Elk Neck State Park, MD  (Extreme Northern Chesapeake Bay)

 
FIG. 1 land view of the launch in December 
to view a land photo:   
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	Directions: Take I95 N from Baltimore to exit 100 at
mile 99.7 (this is beyond Susquehanna River but 10 miles shy of Delaware).  
On exit ramp, bear right to on MD Rt 272 South.  Travel 11.6 miles south on
 MD Rt 272 and then turn right.  On MD Rt 272 S, you will cross U.S. Rt 40,
 go through the village of Northeast, and eventually enter Elk Neck S.P.  
The right hand turn off MD Rt 272 occurs about 0.3 miles beyond the park 
headquarters.  The right hand turn off MD Rt 272 occurs at a sign that says
 "NE River Area Swimming/Picnicking day use" (see FIG. 2). 

FIG. 2A Aerial View of the Launch Area

FIG. 2B Aerial View of the Launch Area

FIG. 3 view of turn off from MD Rt 272 onto side road to launch

 Upon turning right, proceed through the gates* (provided they are unlocked).

 
FIG. 4 view of gates locked in December, 3500 ft from launch.  Plan ahead
and call 410-287-5333 to make sure the gates are open.

After traveling 1000 ft on the side road, you come to a complicated
 intersection with a road going up a hill to the left, a road with a 
toll booth straight ahead, and a park maintenance facility to the right.

FIG. 5 view of complicated intersection and toll booth ahead

  Go to the toll booth, pay the toll and then proceed.  About 0.5 miles
 past the toll booth is the end of the road and the launch area.  Upon  
reaching a cul-de-sac, the launch is straight ahead down a steep hill,
 the parking area is to the right, and the restrooms are to the left.

FIG. 6 view of cul-de-sac near launch with parking to the right and the 
launch being straight ahead and down a steep hill
to view a land photo:   
if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control =" to zoom in by 
hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed.  

To zoom back out, use "control -".  If browser is Netscape or Firefox, 
simply right click on the photo and then select 
"View Image")

 Unload your gear at the back side of the cul-de-sac next to the playground
 and by the paved path leading down the steep hill, and then park your car
 in the parking lot to the right of the cul-de-sac.

FIG. 7 view of where you unload your gear and of the path down the
 steep hill down which you must tote your gear
to view a land photo:   
if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control =" to zoom in by 
hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed.  

To zoom back out, use "control -".  If browser is Netscape or Firefox, 
simply right click on the photo and then select 
"View Image")

Faces WNW into 6 miles of open water.  Best winds are NNE CCW around to S.
 Water is fresh and thus buoyancy is reduced compared to other venues.  
Best to bring a cart to cart gear down hill to beach.  

	*Gate is closed from about Halloween til about Easter time.  
Check ahead if going in off season to make sure gate is open.  
If gate is closed and locked, your car will be 3/4 of a mile from
 the launch. Always check ahead to make sure that the gate
is open and unlocked.  Do this by calling in advance 410-287-5333.
For more information, visit the park website here. 

	FEES:  As of late 2008,the fee is $3/day for MD residents, $4/day
 for non-MD residents. When toll booth is unmanned, use the honor system 
and bring exact change.  

	Regulations:  During summer, beach is open and windsurfers must avoid
 bathers.  Alcohol not permitted on beach, but may be permitted in picnic areas.

	Amenities:  Restroom, snack bar during summer

FIG. 8 view of the launch area in December -- note the aquatic vegetation 
washed ashore -- in the summer, this is all cleared away and the view
 of the beach is more appealing.
to view a land photo:   
if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control =" to zoom in by 
hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed.  

To zoom back out, use "control -".  If browser is Netscape or Firefox, 
simply right click on the photo and then select 
"View Image")