Discover Cecil: Nature, Water and History

Cecil County lies on the Upper Chesapeake Bay, about halfway between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Water, trails and history offer different ways to shape a stay: at Elk Neck, the Bay, Elk River and water activities take center stage, while Fair Hill offers fields, wooded areas and an extensive trail network. Historic museums and estates provide further insight into the region.

Waterfront landscapes at Elk Neck

Elk Neck State Park is in Cecil County on a peninsula bordered by the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Elk River to the east. The park has a swimming area at North East Beach Area. Rogues Harbor Boat Launch Facility provides public boat access to the Elk River, along with fishing piers. For planning your outing, these offer different ways to enjoy the water: a swimming area, as well as boating and fishing access at Rogues Harbor.

Turkey Point Lighthouse stands in the park on a 100-foot-high cliff at the confluence of the Elk River and the Northeast River. Turkey Point Light Station was built in 1833 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 2, 2002.

Trails and nature at Fair Hill

As a Natural Resources Management Area, Fair Hill covers 5,656 acres of fields and wooded areas. Its approximately 80-mile trail network offers opportunities for hiking, running, cycling and horseback riding. This gives you several options when planning a nature getaway, without limiting your focus to a single activity.

Big Elk Creek runs through the Fair Hill property and is a stocked trout water with a harvest fishery. The Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge crosses Big Elk Creek near the Fair Hill Nature and Environmental Center.

Maritime history and historic places

The Upper Bay Museum focuses on the cultural heritage of the watermen and hunters of the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Housed in a historic fish house on the riverbank, the museum preserves maritime traditions and artifacts. Exhibits include scale models of traditional fishing vessels, nets, decoys, market hunting equipment and ice-harvesting tools.

From the 17th century through the early 20th century, Elk Landing was a transportation hub for travel between major cities in the Mid-Atlantic region. The site is part of the Washington-Rochambeau Historic Trail and the Star-Spangled Banner Trail. Rodgers Tavern Museum offers self-guided tours, interpretive panels and interactive exhibits. Check current local operating information before your visit.

Mount Harmon offers tours of the historic Mount Harmon Manor House and outbuildings; check the seasonal schedule in advance. The Paper Chase activity includes a five-mile grass trail along the Sassafras River. Program availability may vary.

Paddling and current access conditions

Bohemia River State Park is managed as a Natural Resource Management Area to preserve and protect unique natural resources and biological diversity. From June through September, the park offers ranger-led paddling tours with short hiking sections on Great Bohemia Creek. Check availability for the current year before you travel.

There is currently no vehicle access to the shoreline. Paddlers are directed to existing public water access points on Route 213 and at the bridge over the Bohemia River. Check this current access rule again before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Elkton, North East, Rising Sun, Garrett County, Montgomery, Caroline County, Baltimore, Frederick.

For the main travel overview: Maryland.