Elk Neck State Park Plans

I have done a lot of geocaching recently (just ask my family), but I haven't done a real hike in a while. Inspired by brother Dave and the boys' trip to Great Smokey Mountains National Park and having done some serious hiking last week (a post on jealousy may be forthcoming), and with the weather Sunday forecast at 64 degrees and sunny, we (Dave, Leo and I) are planning an afternoon of hiking (and geocaching) at Elk Neck State Park in Maryland. It is a beautiful location, between the Elk River and the Susquehanna basin, and has a number of hiking trails that cover several different types of terrain, including water side bluffs, inland forest and swamps. In the two main sections of the park, there are also 16 geocaches. Hee hee. What a coincidence...

An especially beautiful sight, as seen below, is the old lighthouse on the very tip of Turkey Point.

The map below shows the two main sections of the park, with a residential area in between. One thing that we will need to be mindful of is the fact that it is hunting season, and properly permitted folks may be hunting in the park, so wearing some bright colors and a large sign that says "I am not a deer" may be warranted. I don't think I would look all that great strapped to the hood of someone's pickup.

The majority of the geocaches are strung along a relatively small area in the center of the northern park section. I don't have a trail map for the park, but I would bet that these are all very close to trails, and a carefully crafted plan of attack will have us walk right by all of them (in which case it would almost be rude not to stop and pay them a visit...).

All kidding about the geocaches aside, the main purpose of this little jaunt will be to get out on what looks to be a fantastic fall day with a couple of my best friends, stretch the legs, and see some sights. Dave has hiked some, if not most, of this park before and has recommended it highly. I can't wait...