Hike to the Turkey Point Lighthouse in Elk Neck SP
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About this place
Elk Neck State Park is home to the Turkey Point Area, a historically significant and environmentally fragile location. The Turkey Point Lighthouse was once used to project light 13 miles down the Chesapeake Bay to direct ships safely away from the shorelines. Now it stands as a reminder of the history of the area.
This hike begins from the parking lot trailhead that is well-marked. Be cautious - parking is limited and may be full on weekends, and the paved road suddenly ends at the parking lot entrance. The path is crushed stone, wide, and relatively flat. Dogs are welcome but must be on leashes. On the path to the Lighthouse is a Hawk/Raptor Watch area. At the end of the trail is a the picturesque and historic lighthouse. Timing your visit to arrive in the evening affords an incredible view of the sunset to the west. On Saturdays and Sundays (April through November between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), you can climb the wooden steps up to the top of the 35 foot tall beacon and learn more about its history from one of the park’s dedicated volunteers. Climbers must be at least 42” tall. Between Easter and mid-November, there is a port-o-pot at the lighthouse. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 2, 2002 as Turkey Point Light Station.