[Susquehanna State Park Trail Guide]
Susquehanna State Park
Trail Guide
Biking * Camping * Hiking * Birding * Paddling * Fishing

Rock Run House, located in the Susquehanna Historic Area Located along the Susquehanna River, with its scenic forest and impressive rock outcroppings, is Susquehanna State Park. Visitors enjoy challenging trails, a greenways path to the Conowingo Dam and restored heritage sites. The river's easy access and expansive views beckon fishermen and boaters alike. Other recreation opportunities include wildflower walks, mountain biking, camping and birding.

Historic Sites


Heritage enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Rock Run Historic Area. This area features the Rock Run Grist Mill, built in 1798, the Rock Run Museum and the Archer Mansion. Visitors can also visit the jersey Toll House, which was once the toll collection point for travelers crossing a covered bridge spanning the Susquehanna River. The bridge was destroyed in 1856 by ice floes, however, remnants of the Susquehanna Tidewater Canal can be seen paralleling the river from Havre de Grace to Wrightsville, Pennsylvania. The mill, mansion and tollhouse are open for tours on weekends starting in May and continue until the end of September.

Nearby historic Havre de Grace offers a taste of maritime history at the Susquehanna Museum and the Decoy Museum. Just minutes down the roads from the park, visitors will find a variety of restaurants, shops and a waterfront boardwalk in the quaint town at the "Top of the Bay." For more information about Havre de Grace call the tourism office: 1-800-851-7756

River Recreation


A Bay Sport Fishing License is required in order to fish this portion of the Susquehanna. Anglers may catch pike, perch, striped bass and large or small mouth bass. Fishing on Deer Creek requires a non-tidal fishing license.

Paddlers also enjoy use of the river, which is dotted by islands and bordered by dramatic bluffs and ridges. Flying above are numerous gulls, osprey, heron and bald eagles. Be aware of changing water levels due to scheduled releases from the Conowingo Dam, which is a unique feature on the Susquehanna River, generating almost two billion kilowatt-hours of electricity a year. Do an on-the-spot inspection of water levels and check the generating schedule at the powerhouse by calling 410-457-4076.

The park's Lapidum Boat Ramp offers direct access to the river and the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. A $5 service charge offers year-round access to the ramp. Passes may be obtained by calling the Park Office at 410-557-7994.

The Steppingstone Museum


Within Susquehanna State Park is the privately operated Steppingstone Museum. Exhibits and demonstrations include antique farm implements, and a wood wrights shop, blacksmith shop, decoy carving shop and restored farmhouse. Steppingstone Museum also hosts special events throughout the year. Please call the museum office at 410-939-2299 for more information.

Trails


Please Play Safe!
Over 15 miles of rugged trails meander throughout Susquehanna State Park, ideal for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and nature lovers. Spur trails (blazed silver) connect longer trails to expand recreation opportunities. Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit.

  • Susquehanna Ridge Trail 3 miles - difficult
    Following the western ridge facing the river this trail provides magnificent views of the Susquehanna River Valley. Enjoy nature on this remote trail, which offers excellent birding and wildflower viewing. The trail ends at the once bustling town of Lapidum.

  • Land of Promise Trail 1.6 miles - moderate
    This trail offers visitors a chance to experience the solitude of the forest while examining an old stonewall, perhaps evidence of cleared land at one time. The trail ends at the Rock Run Historic Area where historical interpretation is provided.

  • Farm Road Trail 2 miles - moderate
    Evidence of farming can be seen on this old farm road. Be on the lookout for white-tailed deer and flocks of wild turkey. As the trail enters the forested area, the trail increases in difficulty.

  • Rock Run "Y" Trail .9 mile - moderate
    Bordered by gravevines, raspberry bushes and brier patches, this trail offers access to the point where the meandering scenic Rock Run enters the Susquehanna River at the historic site of the Rock Run Mill. Waterpower was harnessed to grind corn and wheat in the mill. Corn grinding demonstrations take place during the summer.

  • Ivy Branch Trail 2 miles - easy to moderate
    Thick forest cover provides shade on most of this scenic trail, but the end borders the park's hayfields. Be on the lookout for a variety of songbirds searching for food in the fields.

  • Deer Creek Trail 2.1 miles - moderate to difficult
    Wooded ridges and valleys flank the wide Susquehanna River. This trail offers views of two giant specimens of native trees, the white oak and American beech.

  • Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail 2.7 miles - easy (no blaze)
    This trail visits hardwood forests and rolling agricultural fields with opportunities to observe white-tailed deer, wild turkey and other wildlife. The Greenways Trail from Conowingo to Stafford Road does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Access Guidelines, but may be useable by some persons with disabilities. (See DNR's website: www.dnr.state.md.us/accessforall for additional information on accessible amenities in Maryland state forests and parks.)

Hunting


Designated areas of the park are open to bow hunting for white tailed deer only. The hunting areas are open from October through the ends of January. Hunting is allowed by permit only. Contact the park office for permit and season information, as well as maps and regulations or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide

Camping


The Susquehanna State Park campground contains six camper cabins and two camping loops with a total of 69 sites, six of which provide electric hook-up. Each loop has its own comfort station with hot showers. The campground is open May through the end of September. To make pavilion and camping reservations spring through fall, call Park Reservations year-round at 1-888-432-2267. Or make your reservations on the Internet: reservations.dnr.state.md.us

Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times. Reservations are highly recommended for weekend camping. Pets on a leach are allowed in all areas of the park except for the picnic areas, historic buildings and cabins.

Guides and Outfitters


To obtain information about outdoor adventure guides and outfitters in Maryland, contact the Park Office at 410-557-7994. For self-guided trip itineraries at Susquehanna State Park, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures

Leave No Trace


While you are enjoying the park, please help us protect its natural and historic resources by following these Leave No Trace ethics. Leave No Trace logo
  • Trash your trash. Never leave behind litter, hooks or fishing line. Keep wildlife wild by not feeding them and keeping your distance.
  • Choose the right path by walking in single file on designated trails. Shortcutting trails causes erosion, degrades natural beauty, replaces native plants with weeds and affects wildlife.
  • Respect wildlife by hunting only in-season animals. Be considerate of others. Be aware of your "field of fire." Do not shoot near developed areas, trails or roads.
  • Leave No Trace, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. For more information visit: www.lnt.org

Directions


Susquehanna State Park is approximately 35 miles north of Baltimore and 10 miles south of the Delaware border. From Baltimore, take I-95 north to Route 155, exit 89. Proceed west on Route 155 to Route 161. Turn right on Route 161 and then right on Rock Run Road. Follow Rock Run Road to the park.

Susquehanna State Park
c/o Rocks State Park
3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road
Jarrettsville MD 21084
410-557-7994
TTY users call via the MD Relay

susquehanna State Park is open daily sunrise to sunset. Please report any problems to a park employee or call Park Watch at 1-800-825-7275.

This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the multi-use trails, is available for sale from Susquehanna State Park headquarters by calling 410-557-7994.


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