The Freddie Fox Chase

Introduction to Quest

Your quest is a letterbox hike or bike, a tradition started in 1854 in England. Letterboxing combines elements of a scavenger hunt, map reading, hiking, and puzzle solving. You will follow the trail of Freddie Fox as he guides you on a hunt using clues to find hidden “keys” to open the secret letterbox. Once you have your “key” and you open the letterbox, you will record your discovery in its logbook. Then take the stamp located in the box and stamp your Passport or another piece of paper you brought with you. Don’t forget to write your team name in the box log along with the date and a quick note if you would like. This exciting excursion will take you on about a 3.2 mile trail and give you a quick view of the Fair Hill NRMA.

Super Quest

Bring your “horse sense” to complete the Super Quest by riding horseback on an hour loop to find the clues about some of the equestrian events at Fair Hill. Horses are available to rent or you can bring your own.

Quest Information

The Fair Hill Quest is available dawn to dusk. Print your Park Quest worksheet from this webpage and bring it with you. Don’t forget a pen or pencil to write your clues. You will start at the Bow Hunt Area C Lot, and follow the trail marked by the fox logos to the Covered Bridge and back to the start point. The trail features a hard-packed surface, grasslands and may have uneven, rocky footing. Teams who want to bike must provide their own mountain bikes. Don’t forget to wear your helmets. Teams who choose to hike should wear comfortable and supportive shoes. Remember to apply sunscreen and bug repellent and bring water and snacks. Pets on a leash are permitted on the trail. Record your clues on your worksheet to discover the “key” to open the letterbox to stamp your passport.

Please remember that this is a shared trail, meaning hikers should to be courteous to bikers, horseback riders, and all other trail users. Like following the rules of the road, it is important to stay to the right side of the trail so that others can safely pass on your left.

Portions of these Quest trails are not easily accessible, as some segments are steep, very rocky and unpaved. The trail is not suited for strollers. Should you require special accommodations, please contact park headquarters (410-398-1246) at least one week in advance.

SUPER QUEST

Starting at the Race Barns on Kennel Drive, teams will discover clues as they ride horses and discover Fair Hill’s equine attractions. Equestrians can ride their own horses from dawn to dusk. If you wish to spend a night with your horse at Fair Hill, please call the office at 410-398-1246 to make a stall reservation. Rental horses with a guide are available with a 48-hour notice by calling the Fair Hill Stables at 410-620-3883, where you may obtain information on costs and requirements.

Quest Worksheets

• Print the Fair Hill NRMA Park Quest Worksheet here
• Print the Fair Hill NRMA Super Quest Worksheet here

Park Information

Fair Hill is a 5,655 acre Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA), where multiple management practices are employed for the maximum use and protection of Maryland's natural resources. Bordered by Pennsylvania to the north and less than one half mile west of Delaware, Fair Hill is known for its pristine fields, woodlands and natural beauty.

At one time, one of the largest private land holdings in the East, Fair Hill was formerly owned by William DuPont,Jr., an avid equestrian who acquired the farmland as a means to enjoy riding, as well as fox chasing. Fair Hill was purchased by the State of Maryland in 1975 from Mr. DuPont's estate.

A blazed trail extends from each of the five parking lots and joins the park's extensive trail system (approximately 80 miles). The multi-use trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians alike. A color trail guide can be obtained at the park office for $6 or online.

Fair Hill's attractions include the turf course, where steeplechase, timber course and flat races with pari-mutual wagering are held Memorial Day weekend (www.fairhillraces.org). A pavilion is situated near the historic, rustic covered bridge where visitors frequently stop for picnic lunches. The Cecil County Fair is held on the fairgrounds where some 80,000 visitors attend the weeklong event (www.cecilcountyfair.org). Also located at the fairgrounds is the Edward L. Walls Activity Hall, with a capacity of 350 people. It includes kitchen and restroom facilities, and is available to rent for functions which further the mission of the Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service or the local agricultural community.

Anglers can test their skills on Big Elk Creek, which is a stocked, put-and-take trout stream and travels the entire length of the Fair Hill property. A variety of fish species can be caught in the creek. A Maryland Angler's License is required for all fishermen 16 years of age and older. A Maryland Trout Stamp is required to possess or keep trout. Consult your Maryland Fishing Guide for additional information. Disabled visitor parking and a disabled-accessible fishing pier are available.

The Fair Hill Nature and Environmental Center is another facility located on the property. The Nature Center staff conducts educational nature tours for students and provides summer day camps for school age children. The non-profit Fair Hill Environmental Foundation, Inc. operates the facility. For information call 410-398-4909.

Fair Hill NRMA Office
300 Tawes Drive
Elkton MD 21921
410-398-1246

Directions to Fair Hill Natural Resources Management area

NOTE: Street addresses are included for GPS navigation, and all are located in Elkton, Maryland, 21921.
Location: In Cecil County, exit 100 off Interstate 95 North toward Rising Sun onto Route 272 North. Take a right on Rt. 273 and follow to the intersection of Rt. 273 and 213, proceed through the traffic light - Fair Hill entrance to fairgrounds, race barns, Walls Hall and riding stables is 300 yards on the right.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE SOUTH (I-95):

• Take I-95 north to exit 100
• Bear left onto Route 272 north toward Rising Sun
• Travel approximately 6-7 Miles to Route 273
• Turn right at traffic light onto Route 273 east
• Travel approximately 5-6 miles and go through traffic light at Route 213
• Approximately ¼ mile past the Route 213/Route 273 intersection, turn right onto Entrance 3 Road
• At the top of the hjill at the stop sign, turn left
• At the bottom of the hill at the stop sign, turn left onto Training Center Road for Park Quest or turn right on Kennel Drive for Super Quest

DIRECTIONS FROM THE NORTH (I-95):

• Take I-95 south to exit 109B (the Elkton exit) which empties onto Route 279 east
• At the third traffic light, turn right onto Route 213 north
• Travel approximately 7 miles to first traffic light and turn right onto Route 273 east
• Approximately ¼ mile past the Route 213/Route 273 intersection, turn right onto Entrance 3 Road
• At the top of the hill at the stop sign, turn left
• At the bottom of the hill at the stop sign, turn left onto Training Center Road for Park Quest or turn right on Kennel Drive for Super Quest

PARK QUEST PARKING

Bow Hunt Area C Lot Parking Directions (764 Training Center Drive): After turning left on Kennel/Training Center Road, travel 300 yards and turn right on gravel road at Park Quest parking sign.

SUPER QUEST PARKING

Equestrian Parking (56 Kennel Drive): After turning right on Kennel Drive travel one-quarter mile to Race Barn Parking on the right. Proceed past the three barns and park in the field to the left. Water and bathroom facilities are located at the barns. Once mounted, go back to Kennel Drive, turn right and follow the road to the stables to start your quest.

Fair Hill Stables (64 Kennel Drive): Turn right on Kennel Drive travel one half mile to stables with parking on the left.