Delaware is full of history, but not all of it is obvious. While cities like New Castle and Dover show off their history in buildings, monuments, and markers – the natural history of Delaware is as impressive as our cultural history! You can see for yourself at Trap Pond State Park, where you’ll find trees that are twice as old as our country itself.
Trap Pond State Park in Laurel, Delaware is home to Delaware’s very oldest trees.
Flickr / Lee Cannon
The pond itself is one of the northernmost baldcypress swamps in America, and many of the trees here are more than 500 years old.
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One of Delaware’s oldest and largest baldcypress trees is the Patriarch Tree, on the James Branch Water Trail. This 600 year old tree is one of the park’s most popular attractions.
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The Patriarch tree measures around 127 feet tall, with a crown spread of 62 feet and a circumference of 24 feet. Simply put, it is enormous.
Flickr / Lee Cannon
You can see the park’s many ancient trees on the trails that wind their way around the pond.
Flickr / Lee Cannon
Many of the trails will take you close to the trees as you cross the many streams and branches that lead to the pond itself.
Flickr / Lee Cannon
The best way to see the oldest, largest trees in Delaware is from the water itself. Drop in or rent a kayak from the park office and set sail.
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
The Patriarch Tree is located along the James Branch Water Trail, but any path you take will show off stunning, historic natural scenery.
Flickr / Mike Mahaffie
A trip to Trap Pond is a trip back in time, and you’ll be amazed at the sheer size and age of the trees that are the star of this picture perfect state park.
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Trap Pond State Park is located at 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE 19956. The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset, and the park office hours vary. Check here for an updated calendar.
Flickr / Lee Cannon
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Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
Flickr / Mike Mahaffie
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