Thanks to its many gorgeous ponds, canals, shady creeks, and a massive stretch of inland bay, Delaware, The First State, offers a plethora of kayaking opportunities. This allows kayakers to choose their preferred sort of kayaking experience from many state parks and other public areas.
Kayaking in Delaware is a must for anyone passionate about adventure and scenic views. Kayaking options abound in nature preserves and historic towns, from gorgeous creeks and rivers to tranquil ponds and coastal bays. Popular kayaking spots include the Mispillion River and Trap Pond State Park.
With such a diverse network of rivers and coasts, kayakers will be able to enjoy their paddle in a variety of stunning and unusual settings, depending on which one-of-a-kind destination they choose. Are you looking for the perfect location to have a relaxing time out on the water while soaking in scenic views? Here are some of the best spots for kayaking in Delaware.
Kayaking In Delaware
Most of the kayaking locations throughout Delaware have a rapid classification of only Class I to Class II, meaning that the kayaking experience you can expect is suitable for someone with little to no kayaking experience. This means that kayaking in Delaware is ideal for relaxation, adventure, and soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
Whether you have years of experience or you are just looking for a new adventure to go on with the family, kayaking in Delaware is undoubtedly a great choice. Let’s take a look at some of the best spots for kayaking in Delaware.
The Best Spots For Kayaking In Delaware
Mispillion River
The Mispillion River, which flows to the Delaware Bay and is located in southern Delaware, is a beautiful river to kayak along. This flowing river runs for around 15 miles (24 kilometers) over the Atlantic Coastal Plain, draining a large area of 76 square miles (197 km2). In Delaware, the river runs through parts of Kent and Sussex counties.
The best place to launch a kayak into the river is from the public ramp, which allows access to both Cedar Creek and the Mispillion Rivers, and the Delaware Bay. This ramp may be found at the DuPont Nature Center, located on the former Mispillion Lighthouse grounds.
Trap Pond State Park
Trap Pond State Park is one of Delaware’s most gorgeous and tranquil paddling destinations. The bald cypress swamp, which you may kayak through while following the Terrapin Branch Water Trail, is one of the highlights of this serene setting.
With flat water conditions and short paddling lengths, Trap Pond State Park is a terrific site for novices and families. The park has kayaks and canoes for rent, as well as docks and a boat ramp where you can launch your own kayak.
Trap Pond also has a nature center which is an ideal place to see animals, particularly birds. On the north shore of the pond, near the boat ramp, there’s also a lovely campground which is excellent if you’d like a decent getaway from civilization!
Killen’s Pond
There are a few ponds that appear to be a favorite environment for kayaking in Delaware, as they are abundant naturally occurring throughout the state. Killen’s pond is another excellent example of lovely and accessible kayaking waters. It’s located at Killen’s Pond State Park in Kent County’s heartland, roughly in the middle part of the state.
After visitors of Killen’s Pond have completed their kayaking experience at the state park, the park offers a variety of options to enjoy the great outdoors. This includes vacation cabin rentals at reasonable prices, camping, and RV parking. The state park’s popular 66-acre millpond, which also allows fishing and general boating in addition to kayaking, is one of the park’s main attractions.
Broadkill River
The Broadkill River originates in Milton and empties into the Delaware Bay, flowing through the town. Broadkill river flows through forests, coastal marshes, and a beautiful nature park, providing plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.
If you want to return to your starting place for a full day of paddling, the water is generally level until you reach the coast, and it may be paddled in either direction. The public ramp in Milton Memorial Park is a popular and relatively easy place to launch.
If you are starting your kayaking journey in Milton, there are options available to rent kayaks if arranged ahead of time. This is always good to know for those who do not have their own kayaks.
Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island, the state park, is another beautiful spot for kayaking enthusiasts. This stunning attraction is located between the well-known and adored resort communities of Ocean City and Fenwick Island in the south and Bethany Beach in the north.
During the summer, Delaware is known for its swarms of visitors. However, the Fenwick Island State Park serves as a welcoming break from the busyness of the state during summer, which is excellent news for kayakers!
Fenwick Island has a well-deserved reputation for being a happy playground for individuals who enjoy the sun, sea, and sand on Delaware’s Atlantic Coast. It is, however, essential to note that kayaking at Fenwick Island is done on the ocean. Thus it’s best for kayakers that have a little more experience.
Rehoboth Bay
Rehoboth Bay, located in Sussex County, Delaware, is a fascinating body of water. It provides kayakers with excellent access to additional waterways that connect to the Broadkill River, such as the Lewes and Rehoboth Canals.
The Rehoboth Bay Marina, located in the Rehoboth-Dewey Beach area, is a good entry point for boats and kayaks on the Rehoboth Bay. This marina has roughly 190 separate slots for docking boats and easy boat rental access. It is well known as one of the best places to launch a kayak.
Delaware River
We can’t talk about kayaking in Delaware without mentioning the Delaware river! Even though much of the Delaware River flows outside of Delaware, Fort DuPont State Park can be a great site to get started on the river. The neighboring waterways can also be explored from the state park.
With old gun batteries, as well as other historic buildings and sites dating from the Civil War, this might be an intriguing place to paddle. However, it is important to note that some of these structures may be easier to see on foot.
You can also paddle the short distance to Pea Patch Island, located in the center of the Delaware River. For birds, this is an important wildlife sanctuary. Here, kayakers are permitted to paddle near or around the island, but they cannot land anywhere on the island.
Conclusion
Delaware certainly is one of the smallest states in the United States, but it has an enormous wealth of wonderful recreational possibilities and kayaking spots. If you are looking for an exciting scenic kayaking adventure, then grab your paddle because Delaware has got you covered!
