Delaware River Map

Delaware is home to several important rivers, with the Delaware River serving as a major waterway, forming the state’s eastern border. Other significant rivers include the Christina River, which flows through Wilmington, and the Nanticoke River, a vital waterway in southern Delaware. The Mispillion River and Indian River also contribute to the state’s ecosystem and support recreational activities. These rivers are crucial for commerce, transportation, and preserving biodiversity in Delaware’s wetlands and estuaries.

About Delaware River Map

Explore the map of Delaware with rivers, lakes, and geographical / physical features which is clearly marked on the map.

List of Rivers in Delaware

River	Length (Miles)	Watershed	Key Cities/Towns	Significance
Delaware River	301 (shared across states)	Delaware River Basin	Wilmington	Forms Delaware’s eastern border; vital for commerce, navigation, and water supply.
Christina River	35	Christina Basin	Wilmington, Newark	Flows through Wilmington; supports industrial and recreational activities.
Brandywine Creek	20 (in Delaware)	Christina Basin	Wilmington	Historical significance in industrial development; recreational area with parks and trails.
Nanticoke River	64 (shared with Maryland)	Chesapeake Bay Watershed	Seaford	Important for southern Delaware’s agriculture and biodiversity; supports fishing and boating.
Mispillion River	15	Mispillion Watershed	Milford	Historic significance for shipbuilding; supports local ecology and wildlife.
Indian River	15	Inland Bays Watershed	Dagsboro	Flows into Indian River Bay; vital for recreation and tourism in the coastal region.
St. Jones River	12	Delaware Bay Watershed	Dover	Key ecological resource; runs through the state capital, Dover.
Chester River	43 (shared with Maryland)	Chesapeake Bay Watershed	Clayton	Supports agricultural and ecological systems in southern Delaware.
Broadkill River	25	Inland Bays Watershed	Milton	Flows into Delaware Bay; important for wildlife habitats and local tourism.

List of Lakes in Delaware

Lake	Area (Acres)	Location	Key Features	Recreational Activities
Silver Lake	167	Dover	Freshwater lake; serves as a water reservoir.	Fishing, kayaking, picnicking, bird watching.
Lake Como	70	Smyrna	Popular lake near Smyrna offering scenic views.	Boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking trails nearby.
Lake Gerar	15	Rehoboth Beach	Small coastal lake near Rehoboth Beach boardwalk.	Fishing, walking trails, nature observation.
Trap Pond	90	Laurel	Located within Trap Pond State Park; features the northernmost natural stand of bald cypress trees.	Canoeing, fishing, hiking, camping, bird watching.
Wagamon's Pond	41	Milton	Man-made pond connected to Broadkill River.	Fishing, kayaking, nature observation.
Blairs Pond	28	Milford	Quiet freshwater pond surrounded by natural scenery.	Fishing, kayaking, picnicking.
Haven Lake	82	Milford	Freshwater lake used for recreation and local wildlife habitat.	Fishing, canoeing, nature trails nearby.
Griffith Lake	32	Milford	Man-made lake known for its serene setting.	Fishing, canoeing, bird watching.
Lums Pond	200	Bear	Delaware’s largest freshwater pond located in Lums Pond State Park.	Boating, fishing, hiking, camping, zip-lining.

Rivers and Lakes of Delaware

Delaware, the second smallest state in the U.S., is rich in water resources, with a network of rivers and lakes that play a significant role in its geography, ecology, and economy. These water bodies provide essential habitats, support recreational activities, and contribute to Delaware’s historical and cultural heritage.

Rivers of Delaware

1. Delaware River

• Length: 301 miles (shared with Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York)
• Watershed: Delaware River Basin
• Key Features:
  • Forms Delaware’s eastern border and is the largest river in the state.
  • Vital for commercial navigation, connecting the Port of Wilmington to the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Provides drinking water for millions of residents in the Mid-Atlantic region.

2. Christina River

• Length: 35 miles
• Watershed: Christina Basin
• Key Features:
  • Flows through Newark and Wilmington, serving as a key waterway for the urban areas.
  • Supports industrial and recreational activities, including boating and fishing.
  • Historical significance as a trade route during the colonial era.

3. Brandywine Creek

• Length: 20 miles in Delaware
• Watershed: Christina Basin
• Key Features:
  • Known for its scenic beauty and historical role in powering early mills.
  • Flows through Brandywine Park in Wilmington, a popular recreational area.

4. Nanticoke River

• Length: 64 miles (shared with Maryland)
• Watershed: Chesapeake Bay Watershed
• Key Features:
  • One of the largest rivers in southern Delaware.
  • Supports agriculture and fishing industries.
  • Flows through Seaford, an important industrial and historical town.

5. Indian River

• Length: 15 miles
• Watershed: Inland Bays Watershed
• Key Features:
  • Flows into Indian River Bay, supporting recreational and commercial activities.
  • Popular for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation.

Lakes of Delaware

1. Lums Pond

• Area: 200 acres
• Location: Bear, within Lums Pond State Park
• Key Features:
  • The largest freshwater pond in Delaware.
  • Offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
  • Features a popular zip-line course and camping facilities.

2. Silver Lake

• Area: 167 acres
• Location: Dover
• Key Features:
  • A prominent freshwater lake in the state capital.
  • Serves as a water reservoir and recreational area.
  • Popular for fishing and bird watching.

3. Trap Pond

• Area: 90 acres
• Location: Laurel, within Trap Pond State Park
• Key Features:
  • Famous for the northernmost natural stand of bald cypress trees.
  • Offers canoeing, kayaking, and camping opportunities.
  • Important for ecological conservation and biodiversity.

4. Lake Como

• Area: 70 acres
• Location: Smyrna
• Key Features:
  • Offers scenic views and recreational opportunities.
  • Popular for fishing and small boating activities.

5. Lake Gerar

• Area: 15 acres
• Location: Rehoboth Beach
• Key Features:
  • Located near the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk.
  • Provides a tranquil setting for fishing and walking trails.