The section of the Swamp Forest Trail along the pond's south shore by the campground is closed for construction of new cabins. The park map marks it "Swamp Forest Trail Closed, Detour to Little Jersey."
Expected reopening: No announced reopening date; the park says cabin construction continues on weekdays through March 2027
Confirm current status with Lums Pond State Park, (302) 368-6989 before visiting.
Open alternatives: Tri-State Marker Trail (White Clay Creek State Park) · Bryan's Field Trail (White Clay Creek State Park)
Delaware State Parks Lums Pond park map (maps_Lums_Pond.pdf, uploaded December 2025) and the construction alert on destateparks.com/park/lums-pond, both checked November 1, 2026.
Swamp Forest Trail (Lums Pond State Park) Hiking Guide
The Swamp Forest Trail circles Lums Pond, which the park calls Delaware's largest body of freshwater, through wetland forest of black cherry, sweet gum and maple, crossing many boardwalks and bridges along the way. At nearly seven miles it is the longest loop within half an hour of Wilmington covered here; the park is about 19 miles south, near Bear. Right now part of the south shore is detoured around cabin construction.
Permit: Lums Pond charges a per-vehicle entrance fee from March 1 to November 30: $5 a day for Delaware plates, $10 a day for out-of-state plates. Walkers and cyclists enter free. Annual pass: $50 / $100.
Distance and Terrain
Delaware State Parks lists the loop at 6.8 miles (6.9 on the park map) and rates it easy. Hiking Project maps a 6.6-mile loop with about 425 feet of climbing and grades up to 16 percent; the climbing figure is used here, and the length is why this page rates it moderate. Hiking Project's contributor describes mostly packed dirt with some loose rocks, exposed roots, larger loose rocks in spots and mud as the trail nears the pond. Mountain bikers share the trail, and the park calls it the more challenging of its bike trails.
The Construction Detour
Lums Pond is building new cabins at the campground, and the park map marks the Swamp Forest Trail closed along the south shore there, with hikers detoured onto the Little Jersey Trail. The park says construction runs 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays through March 2027 and asks visitors to watch for equipment and to observe closures, detours and signs. The Little Jersey is the park's 7.9-mile outer loop, shared with horses; hikers and bikers yield to riders.
Trailheads
The park lists three starting points: across from the nature center, the Buck Jersey Road parking lot and the boat launch lot off Red Lion Road. Hiking Project's contributor prefers Buck Jersey Road, which puts you right on the trail, and says early starts usually mean empty trails. The nature center is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., year-round.
Fees, Dogs and Hunting
Lums Pond is an inland park, so its daily vehicle charge is $5 with Delaware plates and $10 otherwise, from March 1 through November 30; it is free in winter and always free on foot. The gate opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset. Dogs need a leash of 6 feet or less on the trail; the park also has a fenced off-leash dog area. Lums Pond's hunting rules state that trails are closed during all shotgun deer seasons, which in 2026-27 are November 13-21, December 12-19 and January 16-23. With no Sunday hunting in state parks, Sundays in those weeks stay open.
Hiking tips for Swamp Forest Trail (Lums Pond State Park)
- Start from the Buck Jersey Road lot for the most direct access.
- Follow the posted detour to the Little Jersey Trail near the campground.
- Yield to horses on the Little Jersey section.
- Do not plan a Monday-Saturday hike during shotgun season; trails close.
- Expect mud near the pond after rain and bikes on the descents.
Nearby trails to explore
- Bryan's Field Trail (White Clay Creek State Park)
- Tri-State Marker Trail (White Clay Creek State Park)
- Rocky Run Trail (Brandywine Creek State Park)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Nearly seven miles around the pond goes faster with company. Post a Swamp Forest loop on TrailMates, pick the Buck Jersey Road lot and a pace in the event's group chat, and work the detour out together. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.