Trails
Scenic Overlook
Arboretum Trail
Off-Road Vehicle Use
Trails
Elk Neck State Forest offers hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking on designated trails across multiple tracts of the forest. Visitors should review the
Elk Neck State Forest Trail Map before visiting, as trail access, parking, and public use vary by location.
Mason Dixon Trail — 8.1 miles, moderate
The Mason Dixon Trail passes through Elk Neck State Forest and connects visitors to some of the forest’s most natural settings, including the Plum Creek Natural Area. The trail through the forest is gently to moderately sloped and crosses the three main driving trails on the Main Tract, allowing hikers to complete the full route or use parking areas near trail intersections for shorter trips.
Pete Bond Trail — 0.3 miles, easy
The Pete Bond Trail provides a short walk to the Pete Bond Scenic Overlook. The trail is named for A. R. “Pete” Bond, a former State Forester, and is one of the forest’s easiest trail experiences. This trail does not meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines, but it may be usable by some visitors with disabilities.
Elk Neck Lighthouse Trail — 5.5 miles, moderate
The Elk Neck Lighthouse Trail begins near Plum Creek Pond and travels through portions of Elk Neck State Forest. The trail connects the forest with the Town of North East and the Turkey Point Lighthouse area of Elk Neck State Park. The full trail system crosses both public and private property and provides access to forest, natural area, and peninsula views.
Black Hill Red Trail — 1.7 miles, moderate
The Black Hill Red Trail begins at the Black Hill Ranger Station and follows the state forest road toward the old fire tower. The route passes through gently sloping terrain before reaching one of the highest points on Black Hill. The fire tower is no longer in service and is not open to visitors, but demonstration plantings of trees and native warm-season grasses can be viewed near the ranger station.
Scenic Overlook
The Pete Bond Scenic Overlook is located off Trail 1 and is accessed from a parking area about 0.3 miles from the entrance. The overlook provides a view of the northern Chesapeake Bay watershed, including the North East River and surrounding communities.
The overlook is a good short stop for visitors who want a scenic view without planning a longer hike. It is especially popular during mid- to late fall, when hardwood trees across the landscape show fall color.
Arboretum Trail
The Elk Neck State Forest Arboretum includes a half-mile walking trail on Old Elk Neck Road. The arboretum is also described on the Elk Neck State Forest landing page, but the trail map is useful for visitors who want to identify native Maryland trees and shrubs while walking the site.
Arboretum Trail Map
School and civic groups should contact the Forest Office before visiting the arboretum because parking is limited. The arboretum may close during inclement weather or for special events.
Off-Road Vehicle Use
Elk Neck State Forest does not offer ORV trails. Non-licensed off-road vehicles, motorcycles, and ATVs are not permitted on any tract of the state forest.
Historic and Cultural Resources
Visitors may encounter historic or cultural resources while using trails in the forest. Do not dig, remove artifacts, search for buried relics, or use metal detectors on state forest lands. These activities are prohibited except under approved archaeological investigation permits.
