Name: Swamp Forest Trail (Lums Pond)
Rating: 4.2

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Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildlife

Closures for hunting season are posted at the trailhead in the parking lots. Depending upon when you hike, there is a $4 fee but you can enter the parking lot outlined above and avoid the fee if you hike early.

Overview

This loop is a great trail in the heart of New Castle county. It offers a good distance, lots of bridge crossings, picnicking, and Go Ape (a zip line and challenge course) is located inside the park.

Need to Know

Trails are mixed use, so keep an eye out for mountain bikers although there are not as many these days especially in the morning.

Description

This is a multi-use trail used by hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners. This trail is mostly packed dirt with some loose rocks but the terrain changes up to more technical challenges that include some exposed roots, some mud as you get closer to the pond, and larger loose rocks.

For hikes longer than 6 miles, you can connect to the Little Jersey Trail that offers a larger loop around the outside of the park. This trail is not as scenic and has more paved areas and you may run into some horseback riders as well.

The best parking lot is off of Buck Jersey Road where the "start" is marked on the map. This puts you right at the trailhead. Trails are well marked and if you head out early you usually have the place to yourself with little bike or pedestrian traffic.