Elk Neck State Forest has reopened as of 1100 hrs today. The interior trails east of the shooting range complex will remain closed until further notice. Hunter parking is available at the shooting range parking lot with walk in traffic permitted. The roads will be evaluated daily as one section may develop icing problems that may warrant another temporary closure. All ranges are again open for public use.
Elk Neck State Forest is approximately 3300 acres situated in central
Cecil County consisting of four separate tracts of land. Elk Neck State Forest
is open to the public for hunting, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.
Shooting ranges for bow, hand gun, shotgun and rifle are also available to the
public. Permits are accessed from a self-service honor system located at the
Maintenance Complex. 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 observing the forest's abundance of migratory birds. For those interested
in wildflowers, the Forest is home to an abundance of natural flora.
Elk Neck State Forest Map
Tract Description
Main Tract Located off of Irishtown Road. Public access and parking along main trails. Shooting Range, hiking, and public hunting are available.
Shady Beach Road Tract Located off of Shady Beach Road No public road access or parking.
Diggs Farm Tract Located off of East Old Philadelphia Road No public road access or parking.
Black Hill Tract Located off of McKinneytown Road to the rear of the Black Hill
Ranger Station. Public access and parking are available to rear of Ranger Station. Public hunting and hiking are available.
Operating Hours
The Forest is open from sun rise to sun down each day. During periods of inclement weather, forest roads may be closed temporarily until they are safe for public use. The Forest will remain open with public parking available at the Main Entrance off of Irishtown Road.
On bad weather days, please call the Forest Office for current road conditions and temporary closures at (410) 287-5675.
Trails
Hike through diverse wooded flatland, rolling hills, and marshlands in Elk Neck State Forest on over twenty eight miles of combined drivable trails and foot trails. Twelve miles of improved wide forest roads, flanked by thick woods (mixed deciduous trees and evergreens) allow for seasonal vehicle access due to road conditions. Once you pass the shooting range, the trail becomes more pleasant and isolated.
The Mason Dixon Trail System crosses between the Diggs Farm Tract and the Main Tract and gives avid hikers a pristine pass through the densely forested Plum Creek Watershed.
The Elk Neck Trail System begins within the Main Tract and crosses on and off of Forest Property and eventually crosses the Black Hill Tract as it runs for its final destination, the Turkey Point Lighthouse at Elk Neck State Park. This trail covers approximately 14 miles for avid hiking enthusiasts.
Several miles of unimproved fire trails provide the beginner hiker with a modest tour of the interior portions of the Main tract on Elk Neck State Forest.
Trail Guide
Check out a copy of the Elk Neck
State Forest & Park Trail Guide complete with a topographical map of
the hiking and biking trails.
To purchase copies of the Elk Neck State
Forest & Park Trail Guide with a credit card, please "click" on this link to place your order online.
To purchase copies of the Elk Neck State
Forest & Park Trail Guide with a check, please "click" on this link to print an order form.
The Forest does not offer any ORV Trails and does not permit the use of non-licensed off road vehicles, motorcycles, or ATVs on any tract of the State Forest.
Scenic Overlook
Take a minute and gaze upon the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed from atop of the
Pete Bond Scenic Overlook located off of the Main Road Trail. The overlook is accessed off of a parking area .3 miles from the entrance. Onlookers may look at the northern realm of the Chesapeake Bay from this vantage point or gaze at the vibrant fall colors of the numerous hardwood species during mid to late fall.
Shooting Range
The shooting range at Elk Neck State Forest is open 9:00 a.m. to sunset Tuesday through Sunday. Mondays closed until 4:00 p.m. & will close at sunset. You may purchase a permit for the year at a cost of $50.00 for ages 18 to 61, $25.00 for anyone 62 or older., or you may choose to purchase a daily permit for $10.00 (under 18 years of age is Free with a paying adult). The permits may be purchased at the forest office through an honor system (cash or check). If paying with cash you must have exact amount. Please download the range regulations below for specific information on using the range. All rules and regulations are posted on information boards and daily permits.
Beginning June 9, 2009, Elk Neck State Forest Yearly Range Permits will be available for purchase from any authorized Sport License Sales agent or online at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Sport License Sales site at
https://www3.wildlifelicense.com/md/.
There are four ranges:
- 100 yard (riffle/muzzleloader)
- 50 yard (pistol)
- skeet range (no thrower provided)
- bow & arrow range
All shotguns shot on the rifle range must utilize a slug shell. No shot shell of any type is permitted on the rifle range.
Ranges are staffed by Forest Service personnel only during periods of high use and are patrolled by the Natural Resources Police.
2010 Shooting Range Application
Application processing will begin in December 2009
A copy of the Range
Regulations may be downloaded here: Range
Regulations
Permits are available at the Maintenance Complex near the Main Entrance and must
be obtained prior to using the range complex.
All ranges are closed the second
Saturday in September to allow for the Northern Chesapeake Sportsmans Kids
Youth Day activities.
Leave No Trace
Elk Neck State Forest is Trash Free.
Read more about
Leave No Trace.
Camping
There is no camping available on Elk Neck State Forest.
Public Hunting
Public hunting is available on Elk Neck State Forest for all current seasons. No
permits are required to hunt on the Forest except for a valid hunters license.
To verify dates and regulations please check the
Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland.
Accommodations for hunters with disabilities are available at numerous sites on the Trails located on the
Main Tract. Please contact the Forest Office for further information and
locations.
Mailing Address Only:
Elk Neck State Forest
130 McKinneytown Road
North East, MD 21901
Physical Address:
717 Irishtown Road
North East, MD 21901
(410) 287-5675
DNR Home
Last Updated on December 15, 2009
