Susquehanna State Park

Located along the Susquehanna River valley with its heavy forest cover and rocky terrain, Susquehanna State Park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities as well as points of historical significance. The park is home to some of the most popular mountain biking trails in Maryland and the river itself beckons fishermen and boaters alike. Susquehanna State Park also contains a family friendly campground with traditional campsites and cabins. History buffs will be drawn to the restored Rock Run Historic Area with its working grist mill, the Carter-Archer Mansion, Jersey Toll House and the remains of the Susquehanna & Tidewater Canal.

The river offers excellent fishing opportunities, including pike, perch, and bass for shoreline anglers or boating anglers who launch from the Lapidum Boat Ramp.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spur Trails - The Spur Trails connect trails to expand your travels through Susquehanna State Park.

Picnicking

The Deer Creek picnic area offers shaded picnic tables, grills, two picnic shelters and a modern restroom. Large open fields close by are great for family games or blanket and basket picnics. A freshwater pond is on site and is ideal for the novice angler. The pavilions are available for rent from March through October, and are perfect for your family reunion or company picnic. Pavilion use is by reservation only.

Boating

The park's Lapidum Boating Facility offers direct access to the river and the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay just a short trip down stream.

Camping

The Susquehanna State Park campground contains two loops with a total of 69 sites, six of which are electric, and six camper cabins. Each loop has its own comfort station with hot showers.

Fishing

Susquehanna State Park has direct access to the river where, depending on the season, anglers can improve their skills while catching striped bass as well as large and small mouth bass. The annual shad and herring runs in early spring are an awesome sight. Perch, catfish and carp are also in abundance. The Susquehanna River, from the Conowingo Dam to the Chesapeake Bay, is tidal water. A Chesapeake Bay Sports Fishing License (tidal license) is required in order to fish this portion of the Susquehanna River. Fishing in Deer Creek requires a non-tidal fishing license.

Hunting

Susquehanna State Park offers bow hunting for deer in designated areas with a permit. Hunting is permitted Wednesday through Saturday.

Waterfowl hunting is permitted from blind sites on the Susquehanna River. Permits and reservations are required.