Parks

North East Community Park

Located at the end of Walnut Street on the Northeast River, this is a 10 acre park with four pavilions – the Crouch (larger of the three next to the playground equipment), Benjamin, Levy, and the Gilbert Lighthouse Pavilion, which can all be rented for private events. The North East Community Park has restrooms (open April – November), a children’s playground, ample space for fishing and day docking at the pier. The park also has paved walkways throughout and ample benches for resting.

GPS Address: 300 Cherry St, North East, MD 21901

Elk Neck State Park

Elk Neck State Park is located in Cecil County on a peninsula, formed by the Chesapeake Bay on the west and the Elk River on the east. The park has 2,370 acres of land with varied landscapes that include marshlands, heavily wooded areas, white clay cliffs and sandy shorelines.

Elk Neck State Park is divided into four areas. The Turkey Point Lighthouse Area is located at the southern tip of the Elk Neck Peninsula and features a trail to the historic Turkey Point Light Station and expansive views of the Chesapeake Bay. The North East Beach Area is a popular day-use area located in the western portion of the park and features a swimming area, canoe/kayak launch, picnic shelters, picnic tables and grills. The Rogues Harbor Boat Launch Facility offers public boating access to the Elk River and fishing piers. The Elk River Camping Area is located on the eastern portion of the peninsula and offers over 250 campsites, 16 cabins (nine mini/camper cabins and seven rustic cabins), a youth group camping area, park store, playground and a nature center.

GPS Address: Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901
Website: www.dnr.maryland.gov

Elk Neck State Forest Arboretum

Elk Neck State Forest is home to the recently opened Arboretum Hiking Trail. In addition to being the first arboretum in Cecil County, it is the first project of its kind undertaken by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Elk Neck State Forest’s Arboretum has 61 newly planted specimens and 35 pre-existing specimens on display. There are 52 different species of Maryland native shrubs and trees that are identified along the walking paths that total 1/2 mile of easily walking surfaces.

The Arboretum is designed for use as an outdoor classroom and school groups are encouraged to take advantage of the great education opportunities. Additionally, field areas of the arboretum are being managed for wildlife habitat. Hunting during legal seasons is permitted within the designated hunting areas around the arboretum. The field and trail areas are designated as Safety Zones and excluded from available hunting acreage.