The second smallest state in the United States, Delaware, dominates the northeastern part of the Delmarva Peninsula, a large peninsula along the East Coast. It is a long and narrow state that is separated into only three different counties, the northernmost being New Castle County.
The entire state is only 506,000 acres, which is slightly smaller than the city of Atlanta. The entire eastern side of the state is the coast, while the west is bordered by Maryland. Delaware is a relatively flat state that is home to several museums, parks, wildlife refuges, lighthouses, and historic sites.
Most people visit the state for its spas, making it the “Summer Capital of the Nation”. Its coastal cities are charming and full of life, attracting more than 8 million tourists each year. What a lot of people don’t realize is that in addition to having some great beaches, Delaware is also home to a few good lakes.
The 5 best lakes in Delaware
Silver Lake: Dover, Kent County
This lake and park is located in the city of Dover. The 67.5 hectare lake is lined with public areas where there are barbecue grills, picnic tables, trails and play areas for children.
Silver Lake is home to numerous species of fish, including carp, bass, crappie, white perch, and striped bass. A permit is required to fish the lake and can be obtained from the City of Dover Parks and Recreation Department.
The lake also has a beach and a boat ramp. Overall, it is a lovely place to spend time if you are visiting Dover.
Hoopes Reservoir: Newcastle County
Hoopes Reservoir is completely surrounded by greenery, making it a very serene lake that is great if you want a bit of peace and solitude. The reservoir was developed in 1932 with the catchment of the Old Mill Stream and Red Clay Creek.
The 76-hectare reservoir is the largest in the state. Valley Garden Park sits on the northeast end of the lake, with walking trails, beautiful gardens, and plenty of open space.
The lake is named after Wilmington Water Department Chief Engineer Edgar M. Hoopes. The dam that dammed the reservoir is also named after this man.
Trap Pond: Sussex County
Trap Pond is a pond and state park in the extreme southwest of Delaware. The 850-hectare park is one of the largest surviving areas of what were once vast wetlands in the southwestern part of the state.
Aside from the lake, one of the biggest features of Trap Pond State Park is its bald cypress trees. Many species of birds flock to the trees, making the park a fantastic place for bird watchers.
At the northern end of the lake there is a campsite that has 140 sites with electrical and water connections, as well as 10 primitive sites and 8 cabins. Across from the Trap Pond Campground is the Bald Cypress Nature Center, which is home to fish, reptiles, and amphibians that live in the pond.
Newark Reservoir: Newark, New Castle County
This 12 hectare lake is located just north of downtown Newark. It is a new lake, built in 2006 to store and supply water to the city.
Newark Reservoir is a very popular recreational area thanks to its walking trails. One of the trails surrounds the entire lake, which is a total of 1.8 kilometers.
William M. Redd, Junior Park is connected to the reservoir via one of the walking trails. Recreational activities are not allowed on the lake itself, except for the annual city triathlon, in which the swimming portion takes place in the lake.
Bellevue State Park; Wilmington, New Castle County
Bellevue State Park is located in the suburbs of the city of Wilmington. The park is home to a beautiful pond that is surrounded by meadows and trees, as well as picnic areas.
The trails within the park will lead you to the pond, which is a pleasant place to sit on a hot summer day. Access to the pond is prohibited, but fishing is allowed.
The 133-hectare park has a number of trails for hiking, horseback riding and cycling. There is also a barn, stables, an art center, and of course Bellevue Hall; the former mansion of American businessman William du Pont, Jr.