Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Location
Cecil and Harford counties
Endpoints
Susquehanna State Park to Conowingo Dam
Mileage
2.5
Roughness Index
1
Surface
Crushed stone
Maryland's Susquehanna State Park is recognized for challenging hiking and biking
trails, camping facilities, rock outcroppings, boating, a museum, and restored histor-
ical sites. But none of these outshines the Susquehanna River, which sweeps majestic-
ally by, beckoning fishermen and nature lovers.
One way to take in the scenic river is by venturing out on the rail-trail along its
western bank. The Philadelphia Electric Company built the corridor in 1926 to trans-
port materials from Havre d'Grace on the Chesapeake Bay to the construction site of
the new Conowingo Dam. The dam was completed in two years and the rail line, no
longer needed, became a victim of overgrowth and erosion until the Lower Susque-
hanna Heritage Greenway Trail was created. Eventually, it will extend 50 miles along
both sides on the river; presently, only 2.5 miles are open.
To start the trail from the south, in Susquehanna State Park, go to north side of
the Deer Creek bridge. Near this end, where the trail travels inland to the sparkling
