Elk Neck State Forest – Main Tract

Depart at 10:00 AM from the Elk Neck State Forest, Park Office lot, for a 4-5 mile hike. Shortly up the dirt road, the parking lot will be on the far left. Mostly level trails and dirt roads, but expect some ruts and small stream crossings. Be prepared to climb a small lookout tower if you wish. Bring water and snack.

From US-40 at the DE/MD state line. Proceed west on US-40 for 4.2 mi. Turn left onto Old Elk Neck Rd and proceed 4.0 mi. Turn right onto Irishtown Rd and proceed 2.3 mi. Turn right into the park entrance (very difficult to see from this direction) and proceed 240 ft on the dirt road. Parking lot is on the far left.

This is one of the tracts of the State FOREST, not the State PARK!  Elk Neck State Forest and Elk Neck State Park are very often confused. The State Forest’s area is much larger, with the main tract running all the way between Elkton and North East, MD. It has a climbable wooden lookout tower. The State Park is past the Forest and further from Delaware.  At its farthest section, it has a white lighthouse on a 120 foot bluff, overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.