayak
- Considerations:
- Be prepared for weather, wind and tides.
- Be aware of motorboats in the marked channel.
Holts Landing
Explore the Indian River and western side of the Indian River Bay easily from Holts Landing.
Explore the Indian River and western side of the Indian River Bay easily from Holts Landing. Tidal water with sweeping views of the Indian River Inlet bridge and beach towns.
Site Specification
- Launch locations:
- Kayak launch trail adjacent to parking area, beach launch
- Considerations:
- Be prepared for weather, wind and tides.
- Be aware of fishing lines and crabbing pots near fishing pier.
Killens Pond
A Kent County gem, this relaxed millpond boasts acres of freshwater to explore in a rural environment.
Site Specification
- Launch locations:
- Boat launch area off of Killens Pond Road, paved ramp
- Rentals:
- Rental kayaks, canoes and pedal boats offered by State Parks
- Hours of operation
Paddle Timing
| *Last hourly rental at 5pm; last ½ hour pedal boat rental at 5:30pm | |
| Time period | Hours |
| Memorial Day to mid-June | 10am – 6pm weekends & holidays |
| Mid-June to mid-August | 10am – 6pm daily |
| Mid-August – mid-October | 10am- 6pm weekends & holidays |
| Mid-October – Memorial Day | CLOSED |
- Click for Rates
- Considerations:
- Full sun exposure common
- Be prepared for weather & wind
Lums Pond
Delaware’s largest freshwater pond, paddling on Lums Pond is popular for its easy conditions and many areas to explore.
Delaware’s largest freshwater pond, paddling on Lums Pond is popular for its easy conditions and many areas to explore.
Site Specification
- Launch locations:
- Boat launch near campground
- Area 2 boat rental beach
- Rentals:
- Rental kayaks, canoes and pedal boats offered by State Parks
- Hours of operation
- Rental kayaks, canoes and pedal boats offered by State Parks
Paddle Timing
| *Last rental 1 hour before closing | |
| Time period | Hours |
| Memorial Day to mid-August | 10am – 6pm Monday – Friday; 10am – 8pm Saturday – Sunday |
| Mid-August to Labor Day | 10am – 6pm Monday – Friday; 10am – 7:30pm Saturday – Sunday |
| May & September (prior to Memorial Day/after Labor Day) | 10am – 6pm Saturday – Sunday |
| October through April | CLOSED |
- Click for Rates
- Considerations:
- Full sun exposure common
- Be prepared for weather & wind
Trap Pond
Paddle in one of the most unique environments in Delaware – a baldcypress swamp.
Site Specification
- Launch locations:
-
- Floating dock launch in campground (ADA Accessible)
- Boat launch area
- Sandy beach behind Baldcypress Nature Center
- Jason Beach area
- Water trails:
- Terrapin Branch Water Trail (1.4mi)
- Rentals:
- Rental kayaks, canoes, SUPs and pedal boats offered by State Parks
- Hours of operation
Paddle Timing
| Time Period | Hours |
|---|---|
| Memorial Day weekend – August 27 | 9am – 6pm Monday – Thursday 9am – 7pm Friday – Sunday |
| August 28 – October 17 | CLOSED Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm Saturday – Sunday |
| Labor Day Monday | 9am – 6pm |
| October 18 – Memorial Day | CLOSED |
Paddle Sports
No Programs Found.
Rates and Information
| 1/2 Hour | Hour | Daily | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canoe | N/A | $9 | $45 |
| Pedal Boat | $7 | $11 | $55 |
| Single Kayak | N/A | $10 | $50 |
| Tandem Kayak | N/A | $12 | $60 |
| Paddle Board* | N/A | $16 | N/A |
| Pontoon Boat Rides**, Adults | N/A | $8/person, per ride | N/A |
| Pontoon Boat Rides**, 12 and under | N/A | $4/person, Per ride | N/A |
**Only available at Trap Pond