A Perfect Fall Day at Lums Pond

Yesterday was one of those days that just begged for some fresh air. It was 57 degrees, sunny, and breezy — basically Delaware’s version of perfection. So, I was not about to waste it staring at my to-do list. Instead, I headed north of Middletown, just over the canal, to Lums Pond State Park.

Lums Pond is a Delaware State Park, so there’s a small entry fee — totally worth it. (Pro tip: I grabbed a Delaware State Park Annual Pass earlier this year, which makes spontaneous park days like this a no-brainer.)

The trails were blanketed in crunchy leaves — one of my favorite parts of fall. I walked the Swamp Forest Trail, which loops around Delaware’s largest freshwater pond. It’s peaceful but not dull: one minute you’re strolling past quiet coves, the next you’re dodging a squirrel with a five-year acorn plan.

Out on the water, a few kayakers were making the most of the sunshine. The Go Ape treetop adventure course was closed today, but it looked like a blast — definitely something to come back for once it reopens. You can find out more about it here. Beyond the trails and water activities, the park is loaded with options: there are recreational fields and courts for football, soccer, tennis, basketball, and volleyball, plus playgrounds, pavilions, and plenty of picnic tables for anyone who’d rather relax than break a sweat.

I found a quiet spot by the water to just take it all in — the reflection of the trees, the sound of the wind, and the occasional dog walking its human down the trail. It’s one of those places that’s easy to forget about until you’re there, and then you wonder why you don’t go more often.

If you’ve been waiting for “the right time” to visit, this is it. The fall colors are putting on a show, the bugs are (mostly) gone, and yesterday’s sunshine felt like a gift before the rain rolls in.

So, where else do you love to go when the fall weather hits just right? Any other local gems around Middletown I should check out next? Drop your favorites — I’m taking notes for my next “productive” day off.