This 2.6 mile trail loops around the edge of the park’s 66-acre millpond, and offers beautiful views of the pond and surrounding habitats. As you hike, look and listen for Pileated Woodpecker, prothonotary warbler or barred owl. Visit in autumn to enjoy spectacular fall foliage.
Killens Pond is the perfect place to kayak, canoe, boat, or peddleboat. Watch for resident nesting bald eagles overhead or perched in the tall pines along the ponds edge. Head towards the Murderkill River for a terrific paddle, and watch for a small stand of baldcypress trees.
Stop by the park’s nature center to see live animals and learn about the creatures that live here. Pack a picnic, and enjoy lunch with a view on the Nature Center’s outdoor deck. Join a park naturalist for an educational program, including guided hikes, kayak tours, and more.
Don’t miss the Killens Pond Waterpark! Complete with four speed slides, a leisure pool, and a tot lot for younger visitors, the waterpark offers excitement and relaxation for everyone.
Cast a line for bass, crappie and sunfish. This fishing spot is reminiscent of local waterways where Native Americans fished, hunted, and lived. The abundance of life around the water allowed Native Americans to thrive in the area that is now Killens Pond State Park.
Hike to the Pondside Bridge and see where the Murderkill River meets Killens Pond! Scan the shoreline for a water snake basking in the sun or hunting small fish and frogs. Access the bridge from the Pondside Trail or the cross country course.
Named for its centerpiece, the 66-acre Killens Pond, this state park features a waterpark, various watercraft rentals and the popular Pondside Loop Trail. The Lenape people once lived here, and the pond was created when the Murderkill River was dammed to power grist and sawmills. It is now home to a variety of fish, including bass, crappie and sunfish. The new state-of-the art elevated boardwalk allows pedestrians and bikers a safe passage along Killens Pond Road while benches and bump outs allow for wildlife watching and fishing. Kayakers and boaters can launch from the boat launch at the far end of the walkway. The waterpark features four tall slides, a main pool and baby pool, and a tot lot. The campground provides a reprieve in the woods and Delaware’s State tree, the American Holly, is plentiful. Visitors to the park’s nature center can see live animal exhibits that feature native reptiles and amphibians. The Pileated Woodpecker, Prothonotary Warbler and Barred Owl can often be heard in the woods at the park.
Entries due between April 20 - 27, 2024
Photos will be on display for the month of May.
Photos must be taken in a state park and cannot display any people, domestic animals, man-made structures, or items. No photo-shopping or altering of photos is allowed.
Photos should be submitted on white matting with outer dimensions not to exceed 16”x20”. There is a $10 entry fee per photo (cash or check). All submissions must be submitted at the Killens Park Nature Center and include your name and phone number on the back. Please contact the Killens Nature Center at 302-284-4299 with any questions. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Killens Pond State Park.
The pond is home to largemouth bass, catfish, carp, perch, crappie, bluegills, and pickerel, all of which await the patient angler.* A convenient boat launching ramp is available, and canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats can be rented during the summer. Paddlers will also enjoy the park's water trail up the Murderkill River.
A fishing license required to fish in Delaware State Parks. Get info about fishing permits
Check prices or get more detailed info on how you can canoe, kayak, or paddle Killens Pond
Starting from 54 feet in the air, our two speed slides and two spiral slides with tunnels offer heart-pounding excitement for those who dare! The main pool's zero-depth entrance makes getting in and out easy, and smaller visitors will enjoy the tot pool and tot lot, featuring bubblers, ground water jets, small slides, and a pool-side waterplay system. A food concession and swim shop offer everything you need for a day full of waterpark fun. A separate per-person admission fee is charged at the waterpark. Visit our waterpark page
The year-round wooded campground offers electric and water hookups, accommodating both tents and recreational vehicles, as well as a primitive walk-in camping loop for tents only. Family cabins sleep four and feature an efficiency kitchen with an eating area, bedroom, bath with shower, A/C, and heat. The roomier, deluxe Pond View Cottage has extra amenities and an outstanding view of the pond. Click for Camping Information
Hiking and biking trails and a cross-country running course wind through several types of habitat featuring native plants and animals. Game courts and ball fields satisfy the athlete, and an 18-hole disc golf course challenges players to test their skill with a flying disc. The park also features playground equipment and picnic areas, and four pavilions are available to reserve for larger group events. Educational and recreational programs are conducted throughout the year at the Killens Pond Nature Center, which also features a permanent exhibit of local reptiles and amphibians and is also available for meetings and private events. Rent the Killens Pond Nature Center
Fork Branch Nature Preserve – contains mature upland forest and is the second largest forest tract in the St. Jones River watershed and coastal plain pond wetlands. Barred owls nest in the mature floodplain forest (Barred owls are a species of conservation concern due to the little mature floodplain remaining in Delaware) and it is also home to a variety of migratory and resident birds including Red-shouldered Hawk, another species of conservation concern, Prothonotary Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, White-breasted Nuthatch and Pileated Woodpecker..
The preserve is located at the corner of Kenton and West Denneys roads, along the Maidstone Branch in the St. Jones River Watershed.
Amenities: Loop Trail (pedestrian only). Parking on site.
Acreage: 257 acres
Sunday, September 15, 2024
11:00 AM
Join naturalists to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. Hike will meet at the campground and will be about 1 mile. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free, with paid park admission!
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
1:00 PM
Ever wonder what is happening to those logs that are rotting? We will learn about decomposition and what type of organisms are responsible for it. Program will be held on the nature center deck. Pre-registration is mandatory for all homeschool programs. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per student
Saturday, September 21, 2024
11:00 AM
Did you know that fallen trees and stumps are home to many different creatures? Join us as we go on an adventure to find what creatures call these places home. Each program will have a story and activity component. Come prepared for hands-on activities both inside and outside. Pre-registration is mandatory, and an adult must be present for the duration of the program. Ages 3-6. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride - bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $6 per person
Saturday, September 21, 2024
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride - bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $6 per person
Sunday, September 22, 2024
11:00 AM
Join a naturalist to learn all about arthropods! Who are they and are not, where you can find them, and why they are important to our environment. Program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration is required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
11:00 AM
Join a naturalist to discover the life cycle of a pumpkin. Children will learn how pumpkins grow and take a look at what is inside them. Then everyone will get the opportunity to get creative with a pumpkin! Program will be held at the nature center. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $10 per participant
Saturday, September 28, 2024
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride - bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $6 per person
Saturday, September 28, 2024
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride - bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $6 per person
Sunday, September 29, 2024
11:00 AM
What's that in the sky? Is it a bird or a plane? No, it's just your favorite flying mammal! Join us as we explore the world of bats: discussing their myths and mysteries, their impacts, and what you may be able to do to help them! Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov to register. Free, with paid park admission!
Saturday, October 5, 2024
11:00 AM
Cloaked in darkness, twinkling stars overhead, some animals are active only at night. How do they survive and thrive in this low-light environment? Join naturalists to uncover ways animals live in darkness. Program meets at nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, October 5, 2024
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride - bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $6 per person
Saturday, October 5, 2024
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride - bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $6 per person
Sunday, October 6, 2024
11:00 AM
Have you ever found a skull in the woods? Were you able to tell what kind of animal it belonged to? Join us for a crash course on ways you can identify animal skulls! Program will be held at the nature center. Pre-registration is mandatory. Ages 6+. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299.
Saturday, October 12, 2024
11:00 AM
Take a hike and explore! Join us as we experience nature hands, eyes and ears-on. Discovery Hikes are geared for children ages 5-10 with an adult. Dress ready to explore. Meet at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free, with paid park admission!
Saturday, October 12, 2024
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride - bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $6 per person
Saturday, October 12, 2024
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride - bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $6 per person
Sunday, October 13, 2024
11:00 AM
Join naturalists to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. This month's hike will be about 2 miles and will meet at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
1:00 PM
Ever wonder what is going on with things that are too small to be seen with just your eyes? We will explore the microscopic world to see what is really going with things that can only be seen using a microscope. Program will be held on the nature center deck. Pre-registration is mandatory for all homeschool programs. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per student
Saturday, October 19, 2024
12:00 PM
Make your own scarecrow! Materials will be provided but feel free to bring accessories to make it unique (hat, scarf, wig, etc). Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov to reserve your scarecrow. Meet at campground pavilion 4. This event is hosted by the Friends of Killens Pond. One scarecrow for $15 or two for $20.
Saturday, October 19, 2024
2:00 PM
Try out your spooky or friendly pumpkin carving skills. Directions, tools and carving templates will be provided but of course feel free to make your own design. All pumpkin carving mess is cleaned up by park staff! Program will meet at Campground Pavillion 4. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $10 per pumpkin.
Saturday, October 19, 2024
3:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride - bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4229. $5 per person
Sunday, October 20, 2024
11:00 AM
Dive into the fascinating world of aquatic macroinvertebrates as we become nature detectives! Join us for a hands-on adventure where we'll discover and investigate the tiny critters living in two distinct habitats: a serene pond and a lively creek. Will we find the same critters in both places? Or will each habitat reveal its own unique inhabitants? Rain boots highly encouraged for all participants. Program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, October 26, 2024
12:00 PM
Make your own scarecrow! Materials will be provided but feel free to bring accessories to make it unique (hat, scarf, wig, etc). Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov to reserve your scarecrow. Meet at campground pavilion 4. This event is hosted by the Friends of Killens Pond. One scarecrow for $15 or two for $20.
Saturday, October 26, 2024
2:00 PM
Try out your spooky or friendly pumpkin carving skills. Directions, tools and carving templates will be provided but of course feel free to make your own design. All pumpkin carving mess is cleaned up by park staff! Program will meet at Campground Pavillion 4. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $10 per pumpkin.
Saturday, October 26, 2024
3:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride - bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4229. $5 per person
Saturday, November 2, 2024
1:00 PM
Join naturalists for an informative session on wilderness survival. Learn the basics and preparation for shelter building! Open to all ages, wear outdoor clothes. Saturday at the campground amphitheater; Sunday at the nature center. Space is limited; pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 for more information or to register. $5 per person
Saturday, November 9, 2024
1:00 PM
Join naturalists to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. This month's hike will be about 1.5 miles and will meet at the campground overflow parking lot. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, November 16, 2024
1:00 PM
Have you ever wondered about the founding of Killens Pond State Park? Join naturalists to learn about the early history of the area , European settlement here, and the formation of the pond and our beautiful state park! Program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
1:00 PM
We are going to put on our engineer hats for this eco-explorers program. We will learn what it means to be an engineer and will do building activities to see what it feels like to be an engineer. Program will be held on the nature center deck. Pre-registration is mandatory for all homeschool programs. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per student
Sunday, December 1, 2024
1:00 PM
Looking to add some unique ornaments to your holiday tree or searching for last-minute gift ideas? Join us at Killens Pond for a fun and creative session! We'll be crafting beautiful decorations using wood cookies and other natural materials. Come get artsy with us and bring home some handmade holiday cheer!
Saturday, December 7, 2024
1:00 PM
Join naturalists to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. This month's hike will be about 1.5 miles and will meet at the sports complex parking lot. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
1:00 PM
Do you wonder what little star is twinkling in the sky? Wonder no longer as we venture into the cosmos to learn all about stars, constellations, and other things that are found in space. Program will be held on the nature center deck. Pre-registration is mandatory for all homeschool programs. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per student
Saturday, December 28, 2024
1:00 PM
Animals leave many signs that they are around even when you can’t see them. You just have to know how to decipher them. Come find out which animals leave certain tracks and what other signs they may leave. Program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DRNEC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free.