This Gorgeous Peninsula On Maryland's Coast Offers Chesapeake Bay Views, Comfy Camping, And Scenic Trails

With what may be described as a "unique" shape, Maryland has some of the most varied geology of any state in the Mid-Atlantic region. While the state's outline may be a major headache for mapmakers, it does have a few key advantages. Most prominently, there are two distinct coastal regions. The Atlantic coastline along the Delmarva Peninsula boasts such enchanting seashore destinations as the dreamy Assateague State Park and its superb coastal trails. As if that wasn't enough, Maryland also houses most of the famed Chesapeake Bay and its stunning beaches and coastal towns. Thanks to this dual coastline, travelers can enjoy scenic attractions like the historic, All-American Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway. It's the heavenly Chesapeake coastline that features some of the state's most charming park preserves, none more enchanting than the gorgeous Elk Neck State Park. 

While many noteworthy Chesapeake Bay destinations lie along accessible beaches or lovely islands, Elk Neck State Park sits along a picturesque peninsula jutting into the bay's northernmost edge. This perfect blend of sea and land provides Elk Neck State Park with prime recreational opportunities on the water and dry land. It also means that park visitors can find top-notch Chesapeake Bay views and some of the state's best hiking trails. Photographers will also appreciate the prospect of amazing shots of a historic lighthouse juxtaposed against the vast Chesapeake Bay unraveling to the south. And for fans of our feathered friends, the park may be the best spot for birdwatching on the East Coast!

Elk Neck State Park's prime spot at the north end of the Chesapeake creates a peaceful natural wonderland of scenic beaches, marshes, and woodland bluffs. So pristine are the park's resources on land and in water that you may very well forget that Elk Neck is just an hour's drive northeast of Baltimore! Consider this your hub for the necessities, including inbound transportation via the Baltimore/Washington International Airport and lodging.

The park's distinctive geography blends lovely Chesapeake Bay scenery with the enchanting coastal forests that form around Maryland's Elk River as it runs into the bay. The Elk River itself has long been lauded for its beautiful views and excellent boating opportunities. Yet when it meets the mighty Chesapeake within the Elk Neck Peninsula, the resulting complex ecosystem of rivers, beaches, and wetlands places Elk Neck State Park a notch or two above other beautiful Chesapeake Bay destinations (at least in terms of sheer diversity of scenery).

The park covers a total of 2,188 acres, simultaneously large enough to accommodate the park's geographic diversity and small enough to keep the park's amazing attractions within reach of visitors. If these acres featured nothing more than the park's wonderful collection of gorgeous beaches, deep forest trails, and bluffs offering some of the best views of the Chesapeake you'll ever find, it would still be well worth the trip. Yet, the park also adds a historical dimension to its natural beauty. Before the Civil War, the area's network of waterways and proximity to free states further north made it a major stop on the famed Underground Railroad. A century later, the Civilian Conservation Corps played a major role in building the park's infrastructure. 

Given the immense wealth of resources, Elk Neck State Park ranks among the top tier of Maryland's most beautiful (and most photogenic) hiking destinations. The park's numerous hiking routes mostly cover only a mile or two over flat terrain. However, the park's picturesque scenery comes through on all sides, offering excellent shots of the Chesapeake, the Elk River, and the lovely forest bluffs that make the park so unique. If you get tired of hiking, you can take a dip in the Chesapeake at the park's North East Beach or take your boat out on the water at Rogues Harbor.

Elk Neck State Park is also an unmissable stop for professional and amateur photographers. While virtually every corner of the park is saturated with photo-quality scenery, the region's most photographed feature is arguably the bewitching Turkey Point Lighthouse. Though not the largest lighthouse on the Chesapeake, Turkey Point presents an unforgettable image as it perches over the Chesapeake from its enchanting rocky bluff. In addition to the alluring lighthouse, Elk Neck is also a premier spot for birdwatching. Thanks to its combination of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, the park is a great place to see hawks, eagles, osprey, orioles, loons, swallows, flycatchers, woodpeckers, owls, and waterfowl (among many others). 

Expect to find excellent camping spots at the Elk River Camping Area, which includes 250 campsites and several cabins. However, the park is also a mere 20 miles from the lovely Maryland town of Havre de Grace and its artsy waterfront vibes. Havre de Grace offers many cozy lodging options that let you enjoy Elk Neck State Park without having to make the trek back to Baltimore.