Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area is a protected wetland located in southern Delaware, USA.


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Summary

The area is a popular destination for visitors who enjoy bird watching, hiking, and fishing. The wildlife area is home to more than 200 species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.

The Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area covers approximately 2,000 acres of swamp, forest, and wetlands. Visitors can explore the area by hiking along the various trails, which range from easy to moderate difficulty. One of the most popular trails is the Cedar Swamp Trail, which is a boardwalk that winds through the swamp and offers visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife and plants up close.

Other points of interest in the Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area include the Blackbird Creek Reserve, which is a protected area that provides a habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife. Visitors can also explore the historic Cedar Swamp Church, which dates back to the 1800s.

The best time to visit Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the wildlife is most active. During the summer months, the area can be hot and humid, and in the winter, the trails can be covered in snow and ice.

In conclusion, Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area is an excellent place to visit for anyone interested in nature, wildlife, and outdoor activities. With its diverse ecosystem, numerous hiking trails, and interesting points of interest, the area is an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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