![[Fair Hill NRMA Trail Guide]](/publiclands/art/abouthead.gif)
Located in the northeast corner of Cecil County, within a one-hour drive of Baltimore City, some of Maryland's most remarkable countryside can be enjoyed at Fair Hill Natural Resource management Area. This bucolic oasis of 5,613 acres offers visitors more than 75 miles of trails and farm roads for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. An historic covered bridge spans Big Elk Creek, a favorite choice among anglers. Fair Hill's History Fair Hill was one of the largest private land holdings in the east, formerly owned by William duPont, Jr., an avid equestrian who acquired the farmland as a means to enjoy horseback riding and fox chasing. Today, Fair Hill continues to attract equestrian enthusiasts. The area's turf course supports equestrian events, such as steeplechase, timber course and flat races, including pari-mutuel wagering. An historic point of interest is a red covered bridge, which spans Big Elk Creek, located near the Fair Hill Nature and Environmental Center on Tawes Drive. Known as the Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge, the bridge was constructed in 1860 for the Cecil County Commissioners, at a cost of $1,165. In 1994, the bridge received the State's Historic Civil Engineering Landmark Award. The bridge is one of only two covered bridges in Cecil County, the other being Gilpin's Falls Bridge, built in 1860 over Northeast Creek. Visitors can enjoy a picnic near the bridge at the area's picnic pavilion. For more information about historic and cultural attractions in Cecil County, visit www.ccmagazine.org/visitcecil.htm
Big Elk Creek Anglers can test their skills on Big Elk Creek, which is a stocked, put-and-take trout stream and travels the entire length of the Fair Hill property. The creek supports self-sustaining populations of smallmouth bass, sunfish and bluegill. Every spring and fall, the creek is stocked by DNR's Fisheries Service with adult brown and rainbow trout. Parking for visitors with disabilities and an accessible fishing pier are available at the Foxcatcher Farm covered bridge. A Maryland Freshwater Fishing license is required for all fishermen 16 years of age and older. A Maryland Trout Stamp is also required to possess or keep trout. Consult a Maryland Fishing Guide for additional information or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries. Wildlife and Nature Appreciation Fair Hill is comprised of various ecosystems, including grasslands, trout streams, ponds, wetlands and approximately 3,000 acres of mature woodlands. These habitats support a diverse variety of wildlife, such as beaver, fox, coyote and white-tailed deer. Birders can spot an occasional bald eagle, kingfisher and a wide variety of hawks, owls and vultures, as well as numerous grassland birds, such as bobolink, thrush and flycatcher. The mature growth forest is primarily mixed hardwood with small patches of coniferous trees. The trail system is selectively intertwined throughout the forest in order to minimize impacts to wildlife habitat. The Fair Hill Nature and Environmental Center conducts educational nature tours for students and provides summer day camps for school age children. For more information, call the nonprofit Fair Hill Environmental Foundation, which operates the facility, at 410-398-4909. Trails Please Play Safe! Sturdy shoes and water are recommended when exploring these trails. Please avoid using trails if they are muddy -- especially single-track trails -- as hoof prints and bike tracks can cause severe damage during wet conditions. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit. The following are trail descriptions for five blazed circuit routes, which provide access to different areas of the NRMA. In addition to these circuits, there are many miles of inter-connected secondary trails for the adventurous to explore.
Horseback Riding Fair Hill NRMA partners with Fair Hill Stables, which offers guided trail rides on dependable horses for those ages eight and older. Enjoy breathtaking woods and fields at Fair Hill from a horse drawn carriage or tractor-drawn hayride. Younger children can also enjoy pony rides. Try the Horse Lovers Program, which includes a grooming and tacking lesson with a ride in the outdoor ring. No experience necessary. Open daily year-round. For more information call Fair Hill Stables 410-620-3883 or visit www.fairwindstables.com Hunting An annual managed shotgun hunt is conducted to manage the deer population on the property. Approximately 800 acres is available by permit for bow hunting during the regulated season. Raccoon hunting is also available by permit during the regulated season. For more information about hunting in the NRMA contact the office or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide Camping Fair Hill NRMA offers ten R.V. hookup sites for overnight equestrian convenience. Many large equestrian events on the property are supported with stabling facilities for over 200 horses. Two youth group sites offer remote camping for organized groups. Both sites are situated near the historic Mason-Dixon line and offer a positive outdoor adventure experience in scenic, undeveloped areas. Contact the NRMA office to reserve these sites.
Delaware Trail Spinners
Guides and Outfitters
Pets on a leash are welcome in all areas of the NRMA. Leave No Trace Leave No Trace, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. For more information visit www.lnt.org 
Frontcountry Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Guidelines for trail users (hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders). Choose the right path and site
Directions Fair Hill is approximately one hour north of Baltimore and 25 minutes west of Wilmington, Delaware. From I-95 north, take exit 100 to Rt. 272 north. Go approximately 6 miles to Rt. 273. Turn right (east) onto Rt. 273 and go approximately 5 miles. Turn right into entrance #3, turn left onto Ranger Skinner Road, turn left onto Training Center Road and cross over Route 273. Turn right onto Tawes Drive. The NRMA office is located on your immediate right.
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
State Forest and Park Service General Information: 1-800-830-3974 Fair Hill NRMA is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Back to the Fair Hill NRMA page
|
