Recreational and Hunting Opportunities

Hikers pointing If you are looking to spend some quality time outdoors, you are coming to the right place! From hiking and driving trails to children’s activities, the watershed houses something for everyone. When you aren’t paddling the river, be sure to check out some of these recreational and hunting opportunities!

Maryland

Caroline County

Please note – only one town in Caroline County lies within the Nanticoke Watershed. However, additional nearby sites have been included here for your convenience. Recreational Opportunities

  • Marshyhope Hike & Bike Trail – This 2.5-mile trail offers scenic views of Marshyhope Creek. It is a perfect trail to see waterfowl and other wildlife.
  • Idylwild Wildlife Management Area – Surrounding the headwaters of the Marshyhope Creek, Idylwild consists of approximately 4,000 acres of diverse and unique recreational forest, including 27 miles of trails for bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, canoeing and kayaking. The trails are closed to motorized vehicles. Alongside of the Marshyhope Creek is Federalsburg’s four-mile long Greenway, which is paved for hiking and biking.
  • Skydive Chesapeake – Enjoy breathtaking vies of the Bay Bridge and the Chesapeake Bay as you experience the ultimate sky diving adventure. The only Maryland dropzone offering solo and tandem jumps.

Hunting and Fishing

  • Caroline County Shooting Preserve – Enjoy a guided hunt on a 700 acre preserve, complete with clubhouse. Quail, chuckar, pheasant and duck packages are available with dogs and guides for rent. Hunters can bring their own dogs as kennels are available too. Bird cleaning services are offered upon request. Open season October-April.
  • Schrader’s Bridgetown Manor Hunting and Sporting Clays – Schrader’s offers 25,000 acres of prime hunting grounds for waterfowl, deer, turkey, doves and upland birds. Sport fishing is also available on local ponds and tributaries. A 24 station sporting clays course with five-stand and wobble trap is open all year long with certified instructors on staff. Rentals and heated kennels available. Stately 11 room bed & breakfast available year round.
  • Williamson Outfitters – Waterfowl, deer, and turkey hunts offered, as well as offshore fishing trips. They will provide you with a licensed guide who is knowledgeable of the hunting area, as well as a professionally trained retriever. They accommodate large parties, corporate events, or just a family adventure. They provide hunting from pits, shore-blinds, layouts, heated field blinds, and the diver hunts are from boats or layout boats on the famous Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

Supplies and Equipment Rentals

  • Big Bass USA – Look here for a wide selection of kayaks, accessories, and fishing gear.
  • Denton Rod and Tackle – Salt and freshwater tackle, live bait, propane, rods, clothing, gear, rod repairs and custom rods and kayaks. Check out their feather raft selection.
  • Northern Choptank Adventures – Northern Choptank Adventures is a full-service kayak outfitter that bases out of the historic Riverside Country Inn in Greensboro, Maryland.  They offer both single and tandem kayaks and can provide shuttle service as well.

For more information about recreational and hunting opportunities in Caroline County, please visit the Caroline County Office of Tourism website.

 

Dorchester County

Family Fun

  • Cabin Fever – Kids play center and arcade in Cambridge, MD. Check out the Ball Blaster Arena, and have a snack at Cafe Fever. Toddler dates available.
  • Choptank Bowling Center – Bowling, billiards, and arcade fun in Cambridge, MD. Rock-n-Bowl every Friday and Saturday night!
  • Emily’s Produce – Located on Rt. 16, this farmstand offers U-pick berries and pumpkins, greenhouse perennials and annuals, and a wide selection of local wine and food. Kids are always welcome to enjoy Kyle’s Farm Fun; a FREE play area for children. Plus, visit with the chickens, rabbits, and pygmy goats!
  • Sailwinds Park East – Located next to the Dorchester County Visitors Center this is a great spot for all to relax and enjoy an incredible view of the Choptank River. It’s also the best place for kite-flying.

Recreational Opportunities

  • Blackwater Wildlife Refuge – Located 12 miles south of Cambridge, the refuge consists of over 27,000 acres of woodland, rich tidal marsh, freshwater ponds and managed cropland. Be sure to check out their Butterfly Garden, an Eagle Camera, an Osprey Camera, a Wildlife Drive, and various hiking, cycling, paddling, and walking trails. More information is available at the Visitors Center.
  • Chesapeake Forest Lands – The Chesapeake Forest Lands comprises 460 parcels totaling more than 58,000 acres in five Eastern Shore counties, including Dorchester. Approximately half of the forest area (29,000 acres) is open to public hunting.
  • Chesapeake Mural Trail – See one or all of the murals that are part of the growing Chesapeake Mural Trail in Dorchester County, Maryland – including the new Harriet Tubman Mural that has become a viral sensation! The murals highlight bits of Dorchester’s culture and history along the Michener Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway.
  • Choptank Riverboat Company – The Choptank River Boat Company operates The Dorothy & Megan and The Choptank River Queen. They are reproductions of authentic 80-foot turn-of-the-century paddlewheeler river boats. Fully enclosed with heating and air conditioning, they are available for sightseeing cruises.
  • DoCo Axe Co. – Axe-throwing in downtown Cambridge, just upstairs from Lil’ Bitta Bull BBQ.  Open Fri-Sun or by reservation.
  • Elliott Island – Elliott Island is just 18 miles south of Vienna off Route 50. This quaint waterfront village on Fishing Bay is home to approximately 70 locals. Great views of the wetlands, wildlife and waterfront wait as you take this beautiful scenic drive.
  • Frank M. Ewing/Robinson Neck Preserve – With its pines and tidal marsh, this 920-acre Nature Conservancy preserve is a birder’s delight, with undisturbed waterfowl habitat and a sanctuary for bald eagles. May is the best time for birdwatching, when migration is at a peak; summer brings a proliferation of flowering plants and marsh grasses (and a lot of biting insects, so be prepared). In fall, see migrating birds, especially warblers and puddle ducks. There is a 1.25-mile, one-way nature trail, and the preserve is open year-round.
  • Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway – This scenic, self-guided driving tour highlights 36 sites in Dorchester and Caroline Counties in Maryland that help tell the story of the Underground Railroad “conductor” and American hero Harriet Tubman, who was born in Dorchester County and led many out of slavery to freedom in the mid-1800s.
  • Hyatt River Marsh Golf Club – “18 holes of Eastern Shore perfection.” A stay & play resort, spa, and marina on the Choptank River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay.
  • Over Board Paddle and Fitness – Offering stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) classes and fitness classes on the SUP for family-friendly fun. Over Board welcomes students of all levels. They provide the boards, paddles and life jackets, or you are welcome to bring your own gear and join in the fun. Classes are held at various launch spots along the scenic Choptank River and other waterways in the area.
  • Stoney Cove Charters – Go fishing or crabbing with a Chesapeake Bay waterman! Captain Fred Pomeroy is a lifelong Chesapeake Bay waterman and US Coast Guard-licensed charter boat operator who has the background and knowledge to provide your group of up to six passengers with a uniquely enjoyable and educational experience.
  • Windy Way Horses – Offering trail ride services for individuals or groups. The trail ride is an hour long on their farmland in Hurlock. Just show up and ride! Also offering riding lessons, pony parties, exercise class, clinics, and more.

Hunting and Fishing

  • Barneck Outfitters – Barneck offers waterfowl hunting, diver duck and sea duck hunting, whitetail and sika deer hunting, and spring turkey hunting. Most of the sika hunts take place in Dorchester, in the marsh region between Blackwater refuge down to Wingate Maryland and onto Bishops Head Maryland.
  • BeechGround Outfitters – Hunt the elusive sika deer (Maryland’s elk), on privately owned acres of prime habitat in the heart of Sika Country, Dorchester County, MD.
  • Black Duck Outfitters – Offering guided waterfowl hunting for Canada geese, snow geese, puddle ducks, and diving ducks. They also offer spring turkey hunting and sika deer hunting. Black Duck Outfitters has been a licensed Maryland waterfowl outfitter for over 10 years.
  • Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area – The Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area encompasses 28,518 acres. Furbearers (trapping permits issued through bid process), forest game, upland game, waterfowl, white-tailed and sika deer (bow, muzzleloader, shotgun and rifle). Camping is not permitted. Fishing Bay WMA is also home to a water trail, specially designed for kayak and canoe users with an interest in birding and wildlife photography. This water trail offers an outstanding opportunity for paddlers to observe a variety wetland wildlife species in their native habitats.
  • Hoopers Island Expeditions – “Adam is the type of guide who focuses on reading the water and knowing the fish patterns.” 1-on-1 backcountry fishing expeditions with a master of his craft.
  • LeCompte Wildlife Management Area – The LeCompte WMA encompasses 485 acres. Furbearers (trapping permits issued through bid process), forest game, upland game, dove, waterfowl (mobility impaired and youth hunting by permit only), deer (bow, muzzleloader, shotgun and rifle). No squirrel hunting.
  • Linkwood WMA – Linkwood’s forest supports a healthy population of white-tailed deer. Squirrel hunters will find many a gray squirrel, but be sure you can tell it’s a gray squirrel and not an endangered Delmarva fox squirrel! Bird-watchers, bring your boots because the ground is often soggy. Hunting is allowed in accordance with open seasons and shooting hours. Trapping by permit only.
  • Muddy Marsh Outfitters – Muddy Marsh Outfitters invites you to come share a memorable outdoor experience with us on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Located in Dorchester County, we offer some of the most unique deer hunting available east of the Mississippi: archery-only sika hunting.
  • Ragged Point Outfitters – Offering archery, rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader hunts: deer, turkey and waterfowl hunting on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Also offering spring and fall trophy striper fishing with Capt. Marshall, Chesapeake crabbing, working trap lines, and predator hunting.
  • Sawyer Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charters – Fishing the Chesapeake Bay in the areas of Hoopers Island, Taylors Island, Poplar Island, and Kent Island. Also offering Chesapeake Bay lighthouse cruises, sunset cruises, and more.
  • Taylor’s Island Wildlife Management Area – The Taylor’s Island Wildlife Management Area encompasses 1,114 acres. Furbearers (trapping permits issued through bid process), forest game, upland game, waterfowl, white-tailed and sika deer (bow, muzzleloader, shotgun and rifle). Primarily boat access.
  • Tide Runner Fishing Charter – Enjoy the challenge of fishing the shallow water flats of the Honga River and Tangier Sound for Speckled Trout, Rockfish and Red Drum, drift fishing for Hardheads and Flounder, and exciting top water casting and deep jigging the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay! It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned fly fisherman, looking for that fish of a lifetime or a first timer just wanting to take the kids bottom fishing, your trip will be designed to suit your needs.
  • Winter Farms Hunting – Offering goose, duck, and deer hunting in Dorchester County and elsewhere on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Licensed hunting guide David Price has more than 30 years experience. A hunting lodge is available.
     
     
     

Supplies and Equipment Rentals

  • Blackwater Adventures – Blackwater Adventures Chesapeake is your one-stop outfitter for your outdoor entertainment! Offering rentals of bicycles, kayaks, motorboats, and personal watercraft. They also offer guided cycling and paddling tours. Delivery available.
  • On the Rivet Cycle Sport Shop – This bicycle & fishing kayak shop in Cambridge, Maryland, features vintage, custom, and leather wrapped bicycles. They also offer the rental of high-end road bicycles for serious riders, as well as repairs.
  • R&D Boat Supply – Cambridge’s friendly supplier of boat parts, fishing and hunting gear, and more!
  • The Woolford Store – “Your snakehead and sika headquarters.” Here is the perfect place to start and end your hunt here in Dorchester County, MD: home of the elusive Sika Deer and the Northern Snakehead! They have everything you need from Sika calls and scents to minnow traps and buzz baits! Stop in for a quick breakfast sandwich before you dive deep into the marsh for the morning. After harvesting that big stag, check back with them for daily lunch specials, share your story with everyone and head back out to harvest a Northern Snakehead. Once the sun goes down, stop back in for one of their amazing cheesesteak subs and call it a night before heading back out in the morning.

For more information about visiting Dorchester County, including additional recreational and hunting opportunities, please visit the Visit Dorchester County website.

 

Wicomico County

Family Fun

  •  Cedarhurst Playground – Seemingly tucked away on Rockawalkin Ridge Road, Cedarhurst Playground is  close to Route 50  and easily accessible from the Nanticoke Road and Hebron areas. The spacious and well-shaded neighborhood park has a playground area that includes a play set with slides and climbing equipment, two swing sets and a merry-go-round. There are several picnic tables and a grill on the far end of the park, perfect for a family BBQ. Additionally, the park boasts a nice basketball court and a recreational softball field, great for pick-up games or a round of home run derby.
  • Delmarva Shorebirds – Since 1997, the Delmarva Shorebirds have been the Class A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles hosting the future generations of talent on their way to Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Located in Salisbury, Md., the Shorebirds call Arthur W. Perdue Stadium home serving as the #1 spot for family entertainment for Delmarva locals and visitors. Check out Shorebird’s Kids Club and Maui Jack’s Waterpark!
  • Emerson C. Holloway Park – Emerson C. Holloway Park is a large, wooded area located just around the block from the National Guard building on the west side of Salisbury. The neighborhood park has a spacious picnic area with several picnic tables, benches and grills for family cook-outs. There is also a playground area, two basketball courts, a recreational softball field, and a small pavilion with tables.
  • Gordy Park – Gordy Park has a large playground area with sheltered picnic tables. Next to the playground are two fenced basketball courts and a skate park with ramps, both added as part of a renovation project in 2009. The park also features four ball fields of varying sizes along with lights, electronic scoreboards, bleachers, and concession stands. The park hosts the range of Delmar’s Little League teams.
  • Indian Village Playground – Indian Village Playground is a neighborhood park located just a few blocks from Route 50 on the west side of Salisbury. The wooded park is nicely shaded and has a spacious playground area, two basketball courts, and a recreational softball field. There is also a permanent building with a small storage room, a covered area with picnic tables, and restroom facilities.
  • Lake Street Playground – The Lake Street Playground is located right across the street from Chipman Elementary School and shares a parking lot with the First Baptist Church Family Life and Cultural Center. The well-maintained neighborhood park has a recreational softball field, two lighted basketball courts with bleachers, a large playground area, a pavilion with picnic tables and grills, and a permanent concessions building with restroom facilities. The playground equipment includes a Gametime play set for school age children with a climbing wall and 6 slides.
  • Salisbury Zoo - photo courtesy of Wicomico County TourismSalisbury Zoo – The Salisbury Zoo was founded in 1954 when some animals were placed on permanent exhibition in the City Park. The Zoo’s present form resulted from improvements made in the 1970s. The Zoo now provides naturalistic enclosures for species native to North, Central and South America. With its animals, staff, volunteers, and park-like setting, the zoo encourages an appreciation of wildlife and inspires conservation of our natural world.
  • Schumaker Park – Schumaker Park is a beautiful, 11 acre wooded area nestled peacefully along the waterline of Schumaker Pond. The park is somehow spacious and intimate at the same time, making it perfect for either a large gathering or a quiet, casual outing. Family reunions, for instance, can be easily accommodated in the large pavilion, which features an oversized grill situated right next-door in its own shelter. At the other end of the park is a playground with swings, slides, riding toys and a play set. Picnic tables and benches are spread throughout the well-shaded park, providing many separate areas for rest and relaxation. Down the hill from the wooded area is a narrow beach along the pond and a long dock which can be used for fishing. There is also an 18-hole disc golf course spread throughout Schumaker Park.
  • WinterPlace Park – WinterPlace Park is Wicomico County’s largest recreational area, encompassing over 377 acres of land. Located just off of Route 50 across from Perdue Stadium, the versatile park is easily accessible to locals as well as those traveling from out-of-town. Because of its size and convenient location, WinterPlace Park hosts many of Salisbury’s large events and festivals. WinterPlace Park is also a great spot for sports and general recreation. It is equipped with a walking and cross country trail, a pavilion, permanent restroom facilities, and a playground area. The park property also boasts: 2 softball fields, 4 baseball fields (home to the East Wicomico Little League), 2 soccer/lacrosse fields, 2 tennis courts, and 2 beach volleyball courts. It is also home to an Equestrian Center.

Recreational Opportunities

  • Cherry Beach Park – Cherry Beach Park is located along the upper Nanticoke River in Sharptown, about 15 minutes from Salisbury. The heavily used recreation facility provides Sharptown and greater Wicomico County residents with a boat ramp, a fishing pier, a large pavilion with picnic tables and a beach area. Updated in 2009 as part of the park’s Master Plan, Cherry Beach also now has an expanded parking lot, a new Gametime Playground for school age children, a revitalized beach and shoreline, and a walking path connecting it to neighboring Cope Bennett Park. With all it has to offer, Cherry Beach is a great place for families to spend a day enjoying the beauty of the Nanticoke.
  • Chesapeake Tours & Promotions – Chesapeake Tours and Promotions can custom design your Chesapeake itinerary saving you time and taking the worry out of making those travel plans. Designed by experienced travel planners native to the region, you can be certain your 2-night, 3-night and longer custom itinerary will not only take you to the heart of Chesapeake country, but also to the lesser known treasures of the area.
  • Cove Road Beach – Cove Road Beach is the perfect beach spot for kids and sunbathers alike, and the quick, scenic drive down Nanticoke Road beats sitting in Route 50 beach traffic any day. The beach area is long and narrow with tall beach grass separating it from the parking lot and shaded picnic tables. From the warm sand, the view of the Nanticoke River is beautiful. The water is calm and shallow, perfect for young children to swim in without the worry of being knocked over by an ocean wave. Plus, it’s a good fishing and crabbing spot in the quiet of the early morning or evening hours. Parking availability and space is limited in capacity. Early arrival is recommended, as spaces fill quickly.
  • Pemberton Park – Pemberton Historical Park is a gorgeous, 260 acre expanse of nature and wildlife, incredibly located just minutes from Route 50 along Pemberton Drive. Created by the Wicomico County Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism in the 1980’s, the park surrounds Pemberton Hall which is a plantation home built in 1741 and rich in Eastern Shore history. Appropriately, the park’s mission is to provide a setting that blends together both history and the natural environment. This unique combination makes the park suitable for all types of visitors. Amenities include a nature trail system with 7 unique trails ranging from .2 to 1.1 miles, fresh water ponds with fishing allowed on a catch and release basis, public restrooms, and several picnic areas. The park also offers environmental education and nature programs led by the on-site Park Naturalist.
  • Roaring Point Park – Roaring Point is a beautiful park tucked quietly away along the Nanticoke River, secluded by dense trees and wildlife. The park is located about 30 minutes from Salisbury via Nanticoke Road (Rt 349). A short path through the wooded area leads to a .8 mile stretch of beach with a picturesque view of the lower Nanticoke River as it widens to reach the Tangier Sound and Chesapeake Bay. Roaring Point is well known as a good fishing and crabbing spot by the locals, thanks to its location on the river and its long, rocky jetty that extends far out into the tide. The park is also a good spot for a peaceful walk through the woods or a stroll along the beach. And it’s a great place to bring young children in the summer to play in the sand and splash in the calm, shallow water of the Nanticoke River. Parking availability and space is limited in capacity.  Early arrival is recommended, as spaces fill quickly.
  • Tyaskin Park – Located about 15 miles from Salisbury, Tyaskin Park is tucked away at the end of Tyaskin Road on the Nanticoke River. The park has a picnic pavilion at the water’s edge, a small beach area which provides water access, and a large pier perfect for fishing or crabbing.

You can find more things to see and do in Wicomico County, MD on the Wicomico Tourism website. Hunting and Fishing

  • Delmarva Sporting Clays Fur, Fins & Feathers – Public rifle and pistol range open 7 days a week 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  24 covered benches from 25-500 yard berms. 55 stations for sporting clays, 3 gun range. Instruction available.
  • DOA Outfitters – Guide service for snow and Canada goose, diver duck, whitetail and sika deer, and turkey hunts in several locations. Be sure to check out their Fox Red Labs.
  • Gunsmoke Outfitters – Offering pistol, rifle, bow, and crossbow ranges, as well as a sporting goods and gun shop. Guide service for whitetail deer and wild turkeys and inshore and offshore fishing charters available.
  • Nanticoke Outfitters – Offering duck, goose, brant, turkey, and deer hunts on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Also check them out for their commitment to youth hunting, property management, and upcoming kennels.

Supplies and Equipment Rentals

  • Adrenaline High – Custom biking and kayaking tours.  Their tours are affordable and customized for you. They can accommodate all ages, fitness, and skill-levels.  You do not have to be in great shape to get outdoors and enjoy the Eastern Shore with them!
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods – Located in The Centre at Salisbury, Dick’s Sporting Goods carries all the outdoor equipment you could need, including apparel, hunting and fishing equipment, camping and hiking equipment, and bicycle tools, parts, and accessories.
  • No Frontiers Archery – Handmade, custom traditional arrows in Salisbury, MD.
  • Old Skool Tackle Company – “Home of high quality soft plastics and jigs focused on the inshore light tackle angler.” Locally produced gear, family owned business. Also check with Old Skool to hook you up with a local guide or charter. Shop hours by appointment only.
  • Solace SUP Boards – Stand up paddle boards, parts and supplies, and eco gear near Ocean City, MD.
  • TRL Firearms and Gunsmithing – Huge selection of hunting gear, located in Salisbury, MD.

Delaware

Western Sussex County

Bethel Hunting and Fishing

  • Edward Koch Fishing Area -Located along Broad Creek, the Ed Koch Fishing Area has plenty of space for shoreline fishing, picnicking or even launching a canoe or kayak.  This is also an official access area for the Nanticoke River Water Trail.
  • Nanticoke Wildlife Area – Managed by the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife, the Nanticoke Wildlife Area consists of three large tracts of land lining the shores of the Nanticoke River and Broad Creek.  Totaling just over 4,400 acres, the expansive forests and swamps are a popular spot among hunters, anglers, hikers, and birdwatchers alike. Bicycles and horses are allowed on designated trails.
  • Portsville Pond – Access located at 31414 Dogwood Lane, Portsville Pond offers anglers good fishing opportunities for bass, sunfish, and chain pickerel.  The 15 acre pond managed by the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, has a boat ramp and limited shoreline fishing.
  • Tussock Pond – Tussock Pond is a nine acre impoundment managed by the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife.  At this pond located on Dogwood Lane, anglers will find a boat ramp and some limited shoreline fishing opportunities.  Water levels in Tussock Pond can drop significantly during very dry summers making the boat ramp inaccessible.  Please check with the Division of Fish & Wildlife for potential closures.

Blades Recreational Opportunities

  • Blades Public Park – Located on East 7th street the Blades Public Park has pavilions for picnics, basketball courts, a tot lot, playground, and restrooms.
  • Nanticoke River Marina – The Nanticoke River Marine Park opened in May 2002, and is the only marina on the north end of the Nanticoke River.  Only 39 miles from the mouth of the Cheasapeake Bay, it is a wonderful destination for boaters who want to experience the wonder of the scenic Nanticoke.  Transients welcome!

Supplies and Equipment Rentals

  • Taylored Tackle Shop – Fishing bait, lures, and gear, as well as a selection of guns. The owner has years of experience fishing local waters.

Bridgeville Recreational Opportunities

  • Heritage Shores – Southern Delaware’s premier public golf course and event venue. An Arthur Hills designed classic links style championship golf course, stretching just over 7,000 yards, this par 72 golf course will challenge and test each player’s abilities. Be sure to stop by 1730 Tavern, Sugar Beet Market, or Passwaters restaurant on your way through!
  • Marshy Hope Wildlife Area – Located just west of Bridgeville, this area consists of over 1,000 acres of wilderness on the Delaware side of Marshyhope Creek. Check out DNREC’s website for Conservation Access Pass information and hunting schedules before hiking or birding.

Laurel Family Fun

  • Bryan’s Bowling – A 14-lane alley just minutes from Route 13, the center has something for everyone: you can come roll a few games, enjoy great food, or have a drink in the bar. The friendly staff is always there to help you find the right ball and pick the perfect size bowling shoes. They have ramps and lightweight balls for even the littlest bowlers. Be sure to ask about their Clutch Bowling experience!
  • Skateworld – Focusing on clean, wholesome entertainment, Skateworld offers public roller skating sessions, birthday parties, group rates, child care & summer camp field trip programs, and private events.

Recreational Opportunities

  • Broad Creek Greenway – Located on the banks of Broad Creek, the greenway offers shoreline fishing opportunities and a great place for a relaxing picnic.
  • Delmarva Board Sport Adventures – Based in Rehoboth Beach, Delmarva Board Sport Adventures offers paddling eco-tours on Broad Creek via Laurel and at Trap Pond State Park.
  • Janosik Park – Located on Broad Creek just below the spillway at Records Pond, Janosik Park offers lots of shoreline fishing opportunities and scenic pathways along the riverfront.
  • Roger C. Fisher Laurel River Park – Near the boat ramps, the playground offers well-kept swings & slides and an exercise circuit. A picnic pavilion is available, as well as tables, benches, and ample parking. Creekside and dock fishing spots are available, as well as a boat ramp and trailer parking.
  • Tidewater Park – A playground near Broad Creek– just upstream from the Laurel Kayak Launch– the Tidewater Park design is based on Nanticoke Indian folklore. Phase 1 is complete, highlighting “The Story of Creation” and “How the Beaver Got Its Tail.”
  • Trap Pond State Park – Freshwater wetlands once covered a large portion of southwestern Sussex County. Trap Pond State Park retains a part of the swamp’s original beauty and mystery, and features the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees in the United States. The pond was created in the late 1700s to power a sawmill during the harvest of large baldcypress from the area. The Federal Government later purchased the pond and surrounding farmland during the 1930s and the Civilian Conservation Corps began to develop the area for recreation. Trap Pond became one of Delaware’s first state parks in 1951.Visitors have many opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the wetland forest. Hiking trails surround the pond, providing opportunities to glimpse native animal species and many flowering plants. Birdwatching is a popular activity, and the observant hiker may spot a Great Blue Heron, owl, hummingbird, warbler, Bald Eagle or the elusive Pileated Woodpecker. Bicycles and horses are allowed on designated trails.

Hunting and Fishing

  • Chipmans Pond –  Located on Chipman Pond Road, this 52 acre pond has a boat ramp and plenty of parking.  Anglers will need a small boat, canoe or kayak since there is little shoreline fishing access available.
  • Horsey Pond – Anglers searching for bass, sunfish or crappie will want to check out Horsey Pond, Delaware’s deepest impoundment.  Accessible from Sharptown Road, this 46 acre impoundment has a boat launch and plenty of shoreline fishing opportunities.
  • Records Pond – Located at 155 Sussex Highway in Laurel, Records Pond provides a variety of fishing opportunities.  During most seasons, bass, sunfish, crappie, catfish, and even striped bass can be caught.  The 92 acre impoundment has a boat launch and accessible fishing pier in the southwest corner of the pond near the water control structure.

Supplies and Equipment Rentals

  • A&K Enterprises Bait and Tackle – Small family business in downtown Laurel, DE. Gear and gifts.
  • A Bit More Than Bait & Tackle – Bait, tackle, gifts, jewelry, and more located in the Laurel Junction shopping center.
  • Laurel Community Hardware – Offering marine, hunting, and camping supplies as well as an extensive selection of tools, parts, and accessories. Special orders are welcome.
  • S&C Tactical – Licensed gun dealer: buy, sell, transfer. Located on Rt 13 with Ride-n-Slide Tack.

Seaford Recreational Opportunities

  • Barnes Woods Nature Preserve – The Barnes Woods Nature Preserve south of Seaford offers a self-guided nature trail through hardwood forests.
  • Chapel Branch Nature Trail – Managed by the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy, this preserve offers nature trails and a picnic area.
  • Hooper’s Landing Golf Course – Come play this 18-hole public course, which is spread over 203 acres of land. The Arthur H. Tull designed course was constructed in 1949, and continues to serve the community today.  In addition to the 18 holes, this 72-Par course has a driving range and putting green for your enjoyment.
  • Kiwanis Park – A beautiful Memorial Park located along Stein Highway.
  • Nutter Park – Named in honor of past Councilman Henry E. Nutter, Jr., Nutter Park is located on Collins Avenue in east Seaford.  The park includes playground equipment and basketball courts.
  • Old Furnace Wildlife Area – A tract of land just east of Seaford and Blades, this area is excellent hunting and birding territory. Check out DNREC’s website for Conservation Access Pass information and hunting schedules.
  • Oyster House Park – Phase 1 Of the Oyster House Park is complete! With this phase came a new bulkhead, planted living shoreline, extended boardwalk with fishing nooks, canoe/kayak floating dock launch, performance dock and boat docking! Take a walk along this new addition to the Riverwalk!
  • Seaford Boat Launch – Managed by the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife, the Seaford Boat launch has four boat ramps, restrooms, a pier to tie off and ample parking.  The launch provides direct access to the Nanticoke River Water Trail.
  • Seaford Riverwalk Park – Come experience the splendor of the Nanticoke River in downtown Seaford.  The Seaford Riverwalk has space for fishing and picnicking, as well as a floating dock and canoe launch.
  • Seaford Sports Complex – Seaford’s newest park, the Seaford Sports Complex hosts ball fields, walking trails, and the newly constructed Jay’s Nest Playground. It includes an array of slides, obstacles, swings, and a large castle-like structure that’s great for exploring. Across the parking lot from the Jay’s Nest are three newly installed horseshoe pits (horseshoes are not included) as well as an open field that is used for movie nights and other outdoor events. Pets are allowed at the park but not the athletic fields.
  • Soroptimist Park – Located on Williams Pond, Soroptimist Park has playgrounds, ball fields, pavilions and grills for picnics, and shoreline fishing opportunities.

The City of Seaford also offers a few walking, jogging, and pet walking trails.

Hunting and Fishing

  • Barr Complex (Industrial Forest Land) – A Conservation Access Pass is required for any registered motor vehicle used to access designated Delaware State Wildlife Areas for any allowable activities, including hunting, birdwatching, hiking and photography. Managed by DNREC – Division of Fish & Wildlife, this tract of land is located east of Seaford, DE.
  • Concord Pond – Located at the head of Deep Creek, Concord Pond provides good fishing opportunities for sunfish, crappie and bass. A new access point now links Concord Pond with the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.
  • Craigs Pond –  The small 11 acre pond provides good shoreline fishing access for bass and crappie.  For boat anglers, a small launch is available along Craigs Mill Road.
  • Hearns Pond – Located off Hearns Mill Road, the 53 acre mill pond provides excellent bass fishing to both shoreline and boat anglers.

Supplies and Equipment Rentals

  • Big Mouth Lures – Locally crafted custom and pre-made lures.
  • Delmarva RV Center – Delmarva Service Center is here to serve both your new and pre-owned RVs.  Our recently remodeled Parts Department has thousands of parts in stock to make it easy to find exactly what you need to keep your vehicle running smooth.
  • Lankford’s Gun Shop – Gun supply and ammunition shop in Seaford, DE.
  • Northern Wings – Local handcrafted cork and recycled pine decoys and antiqued decor. Comprised of ducks, swans, herons with constant additions.
  • Rommel’s Ace Home Center – Rommel’s Ace rents and sells single and tandem kayaks, paddles, PFD’s, and all the equipment you need to get out on the water.
  • Walker’s Marine Inc – Located in Seaford, Delaware, Walker’s Marine is a full-service shop for all of your boating needs. You will also find hunting and fishing supplies as well as a fully-stocked parts department.