Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Trap Pond State Park in Delaware

Trap Pond State Park in southeastern Delaware is home to the northernmost stand of bald cypress in the country. Spending time here offers access to paddling adventures on Trap Pond and viewing the extraordinary bald cypress up close, not to mention miles of hiking trails, a nature center, and an abundance of wildlife to discover while on the water or on foot. Laurel, a small town near Trap Pond State Park, offers a perfect home base for exploring the park. Let's discover why you should visit this hidden-gem small town in Delaware and why it's the best town close to outdoor adventure.

Why This Town Is the Perfect Base for Trap Pond State Park

After a day outside enjoying the state's natural beauty and recreation, you may want to stroll through a charming downtown, grab a bite at a locally owned restaurant, and rest your head on a pillow in a comfortable bed at an inn or vacation rental. The town of Laurel offers all this and more—plus it's just 5 miles from Trap Pond State Park, making it an ideal home base to explore the park.

After a day of paddling on the serene waters of Trap Pond, marveling at the bald cypress stand, hiking or biking the 4.6-mile-long Bob Trail, or discovering the area's cultural and natural history at the Baldcypress Nature Center, exploring the nearby charming town of Laurel is its own delightful adventure.

What To Do in Laurel

Laurel is home to nearly 4,200 people in the southern reaches of the state known as "Lower Slower Delaware." While the community is small, it offers several historic sites as well as a few shopping, dining, and accommodation options and easy access to nature. Yes, life does move at a slower pace here, but that's part of its appeal, especially for those who would like to experience slow travel in Delaware.

If you're keen to learn about the town's history through photographs and exhibits, the Laurel Heritage Museum, located in the Old Laurel Train Station, is worth a stop. Although train service through Laurel ceased many decades ago, the preserved train station serves as a reminder of a bygone era. Constructed in 1772, the Old Christ Church next to Chipman's Pond is another fascinating historic stop. Not only has this wood church been unaltered, but you can view the interior if you call ahead and arrange a guided tour.

For waterfront dining, make sure to have lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch at Abbott's Grill on Broad Creek in the quaint and walkable downtown area. The menu is filled with American dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. For homestyle cooking and friendly servers, enjoy a meal at Laurel Star Family Restaurant. You can also grab a quick bite from the Dutch Country Market, which features Pennsylvania Dutch foods plus ice cream, jams, jellies, and other items. If you plan on doing some shopping while in town, there are several antique stores, a toy store, and the 25-acre Laurel Junction Flea Market, where you can spend an entire day hunting for treasures.

Where To Stay Near Trap Pond State Park

There are a few options for where to stay near Trap Pond State Park, including an alpaca farm stay at The Punny Farm. This two-bedroom, one-bath home is just a half-mile from the park, and you'll be able to spend time with several adorable and friendly alpacas! Another vacation home, the Cypress Creek Retreat Barn-dominium in Laurel, is a private room in a barn for up to eight guests and access to a pool and a fire pit. You can also rent a tent or RV site at Givens Pond in Laurel, located on 50 acres with a private 30-acre pond for catch-and-release fishing, swimming, and paddling.

If you prefer to stay in Trap Pond State Park, there's a campground featuring 149 campsites, including eight cabins. Located in the hardwood forest along the pond's northern shore, this campground is incredibly picturesque and puts you at arm's reach of all the recreation this state park has to offer.

What To Know Before You Go

Laurel offers small-town charm in a remote and rural part of Delaware. It's nearly a two-hour drive south of Wilmington and an hour southwest of Rehoboth Beach. The best time of the year to visit Laurel is late summer through fall when the temperatures and humidity are lower, although any time during summer is a wonderful time for camping and water sports. Just remember to book accommodations in advance whether staying at a vacattion rental or camping at Trap Pond State Park.

Visit the Delaware State Parks website for Trap Pond State Park's hours, fees, trails, campground reservations, and more. And head to the Visit Southern Delaware website for more on Laurel.

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