ELK NECK STATE PARK SERIES

The Pensauken like the Potomac Formation is a fluvial unit. Here a channel of the middle Miocene Pensauken Formatin has eroded deeply into the underlying Potomac Formation.

The field trip will also visit the southermost part of the peninsula at Turkey Point. If access is available to the top of the bluff, these formations will also be examined briefly in order to illustrate the differences in bedding style between the non-marine beds of the Potomac Formation and the marine-influenced younger Cretacious formations.

ELK NECK STATE PARK SERIES

The Potomac Formation is overlain by a thin series of deeply weathered marine and marginal marine units. As much as 135 feet of the Potomac Formation are intermittently exposed at this locality which is an unusually thick exposure of the Potomac Formation. Of particular interest here will be the exposures of the Potomac Formation of late Early to early Late Cretaceous age. The field trip will concentrate for the most part on the exposures along the west side of the peninsula in the vicinity of Mauldin Mountain near Elk Neck State Park. Here the land surface descends more gradually to the Elk River. The east side of the peninsula is less precipitous than the west side. Because of the continued sluffing in the land slide areas, the exposures continually are alternately covered or uncovered, and the sections shown in this report may not be the same when the field trip is run. The west side of the peninsula is characterized locally by steep bluffs and numerous landslides. Elevations within the peninsula range from sea level to just over 300 feet above sea level. The peninsula is relatively small, approximately 13 miles long and 5.5 miles wide at its widest point. This peninsula is an erosional remnant of a once more widespread Coastal plain. By choosing different trails and connectors, you can make your experience longer or shorter, easier or harder.Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Field Trip Guidebooks Series, Volume 211.Įlk Neck is a small peninsula which lies at the northern end of the Chesapeke Bay. There are seven named trails within the park and you can use trail connectors to link multiple trails together. White-tailed Deer, groundhogs, fox, raccoon, river otter, squirrel, skunk, and opossum are also found in the park, though many of these species are nocturnal.Įach of the four areas has a signed trailhead with information specific to that location. You can also see an active beaver lodge in the marsh near Rogue's Harbor. Migrating hawks can be seen September through November from the Raptor Viewing field along the lighthouse trail. You can see Bald Eagles soaring above the shorelines by hiking the White Banks Trail or the Lighthouse Trail. Hiking many of the park's trails will offer opportunities to view wildlife.

From the easy 1.5 mile round trip hike to Turkey Point Lighthouse to the challenging three-mile trip to the White Clay Cliffs overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, hikers of all abilities will find an adventure. Grab a trail map and explore 12 scenic miles of trails. If you are looking for adventure and a challenge, hike on the park's trails. North East Beach area: ONLY in the off-season (between the day after Labor Day and the day before Memorial Day weekend).Mauldin Mountain/White Banks picnic area.Trails: The Mauldin Mountain Loop (formerly known as the red trail), Turkey Point Lighthouse trail (old blue trail), Pond Loop (old green trail), the White Banks Trail, and the Beaver Marsh Loop (old orange trail).Campground: The camping loops located along Stoney Point Rd.Pets are ONLY allowed in the following designated areas of Elk Neck State Park: The park is also a very popular site for camping, boating, swimming, canoeing and picnicking for its visitors. There is also an easy walking trail to Turkey Point Lighthouse that provides a view of the Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay. Several trails also meander through the diversified topography of the State Park, revealing the great variety of plant and animal life that the park has to offer. The sandy beaches, wet marshlands, and heavily, wooded bluffs comprise the peninsula formed by the North East and Elk Rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay, where this park is located. As a result, there are several journeys a person can take while in the park to explore. The park boasts 2,188 acres of beautiful sandy beaches, wet marshlands, and heavily, wooded bluffs that overlook the North East River, the Elk River, and the Chesapeake Bay. Elk Neck is your year-round, travel destination for many people to connect with the vast landscapes and waters of the Chesapeake Bay at Elk Neck State Park.

Elk neck state park