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Delaware
113

Delaware State Parks

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USA Parks
Delaware
Northern Region
Blackbird State Forest
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BLACKBIRD STATE FOREST
BLACKBIRD STATE FOREST
The Blackbird State Forest in Delaware is a picturesque natural paradise, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. Spanning over 5,400 acres, this expansive forest is characterized by towering trees, tranquil lakes, and meandering streams, creating a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors to the Blackbird State Forest can partake in hiking and biking trails, camping, hunting, and fishing, immersing themselves in the serene beauty of the forest. With its rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species, the Blackbird State Forest stands as a true gem in the heart of Delaware, beckoning adventurers to explore its natural wonders.
Nature of the Area
Blackbird State Forest, located in Delaware, is a diverse and enchanting natural area that offers a range of outdoor activities and captivating landscapes. Spanning over 5,600 acres, this state forest consists of extensive woodlands, rolling hills, pristine wetlands, and picturesque meadows, creating a haven for diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can explore its winding trails, which lead through a mix of pine and hardwood forests, providing opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Additionally, the forest is home to various species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. With its serene atmosphere and abundant natural beauty, Blackbird State Forest offers a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.
History of the Area
Blackbird State Forest is a 5,359-acre forest located in New Castle County, Delaware. Its history dates back to the early 1900s when the land was initially used for agricultural purposes. However, with the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930s, many farms became unprofitable, leading to widespread abandonment and soil erosion.

In response to this issue, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program, acquired the land in 1933 and began extensive reforestation and conservation efforts. CCC workers planted thousands of trees, built fire lanes, and constructed dams to control erosion and promote forest growth. The restoration project was aimed not only at reclaiming the land for productive use but also providing employment opportunities during the economic downturn.

Following the completion of the project, the area was known as the Blackbird Demonstration Forest until 1952 when the Delaware Forest Service was created, and it was renamed Blackbird State Forest. Over the years, the forest has been managed by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, Division of Forests, and Wildlife.

Today, Blackbird State Forest is a popular recreational area offering a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing. The forest consists of diverse habitats including upland hardwood forests, wetlands, and meadows. It is also home to various wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous bird species.

Blackbird State Forest serves as an important natural area for the residents of Delaware, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and conservation of natural resources.
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Trails
1. Blackbird State Forest Loop: This is a 4-mile loop trail that offers moderate difficulty for hikers, with some steep inclines and uneven terrain. The path winds through dense forests of oak, maple, pine trees.

2. Tybout Tract Trail: A relatively easy hike at just under two miles long round trip; this flat gravel pathway takes you through lush greenery and wildflower fields in the springtime.

3. Smalley's Pond Trail: An approximately one mile out-and-back route leading to a serene pond area where visitors can enjoy birdwatching or fishing opportunities amidst peaceful surroundings.

4. Hunter Mill Creek Hiking Pathway: Stretching about three miles along the creek side, it provides stunning views of water bodies surrounded by towering hardwoods while offering mild challenges due to its rocky terrains and occasional muddy patches after rains.

5. Blackbird North-South Connector Trails: These are series of interconnected trails spanning across various sections within forest providing flexibility for short as well as longer hikes depending on individual preferences.

6. Blackbird Nature Interpretive Greenway: It's an educational hiking experience featuring information boards explaining local flora & fauna throughout its half:a-mile length making it perfect choice especially for families with kids.

7. Birdsong Wildflower Meadow Walk: Less than quarter:of-a- mile walk around meadow filled with native Delaware flowers attracting variety birds species during blooming season thus living up-to name 'Birdsong'.

8. Timber Harvest Demonstration Area Access Road: Though primarily used forestry operations,it also serves dual purpose being accessible walking/hiking road stretching little over 0ne Mile.

9. Wildlife Observation Blind Route: Shortest among all routes (less than tenth:of-a-Mile) but unique feature here lies not distance rather destination i.e., Wildlife observation blind from which animals could be observed without disturbing them.

10. Sawmill Branch Watercourse Way: Approximately Two:Mile long trail following Sawmill Branch watercourse providing scenic views of flowing waters amidst forested landscapes..

11. Forest Management Interpretive Trail: This is a self:guided interpretive trail that provides information about the history and management practices in Blackbird State Forest, spanning around 1 mile.

12. Blackbird Eastern Perimeter Pathway: A longer hike at approximately five miles which traces along eastern boundary offering diverse terrains & ecosystems as it passes through different sections within forest.

13. Hunter Mill Creek Fishing Access Route: Short (less than half:a-mile) but steep route leading to Hunter mill creek known for fishing opportunities especially during season.

14. Smalley's Dam Walk: Another short walk less than quarter:of-a- Mile taking you up-to Smalley's dam site from where one could enjoy panoramic view surrounding areas.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 30 Beautiful place by Lisa
park review stars; one to five This free camping area is a gem. Large, secluded campsites have free firewood. Porta toilets are a quarter mile away and you must carry in your water but the beauty and seclusion more than make up for this. Lovely trails. We will come back.
March 1 My favorite park in Delaware. by Wayneinator
park review stars; one to five The different tracts offer a good variety of easy hiking with both short and moderate lengths. The camp areas offered are pretty good and the Forestry Officers are friendly, informative and willing to work with you if you want to stay overnight or have fires. The planted pine forests are really awesome. And the variety of wildlife that can be observed is really excellent. I have not found it a heavily used area so you are more likely to find some solitude here then at other parks like Lums Pond which has been a real disappointment the last few years. You cannot access a fair amount of the hiking trails in the park during firearm hunting season, and for good reason, so make sure you check online or at the office to discover the exact dates of the season.
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Directions
1. Start by heading towards the town of Smyrna in Delaware.
2. From Smyrna, take Route 13 South for approximately 7 miles.
3. Look for the sign indicating Blackbird State Forest on your right and turn right onto Blackbird Forest Road.
4. Follow the road for about 0.3 miles until you reach the entrance of the state forest on your left.

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Delaware
113

Delaware State Parks

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