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Elk Neck State Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 505 Google reviews · Running trail in North East, Maryland · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Elk Neck State Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Vast nature preserve featuring areas for hunting, as well as hiking & horseback riding trails.
What runners say about Elk Neck State Forest
“A well-kept 100-yard outdoor rifle range.”
Pretty cool Forest, there are some decent dirt roads and hiking trails. I've never used the shooting range but it looks nice. Not a huge forest but enough to get your "fix" for being in nature
Beautiful walking/hiking along the water. The lighthouse trail was nice. Dog friendly. No paved trails (that we saw).
It's peaceful and has alot to offer without offering anything, really. There's many entry points are different sections, or areas, I guess, to the park. The part I was in was off of Irishtown road but can be accessed through Old Elk Neck road at 2 different points as well.
It's amazing to spend a sunny day in the woods. There are few trails you can take. The Google map shows there is supposed to be some kind of creek but we didn't find any. The open field near the parking lot has some young trees.
Trail conditions & character
“They have pull-offs on the side of the dirt road you drive on for parking or there are bigger parking areas at the entrances.”
“There is a public restroom in the parking lot however the condition was not so good.”
“I've seen people walk their dogs, no cyclists though.”
Plan your run at Elk Neck State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitednr.maryland.gov
- Phone(410) 287-5675
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near North East
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Elk Mills Park
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Elk Neck State Park
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Bayside park has an 1833 lighthouse & recreation such as fishing & hiking, plus camping facilities.
Iron Hill Park
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