Sussex County High Point Trip Report

Date: February 11, 2001
Author: Michael Schwartz

1 area in U.S. Military Reservation, possibly manmade (80+ ft)

Fred Lobdell's and Glenn Bock's trip reports made this one easy. I suggest climbing the observation tower first for an overview of the entire Cape Henlopen area and the Great Dune. The hole in the fence atop Great Dune mentioned by Fred is still there. The park fee ($5) is waived until the first weekend in May, but the sign did not give the start date of the free entry period. Even considering the likely man-made status of the Great Dune, this very scenic area is well worth a visit.

1 area 1 3/4 miles west of Whitesville (75-79 ft)

This is a more direct approach than Fred used, but is contingent upon obtaining access permission. Assuming permission is obtained, drive 0.7 miles east from Melson Church Road on MD 54, to dirt road on the north side.

[Editor's note: For more information, anyone interested can contact Mike Schwartz directly or send a message through the "Submit Report" link on the home page.]

3 small areas 1/2 mile west of Whitesville (75-79 ft)

This area appears to have changed since Fred Lobdell's July 1998 visit. The State Line Ranch, established 2000, sits astride the low ridge shown on the topo as containing the two smaller areas, complicating access. My approach was from the east on MD 54, passing Whaleys Road on the right about 1/2 mile before the ranch. Just before the ranch, look for South Fork Road heading south. Opposite this intersection, two dirt roads head north. The one to the left (shown on map) enters the woods, and is more direct, but passes by an occupied home.

On foot, take the right-hand road along the field edge about 1/4 mile. Just before a mobile home, turn left into the corn field and walk along the woods edge until intersecting a farm road at the corner of the woods. The largest of the three areas is just to the right in a mess of briars, and the ground has been disturbed. Following the farm road south leads very quickly to the NE corner of the ranch. Here the ground has been extensively disturbed, and there are huge earth piles where the two smaller points should have been. Good faith effort is in order here.