![[Elk Neck State Park Trail Guide]](/publiclands/art/abouthead.gif)
Elk Neck State Forest and Park's sandy beaches, marshlands, and heavily wooded bluffs are contained within a peninsula formed by the North East River, Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay. This Chesapeake Bay Gateway site provides excellent trail recreation for hiking and mountain biking throughout more than 2,000 acres of scenic woodlands. An easy walk to the Bay's highest lighthouse, Turkey Point, provides splendid views of the Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay.
Turkey Point Lighthouse The Turkey Point Lighthouse is the highest of the Bay's lighthouses, situated on a 100-foot bluff overlooking the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal. Many visitors photograph its 35-foot tower, often framed by a blue sky and the Chesapeake Bay. Constructed in 1833, the light-house warned of shallow waters and served as a guide for ships entering the mouth of the newly completed Canal. For more information about the lighthouse, call Turkey Point Light Station, Inc. at 410-287-8170 or visit www.tpls.org Many historic attractions are in Cecil County, Maryland such as the C&D Canal Museum in Chesapeake City and the Upper Bay Museum in the town of North East. Visit www.ccmagazine.org/visitcecil.htm for more information. Features of the State Forest Elk Neck State Forest is open to the public for hunting, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and primitive camping. A shooting range for bow, hand gun and rifle is also available to the public. Permits are accessed from a self-service honor system on site. The forest supports a diverse habitat with mixed deciduous and evergreen trees and an understory of mountain laurel, azaleas and other native shrubs. Birdwatchers, including members of the Cecil County Bird Club, enjoy seasonally observing the forest's abundance of migratory birds. Primitive campsites are available. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and portable toilet. Campsite users are required to use the self-registration box at the forest entrance. Trails Please Play Safe! Elk Neck State Forest and Park is a natural area with certain hazards such as rocky and slippery trail surfaces. Be aware of biting insects, such as ticks. Trail users are advised to wear long pants, socks and boots. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit. To protect the privacy of campers using the State Park, mountain biking is not permitted on the trails immediately around the campground. For more information about trail use, contact the park office.
Hunting Opportunities for hunting exist in Elk Neck State Forest and Park. Hunting in the State Park is by permit only. Game species include white-tailed deer, squirrel, rabbit, quail and dove. Hunting is allowed during legal hunting seasons. There are over 12 miles of access trails, which has been opened to make remote areas accessible to hunters. Vehicles are not permitted on these trails. A rifle, pistol and archery range are also available in the State Forest. For range hours or more information about hunting, call the park office or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide
Several sites are available for disabled hunters during shotgun and muzzleloader deer seasons. Water Recreation There are many places in the park where the river is accessible for swimming, including the North East River area. A snack bar offers beach items and souvenirs. There are no lifeguards on duty at any time. Picnic sites are available near the beach area. Picnic pavilions are available for rental. Anglers can test their skills on the North East River or in the Chesapeake Bay by accessing the boat launching facility. Anglers can seek striped bass or smallmouth bass, as well as perch and catfish. A Chesapeake Bay Sportfishing license is required in order to fish this portion of the North East River or Chesapeake Bay. The beaver pond is accessible on the Green Trail and is open for freshwater fishing. Anglers may catch bass or sunfish. A Maryland Non-tidal Freshwater Fishing license is required for all fishermen at least 16 years of age. Consult a Maryland Fishing Guide for additional information or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries
Camping To make picnic, pavilion and camping reservations spring through fall, call Park Reservations year-round at 1-888-432-2267. Or, make your reservations on the Internet: reservations.dnr.state.md.us
Guides and Outfitters
Pets on a leash are welcome in the State Forest and in the State Park on all trails and at designated camping areas. Leave No Trace Leave No Trace, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. For more information visit www.lnt.org 
Directions From Baltimore: (Travel time approx. 1 hour) and Washington (Travel time approx. 2 hours.) Take I-95 north from Baltimore (toll road). Take exit 100 (Route 272 south) to the town of North East. The park is 10 miles south of North East.
Elk Neck State Forest and Park
State Forest and Park Service General Information: 1-800-830-3974 Elk Neck State Forest is open from sunrise to sunset. Elk Neck State Park is open year-round for camping. Elk Neck State Park is one of more than 100 featured sites on the national Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network - a system of the Chesapeake Bay's special places. Administered by the National Park Service (NPS), the network highlights places throughout the Bay watershed where visitors can experience, first-hand, Chesapeake life and culture. Gateways are the Bay's hidden treasures -- each communicating a unique relationship and story of the Chesapeake. They are places you can go to explore, enjoy, relax, learn or simply renew your spirit. To find out more information about other Gateways sites as your guide to experiencing the Chesapeake Bay, visit: www.baygateways.net or contact the NPS Gateways Program at 1-800-YOUR-BAY.
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