Elk Neck State Park Explained

Elk Neck State Park
Iucn Category:III
Iucn Ref:[1]
Map:USA Maryland#USA
Map Size:280
Relief:1
Location:Cecil County, Maryland, United States
Nearest Town:North East, Maryland
Coordinates:39.4844°N -75.9831°W
Area Acre:2369
Elevation:118feet
Designation:Maryland state park
Established:1936
Website:Elk Neck State Park

Elk Neck State Park is a public recreation area located between Chesapeake Bay and the Elk River near the southern tip of the Elk Neck Peninsula in Cecil County, Maryland. The state park is home to the historic Turkey Point Light and offers land-based and water-based recreation. The park is located on MD 272, eight miles (13 km) south of the town of North East, and south of exit 100 on I-95. It is operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

History

The park had its genesis when, in 1936, naturalist Dr. William Abbott bequeathed his holdings along the Elk River to the state for use as a state park. Although he originally intended the land to be a gift to the Boy Scouts, a meeting with State Forester Fred W. Besley in 1935 persuaded Abbott to change the terms of his will. Following the state's purchase of additional acreage, the Civilian Conservation Corps created park improvements from 1937 to 1941.

Activities and amenities

Turkey Point LighthouseDating from 1833, the Turkey Point Lighthouse sits on a 100feet bluff overlooking the Upper Chesapeake Bay. The 35feet tower is a "private aid to navigation" maintained by a non-profit organization, Turkey Point Light Station, Inc., which offers weekend tours seasonally.
  • CampgroundsThe park offers more than 250 campsites, rustic cabins, camper cabins, and youth group sites.
  • Water recreationThe park offers a swimming beach, fishing, and crabbing, plus a boat launch and launch area for canoeing and kayaking.
    TrailsThe park has of trails for hiking and biking.
    -
    ! Trail Name! Length! Difficulty|-| White Banks Trail| 3miles | Difficult|-| Pond Loop| 1miles| Moderate|-| Beaver Marsh Loop| 4miles| Difficult|-| Lighthouse Trail| 2miles| Easy|}

    Ecology

    The park is part of the Northeastern coastal forests ecoregion, with a landscape characterized by deep forests, bluffs, beaches, and marshlands.

    In popular culture

    The park was used as a filming location for the 1997 Clint Eastwood movie Absolute Power, The Curve, and as the setting of an episode of the television series Hannibal.

    External links

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Elk Neck State Park. Protected Planet. IUCN. 1 May 2018.