Up until 2004, the remains of a WWII era seaplane hangar could
be found nearby. Now all that remains is the foundation, some
perforated steel plating used to making improvised landing strips,
and a couple of huge tanks (fuel?).
From what I can find online, Worden Pond was used during WWII
for practice dive bombing runs. Planes from Quonset also used the
pond to drop ordnance prior to landing if there were any issues.
The other thing I found was that Ens. Nelson Carter was killed in
1945 when he crashed his Helldiver into the pond while executing a
dive bomb run. Authorities continue to find WWII ordnance in the
pond. In August 2010 a torpedo was found, and Navy EOD personnel
drilled it out to ensure it would never detonate.
This is probably as far back from parking as you can get in the
Great Swamp WMA. It's a long walk/ride, but worth it. Terrific
scenery on the way, and a great view at the hangar foundation.
Round trip distance is about 4 miles taking the most direct
route.
Fluorescent Orange Requirements for users
of State Management Areas can be found in the Park
& Management Area Rules & Regulations (Section 16.7).
It is the user's responsibility to know the rules before hiking in
the Wildlife Management Areas.
Maps of the area can be found at the DEM's website.