In Elk Neck State Park, two bodies of water shape the peninsula: Chesapeake Bay lies to the west, and the Elk River to the east. The park is in Cecil County, which lies on the Upper Chesapeake Bay, halfway between Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Between Chesapeake Bay, the River, and the Lighthouse
The Turkey Point Lighthouse stands on a 100-foot-high cliff at the confluence of the Elk River and Northeast River, in Elk Neck State Park. The Turkey Point Light Station was built in 1833 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 2, 2002. Here, you can take in a striking waterfront setting and the documented history of the lighthouse together.
The waterfront access points also offer distinct experiences: North East Beach Area in the park has a swimming area. Rogues Harbor Boat Launch Facility provides public boat access to the Elk River, as well as fishing piers. On a larger scale, explore Cecil County’s five rivers, Chesapeake Bay, and the C&D Canal by boat or overland.
Fair Hill: Fields, Forest, and Trails
Fair Hill is a 5,656-acre natural resource management area with fields and forested areas. Its approximately 80-mile trail network offers opportunities for hiking, running, cycling, and horseback riding.
Big Elk Creek runs through Fair Hill; it is a stocked trout water managed as a put-and-take fishery. The Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge crosses Big Elk Creek near the Fair Hill Nature and Environmental Center. The creek and bridge are two specific landmarks to discover along the trails and amid the area’s scenery.
Maritime Traditions and Local History
Housed in a historic fish house on the riverbank, the Upper Bay Museum preserves the maritime traditions, artifacts, and cultural heritage of the watermen and hunters of the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Exhibits include scale models of traditional fishing vessels, nets, decoys, market hunting equipment, and ice-harvesting tools. The subject comes to life not only through boats, but also through work tools and hunting gear.
Elk Landing offers a different historical perspective: from the 17th century to the early 20th century, it was a transportation hub for travel between major cities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Elk Landing is also part of the Washington-Rochambeau Historic Trail and the Star-Spangled Banner Trail.
Self-guided tours, interpretive panels, and interactive exhibits are part of the visitor experience at the Rodgers Tavern Museum. Check local operating details before your visit. At Mount Harmon, tours of the historic Mount Harmon Manor House and outbuildings are offered; check the seasonal schedule in advance. Paper Chase features a five-mile grass trail along the Sassafras River. Program availability may vary, so check in advance whether it is being offered.
Paddling and Access on the Bohemia River
Bohemia River State Park is managed as a Natural Resource Management Area to preserve and protect unique natural resources and biodiversity. The park is intended for passive recreation, such as using trails and observing nature. From June through September, it offers ranger-guided paddling tours with short hiking sections on Great Bohemia Creek; check availability for the current year before traveling.
Access is also important for planning: the park currently has no vehicle access to the shoreline. Paddlers are directed to existing public water access points on Route 213 and at the bridge over the Bohemia River. Check this current access notice before your trip as well.
Explore more destinations: Elkton, North East, Rising Sun, Queen Anne's, Talbot, Wicomico, Kent County and Howard.
View the main travel guide: Maryland.
