Forty-four miles of trails ideal for deer hunting – sounds exactly like a good place to go for a hike, right? I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll just wear something orange, put an orange bandana on the dog, and brave the 16 designated trails?’ I seriously contemplated whether visiting Redden State Forest during deer season was a good idea or not.
Redden State Forest is located just North of Georgetown, DE. A 30-minute drive from the Ocean Pines/Berlin area will lead you towards the largest state forest in Delaware. The scenic drive through central Sussex County on Route 113 north is quite enjoyable on an early winter morning. A large brown street sign on the corner of 113 and Redden Forest Drive marks the way to the park. I know this because I visited the forest on Sunday even after my contemplation.
I figured Sunday was a safe day to go hiking. I’m still questioning if it’s legal to hunt for deer on Sundays or not. An article I read last June questioned the law making it illegal to hunt game on the ‘day of rest’. I haven’t heard about any laws being lifted that make hunting both the native white-tailed deer and the exotic Sika deer illegal on the day of Sabbath, yet. With that said, Sunday seemed perfect. The 70 degree weather and blue skies also helped me make my final decision.
My entire debacle about this park being open hunting land vanished when I saw a brilliant orange sign that read ‘Sanctuary No Hunting’ just 10 feet from where I parked my car. I ditched my dorky orange sweatshirt right then and there. As long as you stay on the marked trails, guests enjoying the forest will be fine. Don’t worry about the distant sound of gunshots, either, apparently it’s from a nearby shooting range, or so they claim.
The trails of Redden State Forest are covered in tiny, tan river rock gravel or are dirt trails marked by clear directional signs. The 11,000 acres belong to the state and offer a beautiful array of local tree species and natural plant life. I was amazed by the height and size of some of the loblolly pine trees I saw that day. I must have taken two dozen photos of the massive loblollies because I was in awe of their gigantic stature. Oak, maple, and gum trees are also aplenty.
The hammering sounds of pileated wood peckers and crushing brown leaves underfoot became a soothing white noise as I trudged further into the forest with my loyal canine companion leading the way on leash. I also saw black vultures circling, large turkey vultures picking over a carcass, and several red tail hawks perched on tree branches. Red tail hawks are one of my favorite birds. I’ve always admired their colorful feathery plumage and their raspy, screechy cry.
The Redden State Forest is highly protected land, and it’s valuable not only because of the many native vegetation species or animals that call it home, there’s also an extensive history behind the park. Redden State Forest is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. Much of Redden’s history is tied to the railroad – you’ll even drive over the historic tracks when entering the park. The Junction & Breakwater Railroad, completed in 1868, was one of Delaware’s earliest rail systems.
A railroad station was established only two years after the rail system was created. The station was known as Carey’s Station back then, later renamed after Col. William O. Redden, currently known as the Redden State Forest’s Lodge.
The building erected in 1877 still stands in the center of the Georgetown forest. The lodge had been used by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for railway employee housing from 1903 to 1919. Since then, the property has seen several owners, a fire, and was overtaken by the Delaware Forest Service. There are three historic buildings on site: a clubhouse, a carriage house, and a station. Currently, these buildings have been restored and are used as an education center, the state forest office, and the Redden lodge.
The cedar-shake buildings are much more attractive than I would have ever imagined them to be. The architecture was stunning for a turn-of-the-century rail station in the middle-of-no-where Delaware. As a self-proclaimed architecture, construction, and design afficionado, I was very impressed. I was also impressed by the cleanliness of the land, the perfect condition of the trails, and the peacefulness that the forest offered.
There are regenerating areas of forest where the timber has been harvested, new trees have been planted, or the cutover spots are covered in tiny evergreen sprouts. Those who manage the facilities and trails do a superb job. As I said earlier, there were plenty of photo opportunities in this rural backcountry setting and I took full advantage of them.
There was one spot in particular that I found completely breathtaking. Next to the campsite entrance there are towering pine trees that shadow over a cozy clearing covered in a thick buildup of shed pine needles. My pup and I spent a few minutes in the thistle and remained completely stationary. From that spot, the forest seemed so full of life and vibrancy. We stayed still under these 100-year-old trees that sheltered us and blocked out the sunlight and watched nature’s show before continuing on through the park.
If you’re any kind of history buff, hiking connoisseur, birder, or nature-lover, you will adore the Redden State Forest. I spent a little over an hour hiking the Education Trail through the forest on Sunday with my dog. It hasn’t even been four days since I was there and I’m already planning a trip back. The half-hour travel time is, for sure, worth every minute. Just remember, to be safe and stay on the marked trails. You wouldn’t want to accidentally enter private property and get too close to Delawarean hunters hot on the trail of some deer meat. Wear orange just in case and tell me if it’s illegal to hunt on Sundays or not!
The Redden State Forest is located at 18074 Redden Forest Drive in Georgetown, DE.
