This CAM cache will take you on a easy 0.6 walk through the Elk
Neck State Park – Turkey Point Area. It has sandy beaches,
marshlands, and heavily wooded bluffs that are contained within a
peninsula formed by the North East River, Elk River and the
Chesapeake Bay. A wide variety of plant and animal life thrive
throughout the area, which offers many walking trails—including a
trail that provides a scenic view of the Elk River and the
Chesapeake Bay as it leads to the historic Turkey Point
Lighthouse.
Turkey Point Lighthouse was authorized by Congress in 1831 and
was built in 1833 with a tower and keeper’s quarters by John
Donohoo. The tower is 35 feet high and is situated on a 100-foot
bluff where the North East and Elk Rivers converge. Originally, the
tower had a panel of red glass to warn ships they were approaching
the shallows and served as a guide for ships entering the mouth of
the newly completed canal. The beacon was visible for 13 miles and
was the highest of 74 lighthouses on the Bay. Only the lighthouse
and the oil house remain, the keepers house was torn down by the
Coast Guard.
This lighthouse was the home of the last woman lighthouse
keeper, Fannie Salter. She served from 1925 until she retired in
1947. The lighthouse holds the distinction of being tended by more
women keepers than any other lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay. For
more information about the lighthouse, call Turkey Point Light
Station, Inc. at 410-287-8170 or visit their website. Please Play
Safe!
Elk Neck State Park is a natural area with certain hazards such
as rocky and slippery trail surfaces. Be aware of biting insects,
such as ticks. Trail users are advised to wear long pants, socks
and boots. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary
skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally
sensitive visit.
Blue Trail 2 miles - easy An easy path to the Turkey Point
Lighthouse, this field trail follows a forest edge. The overgrown
fields provide food and shelter for many species of wildlife.
Considerable populations of resident turkey and black vultures are
often seen, as well as bald eagles. There is an all-volunteer
effort to count diurnal birds of prey (hawks, eagles, and vultures)
as they pass over Turkey Point and its historic lighthouse during
the fall southbound migration. Members of the Cecil Bird Club
started the Hawk Watch in 1994. In each of the first two seasons,
over 2,500 birds of prey were counted. The highest season total
count to date was in 1999, when over 7,000 raptors passed through.
More information can be found here:
http://www.udel.edu/cecilbirds/hawkwatch.html
This Turkey Point area is free and open from dawn till dusk.
Cache is State Park Approved!
Nearby caches:
Virtuals:
Elk Neck-Best View Ever!!
HOW AND WHY??
Regulars:
QUICK AND TO THE TURKEY POINT
ELK NECK-ROCKY PT. BLUFF