Fair Hill NRMA Hike (FINAL PQ!)

This was an awesome quest for us to complete -- it was our last quest to complete for Park Quest 2012, it was an almost 4 mile trek for us, and we had a wonderful sense of satisfaction when it was complete! We pushed hard to complete all 23 state park visits in 2 months -- and We did it!

Our hike began at the bow area C. The quest was a wonderful mostly wooded hike. About 2/3 of the way in we were greeted with a nice surprise -- hiking a long a short section of creek to a covered bridge. We came to a fork in the trail (one of many) with 2 park quest signs. We didn't know at the time but the trail doubled back on itself. The boys decided to go one way, and the girls decided to go another to see what we could find. M. and I had chosen the path that took us right along the creek path. Sure enough, as we neared the water we heard the very near crack of thunder...followed by another. It was at this point that D. called my phone (thank goodness we had reception here), and let me know that he was pretty sure that the trail doubled back on itself. We agreed with the thunder booming behind us that we would follow the trail up to the covered bridge and wait out the coming storm (which we did). M. and I made it to the bridge just as it started to pour... The boys were not so lucky, but after running the trail they made it to the bridge shortly after the rain began (they were still soaked!).

Getting some relief from the heat

Covered bridge in the distance

 It was fun & exciting for all of us to seek shelter in the covered bridge while we waited for the thunder & rainstorm to pass! The rest of the hike was pretty but uneventful. Along the way we had a series of clue stops. At each stop we learned a little about the history of the state park (which has over 80 miles of trails!). Collecting a number corresponding to a letter, which would eventually lead to us retrieving our final stamp making our entire season of park quest complete. This place is a haven for horse back riders, and we shared the trail with several! If we have time, we would like to come back here for a hike. There was so much to explore, we easily could have gotten lost here had we no plan of attack.

waiting out the rain!

 Below, our 24th and FINAL PQ Passport Stamp!

And for our memories, the original PQ post

The Freddie Fox Chase

Introduction to Quest

Your quest is a letterbox hike or bike, a tradition started in 1854 in England. Letterboxing combines elements of a scavenger hunt, map reading, hiking, and puzzle solving. You will follow the trail of Freddie Fox as he guides you on a hunt using clues to find hidden “keys” to open the secret letterbox. Once you have your “key” and you open the letterbox, you will record your discovery in its logbook. Then take the stamp located in the box and stamp your Passport or another piece of paper you brought with you. Don’t forget to write your team name in the box log along with the date and a quick note if you would like. This exciting excursion will take you on about a 3.2 mile trail and give you a quick view of the Fair Hill NRMA.

Super Quest

Bring your “horse sense” to complete the Super Quest by riding horseback on an hour loop to find the clues about some of the equestrian events at Fair Hill. Horses are available to rent or you can bring your own.

Quest Information

The Fair Hill Quest is available dawn to dusk. Print your Park Quest worksheet from this webpage and bring it with you. Don’t forget a pen or pencil to write your clues. You will start at the Bow Hunt Area C Lot, and follow the trail marked by the fox logos to the Covered Bridge and back to the start point. The trail features a hard-packed surface, grasslands and may have uneven, rocky footing. Teams who want to bike must provide their own mountain bikes. Don’t forget to wear your helmets. Teams who choose to hike should wear comfortable and supportive shoes. Remember to apply sunscreen and bug repellent and bring water and snacks. Pets on a leash are permitted on the trail. Record your clues on your worksheet to discover the “key” to open the letterbox to stamp your passport.

Please remember that this is a shared trail, meaning hikers should to be courteous to bikers, horseback riders, and all other trail users. Like following the rules of the road, it is important to stay to the right side of the trail so that others can safely pass on your left.

Portions of these Quest trails are not easily accessible, as some segments are steep, very rocky and unpaved. The trail is not suited for strollers. Should you require special accommodations, please contact park headquarters (            410-398-1246      ) at least one week in advance.

SUPER QUEST

Starting at the Race Barns on Kennel Drive, teams will discover clues as they ride horses and discover Fair Hill’s equine attractions. Equestrians can ride their own horses from dawn to dusk. If you wish to spend a night with your horse at Fair Hill, please call the office at            410-398-1246       to make a stall reservation. Rental horses with a guide are available with a 48-hour notice by calling the Fair Hill Stables at             410-620-3883      , where you may obtain information on costs and requirements.

Quest Worksheets

• Print the Fair Hill NRMA Park Quest Worksheet here
• Print the Fair Hill NRMA Super Quest Worksheet here

Park Information

Fair Hill is a 5,655 acre Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA), where multiple management practices are employed for the maximum use and protection of Maryland's natural resources. Bordered by Pennsylvania to the north and less than one half mile west of Delaware, Fair Hill is known for its pristine fields, woodlands and natural beauty.

At one time, one of the largest private land holdings in the East, Fair Hill was formerly owned by William DuPont,Jr., an avid equestrian who acquired the farmland as a means to enjoy riding, as well as fox chasing. Fair Hill was purchased by the State of Maryland in 1975 from Mr. DuPont's estate.

A blazed trail extends from each of the five parking lots and joins the park's extensive trail system (approximately 80 miles). The multi-use trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians alike. A color trail guide can be obtained at the park office for $6 or online.

Fair Hill's attractions include the turf course, where steeplechase, timber course and flat races with pari-mutual wagering are held Memorial Day weekend (www.fairhillraces.org). A pavilion is situated near the historic, rustic covered bridge where visitors frequently stop for picnic lunches. The Cecil County Fair is held on the fairgrounds where some 80,000 visitors attend the weeklong event (www.cecilcountyfair.org). Also located at the fairgrounds is the Edward L. Walls Activity Hall, with a capacity of 350 people. It includes kitchen and restroom facilities, and is available to rent for functions which further the mission of the Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service or the local agricultural community.

Anglers can test their skills on Big Elk Creek, which is a stocked, put-and-take trout stream and travels the entire length of the Fair Hill property. A variety of fish species can be caught in the creek. A Maryland Angler's License is required for all fishermen 16 years of age and older. A Maryland Trout Stamp is required to possess or keep trout. Consult your Maryland Fishing Guide for additional information. Disabled visitor parking and a disabled-accessible fishing pier are available.