Trails
Susquehanna State Park contains over 15 miles of marked and maintained trails; ideal for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and nature lovers. The terrain varies throughout the river valley. The different trails have ratings ranging from easy to difficult. The Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail runs between the Conowingo Dam and Stafford Road at Deer Creek and is an excellent flat trail for family hike and bike outings. It is also handicapped accessible.
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Susquehanna Ridge Trail - Blazed in red, the trail goes from the Picnic Area to Lapidum following the western ridge of the Susquehanna River. The Ridge Trail is approximately three miles in distance with moderate to difficult climbs. The trail provides magnificent views of the Susquehanna River Valley.
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Land of Promise - Blazed in white, the trail starts at the Ridge Trail a short distance from the Lapidum Trail Head. The Land of Promise is of moderate difficulty and is 1.6 miles in distance. The trail ends at the Rock Run Historic Area by the mansion driveway.
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Farm Road Trail - Blazed in dark blue, the trail starts in the Deer Creek Picnic Area following a farm road through fields and forests. The Farm Trail is moderate in difficulty and is two miles in distance. The trail crosses both Wilkinson and Rock Run Roads and ends at the Rock Run Y Trail.
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Rock Run Y Trail - Blazed in yellow, the trail begins at Quaker Bottom Road. The trail forks in the pine plantation. The right fork will intersect with the Land of Promise Trail. The left fork intersects with the Farm Road Trail and continues on and intersects the Land of Promise Trail. Moderate difficulty with a distance of .9 miles.
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Ivy Branch Trail - Blazed in orange, this trail begins at the intersection of Rock Run and Wilkinson Roads. The trail crosses the Farm Road Trail, Wilkinson Road and through farm fields. An easy to moderate trail with a distance of two miles.
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Deer Creek Trail - Blazed in green, the trail begins and ends at the Picnic Area. The Deer Creek Trail has magnificent views and giant trees. A moderate to difficult trail with a distance of 2.1 miles.
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Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail - Marked with Greenways emblems at half mile intervals, a 2.2 mile improved section runs between Conowingo Dam and Stafford Road at Deer Creek. This trail is accessible from the Deer Creek Picnic Area or Conowingo Dam parking area. A one mile unimproved section continues along the Susquehanna, bringing you to the trestle bridge at the mouth of Deer Creek. The Greenways trail continues on a 3 mile unimproved section by following the Susquehanna Ridge Trail from the trestle or picnic area to Lapidum.
*The foot bridge to the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways trail (near the Stafford Flint Furnace along Stafford Road) is currently closed due to recent storm damage. Please access the Greenways trail at the Deer Creek trestle bridge in Susquehanna State Park (851 Stafford Rd. Havre de Grace, MD 21078). For questions or more information please call the administrative office for Rocks, Susquehanna, & Palmer State Parks at 410-557-7994.
- Spur Trails - The Spur Trails connect trails to expand your travels through Susquehanna State Park.
Trail Map
A new map of the trails at Susquehanna State Park can be downloaded for free from this website. Please make sure to read the printing instructions and information for how to download the file to cell phones. The map is in a PDF format that requires Adobe Reader.
To get the free Adobe Reader go to Adobe.com. Trail maps are also located outside the Maintenance Complex office.
Equestrian Trails
Horseback riding is open to the public and permitted on all trails in Susquehanna except for the historical walking (Purple) trail around the Carter-Archer Mansion which is a pedestrian only trail.
A mounting station and manure compost bin are located at the parking area at Susquehanna's maintenance complex. Please be courteous of other park users and remove all manure your horse has left in the parking area, and stow all equipment. The Maryland Park Service does not rent horses, and only provides the trails as a means of recreation.
Equestrian Tips and Etiquette
- When encountering other riders on the trail, the smaller group should yield the right of way.
- All riders must make every effort to keep their horses under control, regardless of their gait.
- Riders should be aware of their surroundings. Even beginner riders should be well aware of their location and surroundings.
- Riders should practice safety plans and be aware of emergency procedures, carry first aid equipment and a cell phone.
- Always follow all signs along the trail.
- Be considerate of other trail users (mountain bikers, runners, hikers) and allow them to pass safely.
- Other trail users are often unfamiliar with horses. You may need to ask them to hold up while you pass.
- Bring water for your horse if needed as no water is provided at the park's maintenance complex.
Parking and Directions for Horseback Riding
Parking for equestrian riding is located behind Susquehanna's Maintenance Complex at 4122 Wilkinson Road, Havre de Grace, MD 21078. At this location equestrians can directly access the Ivy Branch (orange) trail, then connect with the remaining trails.
