Turkey Point Challenge

Your Park Quest Adventure at Elk Neck State Park requires you to use your detective skills to uncover some secrets about the history and ecology of the area. This will require you to complete an easy-to-moderate round-trip hike of 1.6 miles and should take you 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Your Quest begins from the Turkey Point parking lot and requires you to solve a series of puzzles. The puzzle sheet can be found below on this web page. Be sure to print the document before you begin your Quest. As you hike to Turkey Point, you will discover fascinating facts, such as where to view migrating hawks and where poison ivy likes to grow. Once you arrive at the lighthouse, you will find clues on the surrounding signs and monuments to learn which two bodies of water are visible from Turkey Point and other interesting information about the lighthouse itself. Once you have used your super sleuthing skills to complete the final puzzle, you have completed your Quest! Don’t forget to get your passport stamped!

Note: Remember to print your puzzle sheet here before you leave for your Quest.

Adventure Information

Park Quest participants may park at Turkey Point parking lot at no charge. The Quest can be completed any day of the week from sunrise to sunset. For the best experience, however, we recommend that you complete your Quest on Saturday or Sunday between 10 am and 4 pm. During those times, the lighthouse will be open for you to climb to the top and view the interior. Also during those times, a small concession is open offering souvenirs and drinks. The concession is operated by Turkey Point Light Station Inc., which is a non-profit organization that supports the lighthouse and its preservation. Please keep in mind that the area closes at sunset. If you complete your Quest on the weekend between 10 am and 4 pm, simply show a volunteer at Turkey Point Lighthouse your completed puzzles and have them stamp your passport. On other days, when you have completed your puzzles, hike back to your vehicle and drive north on Rt. 272 approximately 3 miles. Turn right into the campground located at Elk River Area. Pull into the far left lane as you approach the Camper Registration building. Show the attendant your completed puzzles and ask them to stamp your passport. Pets on a leash are welcome to join you on your Quest.

Directions to Elk Neck State Park’s Turkey Point Parking Lot

Elk Neck State Park is in Cecil County, 10 miles south of the town of North East on MD 272. From interstate 95, take exit 100 for Rt. 272. Follow Rt. 272 south approximately 14 miles to Turkey Point. Rt. 272 terminates in the Turkey Point parking lot. Please note that you will pass through the private community of Chesapeake Isle BEFORE you arrive at Turkey Point parking lot. Note to GPS users: The park’s physical address will NOT take you to Turkey Point, so please follow the directions above.

Directions to Elk Neck State Park

Make a reservation to stay at the park.

Accommodations and Accessibility

This Quest is not fully accessible as the hike to the lighthouse is not paved. Should you require special accommodations, please contact park headquarters (410-287-5333) at least one week in advance. There is a portable toilet located at the lighthouse, but there are no restroom facilities at the parking area.