Hiking at Killens Pond State Park, 9/09/2017

We decided to stay at G&R Campground until Monday, 9/11/2017, so we could relax. When I began looking for stuff to do, I discovered that Killens Pond State Park was only about 6 miles away. After a little more research, I learned that it has several hiking trails and is pet-friendly. Just our kind of place.  

So we packed a picnic lunch and set out to hike the Pondside Trail at the park, a 2.6 mile loop with many side connection trails that provide views of Killens Pond. The admission fee is $8/vehicle for non-Delaware residents. We picked up a map at the entry point. 

Our first stop at the park, was The Nature Center where there are exhibits inside and patios outside. Various animals were on display including this Fowler's Toad and two snakes, Eastern Ratsnake and a Copperhead (the only venomous snake in Delaware). 

From the terrace at the Nature Center, we caught a glimpse of the 66-acre mill pond. 

Like most ponds in Delaware, it is man made and was formed in the late 1700s by damming the Murderkill River. This area was home to several Native American villages and hunting camps. According to local legend, local tribes massacred a Dutch trading party at the mouth of the river in 1648. 

The Pondside Trail begins near the Nature Center. Be sure to pick up a brochure that provides some interesting information about the sights along the trail.

We explored many of the side trails along Pondside Trail where there are great view of Killens Pond. 

I am always fascinated with the diversity of fungi we see when hiking on the east coast. 

In addition to camping, there are cottages nestled in the woods that can be rented. Can you see them? 

Our sweet doggie, Sadie, had fun sniffing around this unusual tree trunk. And this tree that had fallen over the water was also interesting. 

Flying squirrels in inhabit this part of the forest at the park. They are, however, nocturnal so we did not see any. The squirrels can glide 20' to 60' and spend much of their time preparing for winter. Gathering as many as 15,000 nuts and seeds each season, they tuck them away into tree cavities and build their nests nearby.

The Nature Center could be seen across the pond. And, of course, Sadie had to go for a swim to cool down, when we came to the boat launch. Nearby, paddle boats and kayaks are available for rent.

This dam releases water from the pond as needed.  

We returned to the Nature Center and our car. This is a great loop trail and we enjoyed all of the side trails. Although it is 2.6 miles long, we ended up hiking about 5 miles. 

There is a large waterpark that is very popular during the summer months. There are also athletic fields here and we saw cross-country track students on the trails. 

We really enjoyed hiking here. It is always rejuvenating to spend time in nature, for us and, Sadie, too.

For additional information about Killens Pond State Park, click on this link www.destateparks.com/park/killens-pond.