Photo essay: Elk Neck State Park

Photos by Jim Coarse | Text by Richard L. Gaw

The peninsula of dreams

While it is perfectly logical to assume that the 2,370-acre Elk Neck State Park has become Cecil County’s most spectacular postcard, it is also the county’s most natural and beautiful gift, given by the Gods of Nature and the visionaries of ingenuity to those who ask that their most prominent park have everything.

It is a dream, realized. Continued on Page 46

Elk Neck State Park

Continued from Page 45

Located just a short drive from North East, Elk Chesapeake Bay and the Elk River, and offers all County -- from marshlands to old forests to white clay cliffs to sandy shorelines to its 12 miles of trails. Divided into four areas, Elk Neck State Park includes the North East Beach Area, a popular destination in the western portion of the park that features a swimming area, a canoe/kayak launch, picnic shelters, picnic tables and grills; the Rogues Harbor Boat Launch Facility, that offers public

Continued on Page 49

Continued from Page 46

the Elk River Camping Area on the eastern portion of the peninsula that offers over 250 campsites, 16 cabins, a youth group camping area, park store, playground and a nature center.

If there is a shining star at Elk Neck State Park that rises above the rest tip of the Elk Neck Peninsula. Here, visitors can enjoy a 270-degree at the Raptor Viewing Field. It is also the home of the sparkling-white ships safely away from the shorelines.

Elk Neck State Park is located at 4395 Turkey Point Road in North East, Md. For more information, call 410-287-5333. The park is operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.