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
Saturday, April 27, 2024
10:00 AM
Support the Friends of Killens Pond by participating in their Annual Photo Contest. Photos must be taken in a state park and cannot display any people, domestic animals or man-made structures or items. No photo-shopping or altering of photos is allowed; cropping is ok. Photos should be submitted with white matting and outer dimensions not to exceed 16”x20”. All submissions must be submitted at the Killens Park Nature Center between April 20 and 27. All submissions should include your name and phone number on the back. Photos will be judged by artists from the local community and will be on display in the nature center during the month of May. Please contact the Killens Pond Nature Center by calling 302-284-4299 or emailing DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov with any questions. There is a $10 entry fee per photo (cash or check only). All proceeds benefit the Friends of Killens Pond State Park.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
1:00 PM
How can you tell the difference between trees? In this program you will learn all about how to ID some of Delaware’s tree species. Then we will go on a scavenger hunt to see if you can find the trees on sheet. Note: We will not be playing bingo during this program, but the scavenger hunt will be in bingo board format. 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, May 4, 2024
11:00 AM
Looking for a new art piece for your wall? Learn how to press and preserve flowers for years to come. Some flowers will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. You will get to take home your own flower press. Program meets at the nature center. For ages 10 and older with an adult. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $20 per participant.
Saturday, May 11, 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. Pre-registration required. Meeting location varies. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Sunday, May 12, 2024
11:00 AM
Join naturalists to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. Hike lengths range from 1 mile to 2.5 miles, and meeting location varies. 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, May 18, 2024
11:00 AM
What makes frogs so fabulous? Come join a naturalist as we find out what makes them so special. Program will be held at the nature center. 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, May 18, 2024
7:30 PM
Listen and learn about some of the frogs and toads that call Killens Pond home. Program will include a 1.5 mile hike. Exact meeting location will be provided after registration. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Sunday, May 19, 2024
11:00 AM
Take a hike with a naturalist to look for spring wild flowers. We'll discuss important characteristics used to ID flowers. The hike will be about 0.5 miles. Some field guides will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own. (This is the best way to get familiar with your own resources.) The hike will start at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information and to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
1:00 PM
Metamorphosis is when a young animal goes through a big change and looks completely different when they become an adult. What animals can you think of that go through a metamorphosis? Join naturalists to learn all about the spectacular changes some animals go through to become adults! 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, May 25, 2024
11:00 AM
Join naturalists for an informative session on wilderness survival. Learn the basics and preparation for shelter building! Open to all ages, wear outdoor clothes. This program is held at the Nature Center. Space is limited; pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 for more information or to register. $5 per person
Saturday, May 25, 2024
5:00 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 302-284-4299. $6 per person
Sunday, May 26, 2024
6:30 PM
Enjoy a guided kayak tour of the pond! You will get wet. Closed-toed shoes are required, and old clothes are recommended. For ages 13+. Previous paddling experience recommended; must be comfortable paddling. Don’t forget your water and flashlight. Kayak programs are weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $20 per paddler
Monday, May 27, 2024
11:00 AM
This naturalist nature hike will be on the accessible bike trail. Hike is about 1 mile, out and back. Trail surface is crushed stone and max grade is 6%. 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, June 1, 2024
11:00 AM
How do turtles live both in water and on land? Do they really live for a 100 years? Why do they have shells? We will answer these and more questions in this program all about turtles. This program includes appearances by our ambassador turtles. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Sunday, June 2, 2024
11:00 AM
Have you ever seen a tree chewed on by beavers and wanted to learn more about them?! Join a naturalist to learn all about beavers! 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, June 8, 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. Pre-registration required. Meeting location varies. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Sunday, June 9, 2024
11:00 AM
Join naturalists to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. Hike lengths range from 1 mile to 2.5 miles, and meeting location varies. 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, June 15, 2024
11:00 AM
Peekaboo!! Discover how animals can hide so well in their homes through a story and play! Program will be held at the nature center. 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
Sunday, June 16, 2024
10:00 AM
Want to learn how to fish? Now's your chance! Join us as we guide you through the basics of fishing, like casting, baiting hooks and reeling one in. We will provide rods, but feel free to bring your own if you have one. A valid non-tidal fishing license will be required for any participant 16 years or older. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $10 per participant
Saturday, June 22, 2024
8:30 PM
We be learning about the moon on this hike. We will look to get a good a view of the moon as well. Exact meeting location will be provided after registration. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Sunday, June 23, 2024
11:00 AM
Ever wonder why you can see the sun in the day if it is a star? Ever wonder if it is actually bad to stare at the sun? Join a naturalist as we learn all about the sun and answer these and more questions about the sun. 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, June 29, 2024
7:00 PM
Enjoy a guided kayak tour of the pond! You will get wet and muddy. Closed-toed shoes are required, and old clothes are recommended. For ages 13+. Previous paddling experience recommended; must be comfortable paddling. Don’t forget your water and flashlight. Kayak programs are weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $20 per paddler