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Home > Activities > Trails > Water Trails and Paddling
Please Choose an Activity:
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. |
Delaware Breakwater Kayak Eco-Tour at Cape Henlopen State Park Saturday, May 25, 2013 from 10 a.m. Enjoy a tour in sit-on-top kayaks. Trips are designed for beginners, but can be strenuous. Closed-toe shoes required. Ages 8+; solo paddlers must be at least 13. Limit 10, pre-registration required by calling 302-645-6852. $25 for a solo kayak, or $35 for |
Kayak Rentals at the Fishing Pier at Cape Henlopen State Park Saturday, May 25, 2013 from 12:30 p.m. Sit-on-top kayak rentals include PFD, seat, and paddle. Must have paddling experience. Closed-toe shoes required. Single and tandem kayaks available. Ages 8+; solo paddlers must be at least 13. No reservations. $15 per person per hour. |
Kayak Rentals at the Fishing Pier at Cape Henlopen State Park Sunday, May 26, 2013 from 10 a.m. Sit-on-top kayak rentals include PFD, seat, and paddle. Must have paddling experience. Closed-toe shoes required. Single and tandem kayaks available. Ages 8+; solo paddlers must be at least 13. No reservations. $15 per person per hour. |
Guided Canoe Eco-Tours at Brandywine Creek State Park Sunday, June 09, 2013 from 9:30:00 AM Ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. You and a partner will 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 the Brandywine River Muse |
Guided Canoe Eco-Tours at Brandywine Creek State Park Saturday, June 22, 2013 from 9:30:00 AM Ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. You and a partner will 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 the Brandywine River Muse |