I don’t know what it is about Trussum Pond, but each time I pull into this small state park, I’m transported to a different time, a different era almost. Maybe it’s because it’s so quiet, or the simplicity—nothing but a small parking and launch area and a low wooden dock. If it weren’t for the fact they recently paved the previously dirt/grass road and launch, it would seem that the rest of Sussex county had marched right past this little spot, leaving it to a time before we were all in such a hurry to get somewhere else.
Whatever it is, by the time I’m in my kayak, taking my first strokes into the pond, I’m relaxed and happy and in love with everything I see.
Although Trussum Pond looks as wild and natural as anything you could imagine, it’s not. Any pond or lake you see in Delaware is a human creation. Trussum Pond formed in the early 1800s when settlers dammed James Branch for a grist mill (to grind grain for meal or flour). Before the damming, it had been part of a vast Baldcypress swamp eco-system stretching over the Maryland-Delaware border, encompassing 50,000-60,000 acres.
Trussum Pond is now part of the Trap Pond State Park system. But it was first purchased and preserved by an organization called Delaware Wild Lands (DWL). In 1961, fearing over-development (a recurring theme here in Delaware), a man named Ted Harvey started DWL, creating Delaware’s first land trust, with the immediate goal of saving Trussum. They first purchased an 80-acre tract and, by the mid-70s, had added 14 more tracts totaling over 1000 acres. They conveyed the property to the State of Delaware in 1994.
As soon as you paddle away from the launch, you’ll notice the stands of trees and bushes growing right out of the water. Many of the bushes are swamp roses. If you’re lucky enough to be here in early summer when they’re blooming, it looks like the pond is decorated for prom.
A paddler could wander around in the main area of the pond for a good chunk of time, watching the turtles sun themselves, marveling at the Baldcypress, swamp magnolia, button bush, and spatterdock, trying to identify the many songbirds flitting through the branches, and simply soaking in the tranquility. But, in my opinion, the coolest part of this paddle is finding the entrance of the creek, James Branch, which feeds the pond. It is far from obvious. Every once in a while, someone marks a trail with fluorescent ribbons tied to branches. But they rarely last long.
We’ve found that following the right-hand shoreline is the easiest way to get to the creek, although you still may run aground a few times. The map included below gives our most recent trip. With all the rain we’ve had this summer, the water was very high. So we didn’t have to do any backtracking or mud-slogging. But if the water is lower, be prepared to poke around a little.
The creek is majestic. The Baldcypress soar above it, forming an arched, shady corridor. A low green carpet of plants covers the muddy forest floor. The creek is deep, and even in low water, has some current. I’ve never run out of water. Downed trees blocking passage have always determined my turnaround spot.
Even though it is barely over two miles, to get back into the creek and paddle as far as the downed trees permit, you’ll want to allow yourself a solid two hours. It is truly a special place. Leave yourself plenty of time to relax and explore.
Map of Route
(If you don’t want to use the Map My Ride app, tracking your position on Apple Maps can help you find your way because you can still see approximately where you are in regards to the creek.)
If you go:
- Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SduTxgtfW8GLChQe6
- Hours: 8 am to sunset
- Parking fee: $8 out-of-state vehicles, $4 DE plates. Cash only.
- Website: https://www.destateparks.com/park/trap-pond/ (it is part of Trap Pond State Park)
- Conditions: Trussum is surrounded by trees so on even the windiest days, it is a good place to paddle. But wind can topple trees so use your best judgement! Although it looks like it would be buggy, it usually isn’t too bad. Still, bring your bug spray. At times, the algae can be thick in places. But it usually doesn’t effect the entire pond at the same time.
- Hungry? I’m always starving when I get off the water. Abbott’s on Broad Creek is nearby and is a great place to eat. Located in Laurel, it’s about 10-15 minutes from Trussum. They have outdoor seating on the banks of Broad Creek.
Let's Take This Outside 