Active Closures:
- The rifle and shotgun ranges remain closed for safety upgrades. No reopening date has been set.
- The pistol and archery ranges are open during regular hours.
Closures are updated as conditions change. Contact headquarters for current status. For full details and alternative range locations, visit the
Elk Neck State Forest Shooting Range Complex.
Location:
Elk Neck State Forest Map
From I-95: Take Exit 100 toward North East. Follow MD-272 south to US-40 east. Turn right onto Old Elk Neck Road, then continue toward Irishtown Road and the forest entrance.
Headquarters:
717 Irishtown Road, North East, MD 21901
Mailing Address:
Black Hill Ranger Station, 130 McKinneytown Road, North East, MD 21901
Phone:
410-287-5675
Office Hours:
7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Staff are frequently in the field; call ahead before visiting.
Pets
Permitted throughout the forest on a leash at all times.
Recreation and Trails
Hunting, Trapping, and Permits
Shooting Range Complex
Forest Management
Overview
Elk Neck State Forest covers approximately 3,571 acres in central Cecil County. The forest is made up of four separate tracts and is open for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, target shooting, wildlife observation, and nature study.
The forest supports mixed deciduous and evergreen forest, mountain laurel, azaleas, native shrubs, pitch pine and oak communities, and stream bottom areas with larger hardwoods. Most of the forest drains toward the Elk River.
Elk Neck’s largest public-use area is the Main Tract, which includes the Arboretum, Shooting Range Complex, Plum Creek Natural Area, Pete Bond Scenic Overlook, and multiple trail systems. Visitors should review the forest map before visiting, as public access and recreation opportunities vary by tract.
Arboretum
The Elk Neck State Forest Arboretum is located on Old Elk Neck Road and includes a half-mile walking trail with native Maryland trees and shrubs. The arboretum is designed as an outdoor classroom and is a good stop for visitors interested in tree identification, wildlife habitat, and a short walk through a managed meadow and forest edge setting.
School and civic groups should contact the Forest Office before visiting because parking is limited. The arboretum is open sunrise to sunset and may close during inclement weather or for special events.
Arboretum Trail Map
Arboretum Hunting Area Map
