Best lakes around Delaware offer diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty, despite the state's small size. Delaware features a variety of picturesque lakes and ponds, providing settings for activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The landscape includes both natural freshwater lakes and man-made reservoirs, catering to different outdoor interests. These bodies of water are integral to the state's natural environment, supporting wildlife and offering accessible outdoor spaces.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
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Popular around Delaware
Alum Creek Lake was created by the damming of Alum Creek in 1974. It is known for its boating, fishing, and camping opportunities. The lake, which is technically a reservoir, spans about 3,387 acres.
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The Out of Africa Trail is a paved trail that follows the southern banks of Alum Creek Lake. This trail is in homage to the significance of Alum Creek's history tied to the Underground Railroad. A portion of the passageway, known as Sycamore Trail, followed along Alum Creek. The road at the end of this trail, Africa Road, is named in honor of the settlement of 30 freed salves from North Carolina that once existed in the area.
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The construction of the Alum Creek Dam started in 1970 and was finished in 1974. The walkway on the top of the dam offers views of Alum Creek Lake and the spillway below. The dam has a length of 10,000 feet and a maximum height of 93 feet.
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Ohio's Alum Creek is a 58-mile creek that runs north-to-south in the central part of the state. This cove is along the southeastern shores of Alum Creek Lake, which was formed by the damming of the creek in 1974.
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This observation deck is on the shore of a small pond and the wetland area at the end of Wetlands Spur Trail. This observation deck is an ideal place for birding or getting an overhead view of the wetlands that can be full of reptile and amphibian species in the spring and summer months.
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For families, Lums Pond in Lums Pond State Park is an excellent choice, offering boating, fishing, picnic areas, playgrounds, and the Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course. Killens Pond in Killens Pond State Park also features a water park during warmer months, fishing, and a nature center. Lake Como is particularly popular for families with young swimmers, providing a calm, clean lake with a guarded beach, paddle boating, and canoeing.
Many lakes in Delaware offer great hiking opportunities. Lums Pond State Park features the Swamp Forest Trail, while Trap Pond State Park has extensive trails, including the 4.6-mile Boundary Trail, perfect for exploring unique bald cypress trees. Killens Pond offers the scenic Pondside Trail, and Silver Lake in Dover has pleasant walking paths around its perimeter. For a historical walk, consider the Out of Africa Trail, a paved path along Alum Creek Lake with historical significance related to the Underground Railroad.
Yes, boating and kayaking are popular activities. Lums Pond, Trap Pond, and Killens Pond all offer boating facilities. Records Pond is a beautiful spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. Lake Como is also popular for paddle boating and canoeing. While Hoopes Reservoir is primarily a water supply, it allows some boating activities, though restrictions may apply.
Delaware's lakes are well-stocked for fishing enthusiasts. You can find largemouth bass and bluegills in Lums Pond. Trap Pond is known for catfish and bass. Killens Pond is stocked with catfish, bass, and bluegill. Silver Lake in Dover offers carp, bass, crappie, white perch, and striped bass. Other good spots include Moores Lake, Becks Pond, and Garrisons Lake (bass, crappie, catfish).
Delaware's lakes are excellent for birdwatching. Lums Pond State Park is rich in diverse wildlife, making it great for birdwatching. Trap Pond State Park's serene environment is perfect for observing birds, especially among the bald cypress trees. Silver Lake and Lake Comegys in Rehoboth Beach are designated state bird refuges, offering prime birdwatching opportunities. The Observation Deck on a small pond and wetland area is also an ideal spot for birding.
Trap Pond is unique for its stunning bald cypress trees, preserving one of the largest surviving fragments of an ancient wetland. Silver Lake and Lake Comegys in Rehoboth Beach are notable as the only natural freshwater lakes in Delaware, uniquely close to the Atlantic Ocean and formed by receding glaciers. The Out of Africa Trail near Alum Creek Lake highlights the area's history tied to the Underground Railroad.
For overnight stays, Trap Pond State Park offers campsites with electrical and water connections, primitive sites, and cabins. Killens Pond State Park also provides facilities for camping. While not directly in Delaware, Alum Creek Lake is known for its camping opportunities.
Yes, Silver Lake in Dover is a peaceful urban oasis within the city, offering public areas with barbecue grills, picnic tables, trails, and play areas. It's a popular spot for fishing and walking, and its proximity to downtown Dover allows for combining nature with city exploration. Moores Lake, also in Dover, is popular for fishing and paddling.
Many lakes offer cycling paths. Trap Pond State Park's Boundary Trail is suitable for cyclists. Hoopes Reservoir features multi-use pathways popular for cycling. Silver Lake and Lake Comegys in Rehoboth Beach have a bike lane running around their shorelines. For more extensive cycling, you can explore various road cycling routes around Delaware, including moderate loops like the 'View from Home Road Bridge loop from Olentangy Liberty High School'.
For those seeking peace and solitude, Hoopes Reservoir offers a serene environment surrounded by greenery. Becks Pond in Newark is known for being relatively quiet and clean, making it great for a peaceful afternoon picnic. Coursey Pond also provides a charming and quiet spot for nature walks and fishing.
Near the lakes, you can find various hiking trails. Lums Pond State Park has the Swamp Forest Trail, and Trap Pond State Park offers the 4.6-mile Boundary Trail. For a wider range of options, explore hiking routes around Delaware, which include easy trails like 'Deer Haven and Havener Park Loop' and 'Acorn Trail'.
Yes, there are several running trails. For example, near Alum Creek Lake, you can find routes like the 'Carp Pond – Alum Creek loop' or the 'Views of Alum Creek – Alum Creek Dam loop'. More options are available in the running trails around Delaware guide.


Still not found your perfect lake around Delaware? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.