One of many beautiful views along the red trail
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Susquehanna State Park Maryland

4.7
·2k reviews·Havre de Grace, United States

A scenic Maryland park with forested trails, a working gristmill, and Susquehanna River access for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps for trails

CrowdLow
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One of many beautiful views along the red trail

Susquehanna State Park Maryland

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps for trails

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic Maryland park with forested trails, a working gristmill, and Susquehanna River access for hiking, biking, and fishing.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Offers a refreshing escape into nature with beautiful views and a touch of Maryland's colonial history."

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TIP

Trailhead Navigation

Finding trail beginnings can be tricky; study maps beforehand! :world_map:

Camping Comfort

Campsites are spacious but can be sloped. Bring leveling blocks for RVs! ⛺

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 1,928 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Susquehanna River Views

Susquehanna River Views

River Loop Trail

Stunning riverside paths offering chances to spot wildlife like bald eagles and herons.

Rock Run Historic Area

Rock Run Historic Area

Gristmill and Mansion

Step back in time at the preserved gristmill, mansion, and old toll house.

Mountain Biking Trails

Mountain Biking Trails

Rock Run and Land of Promise Trails

Challenging yet beginner-friendly trails for an exhilarating biking experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Trails

Susquehanna State Park Maryland boasts over 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Trails range from gentle riverside paths to steeper, wooded hills, catering to all skill levels. Plan your route in advance, as finding trailheads can sometimes be a challenge.Reddit

Camping & History

The park offers camping loops with generous sites, though some may require a bit of leveling.Reddit Explore the Rock Run Historic Area, featuring a working gristmill and historic buildings, adding a touch of colonial history to your visit.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temps for trails
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds on trails
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temps, wildlife spotting
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

These railroad tracks run parallel to the river at Susquehanna State Park

This is a great park and a regional highlight. I like to drop my car in the park and run up to Conowingo Dam (which you can see bald eagles and dozens of people photographing bald eagles) and back.

Trailhead Navigation

Finding trail beginnings can be tricky; study maps beforehand! :world_map:

Camping Comfort

Campsites are spacious but can be sloped. Bring leveling blocks for RVs! ⛺

reddit.com

Things to do in Charles, Calvert, Harford, and Carroll Counties?

I’m trying to see more of Maryland besides AACo/HoCo/MoCo/Frederick/Baltimore, and I’m gonna start with these. I’ve been to North Beach in Calvert County before and absolutely loved it, but I haven’t seen anything else in Calvert County. I’ve been to Bel Air in Harford County…

Biking Beginner's Course

Trails are great for beginner bikers, with some rougher spots for added fun. :mountain_bicyclist:

Wildlife Watching

Keep an eye out for bald eagles and herons along the river. 🦅

Tips

from all over the internet

Trailhead Navigation

Finding trail beginnings can be tricky; study maps beforehand! :world_map:

Camping Comfort

Campsites are spacious but can be sloped. Bring leveling blocks for RVs! ⛺

Biking Beginner's Course

Trails are great for beginner bikers, with some rougher spots for added fun. :mountain_bicyclist:

Wildlife Watching

Keep an eye out for bald eagles and herons along the river. 🦅

Pack In, Pack Out

Help keep trails clean by taking all your trash with you. ♻️

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Susquehanna State Park Maryland for its beautiful natural scenery, extensive trail system for hiking and biking, and rich historical sites like the working gristmill. The park offers a peaceful escape with opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing. Some campers noted that the park's facilities and roads could benefit from some maintenance and attention.

"Susquehanna State Park, located near Havre de Grace, Maryland, is a scenic destination offering a blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and historical charm. Nestled along the Susquehanna River, the park features over 15 miles of well-marked trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The terrain ranges from gentle riverside paths to steeper, wooded hills, making it suitable for all skill levels.

One of the highlights is the River Loop Trail, which offers stunning views of the water and opportunities to spot bald eagles, herons, and other wildlife. The trails are peaceful, shaded by dense forest, and perfect for a quiet walk or invigorating run. Bikers will enjoy the challenging Rock Run and Land of Promise trails, while anglers can fish in the river for bass and catfish.

The park is also rich in history, home to the preserved Rock Run Historic Area, featuring a working gristmill, the Carter-Archer Mansion, and the old Jersey Toll House. Picnic areas and campsites make it a great place for families or weekend getaways.

Whether you’re into hiking, biking, fishing, or just relaxing by the river, Susquehanna State Park offers a refreshing escape into nature with beautiful views and a touch of Maryland’s colonial history."

Saad Sigma

"There are 2 loops for camping. Needs some TLC. Roads need some attention and were narrow, branches need to be cut back on the narrow roads. The campsites were generous, but we had a 4” slope, so getting into our camper was a climb. Once you are on the trails they are well marked but finding the beginning of the trail was challenging. Bath/shower house were in the middle of the loop and modern and clean. It is situated well with some historical buildings within the park. We enjoyed ourselves, it just needed some TLC."

Kate Leonhard

"Great for camping. Even better to go kayaking here. You can bike, jog, or walk the trails here as well. The trails are ideal for biking though. Some spots are rougher than others but I'd say it is a good beginner course for people into biking. It really isn't that challenging. The views of the river are splendid and even more beautiful when you're rowing inside it. There are few spots worth gushing over like the few mills on site. Overall a lovely park."

Trey Tomas

What People Like

Scenic river views
Well-marked trails
Historic gristmill

What People Dislike

Roads need TLC
Campsite slopes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Susquehanna State Park is located near Havre de Grace, Maryland. It's accessible by car via major roadways. Use GPS navigation for the most direct route to the park entrance. Parking is available throughout the park for day visitors and campers.Reddit

Public transportation options to Susquehanna State Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Check local transit schedules for any potential bus routes that may get you close to the Havre de Grace area, from which you might need a taxi or rideshare.

From I-95 North, take Exit 109 for MD-175 E toward Columbia. Continue on MD-175 E and follow signs for the park. From I-95 South, take Exit 109 and follow similar directions. Always check real-time traffic updates before your journey.

The park generally has a main entrance that serves both day-use visitors and campers. Once inside, follow signage to the designated camping loops or day-use areas like picnic spots and trailheads.

The park has a network of roads connecting different areas. For trails, refer to the park map available at the entrance or online. Cell service can be spotty, so downloading an offline map is recommended.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Susquehanna State Park typically has a modest entrance fee per vehicle for day use. Camping fees are separate and vary based on the site and season. It's always a good idea to check the official Maryland State Parks website for the most current fee information.Reddit

The park is generally open from 8 AM to sunset daily for day-use visitors. Camping areas are accessible for registered campers. Specific historic site hours may vary, so it's best to check the park's official schedule.

Yes, advance booking for camping is highly recommended, especially during peak season and weekends. You can usually book through the Maryland State Parks reservation system online or by phone.Reddit

Discounts may be available for Maryland residents, seniors, or through specific state park passes. Inquire with the park office or check the Maryland State Parks website for details on any available discount programs.

Pets are generally allowed in Susquehanna State Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are typically permitted on trails and in day-use areas, but may have restrictions in certain facilities like historic buildings or campgrounds. Always confirm current pet policies.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The River Loop Trail offers scenic river views and wildlife spotting opportunities. For more challenging hikes, explore trails around the Rock Run area. Many trails are well-marked, but finding the exact trailhead can sometimes be a challenge.Reddit

Absolutely! The park features trails like Rock Run and Land of Promise, which are popular for mountain biking. They offer a good mix of beginner-friendly sections and some rougher terrain for a fun ride.Reddit

Don't miss the Rock Run Historic Area, which includes a working gristmill, the Carter-Archer Mansion, and the old Jersey Toll House. These sites offer a glimpse into the area's colonial past.

Yes, the Susquehanna River provides opportunities for fishing, with popular catches including bass and catfish. Kayaking and boating are also popular activities on the river, offering splendid views.Reddit

The park offers picnic areas with tables and grills, making it ideal for a day out. Restrooms are available, and some areas have modern, clean bath/shower houses, particularly near the camping loops.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants located directly within Susquehanna State Park. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or prepare meals at their campsites.

The nearest dining options are in the nearby town of Havre de Grace, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries. You can find everything from casual dining to more upscale options there.

Yes, Susquehanna State Park has designated picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors amidst nature.

Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged for day trips and camping. Remember to pack out all your trash to help keep the park clean.

Alcohol policies can vary by Maryland State Park. It's advisable to check the official park regulations or contact the park office directly to confirm the current rules regarding alcohol consumption.

📸 📸 Photography

The Susquehanna River offers beautiful scenic views, especially along the River Loop Trail. The historic gristmill and mansion in the Rock Run Historic Area also provide excellent photographic opportunities, capturing the park's historical charm.

Early morning and late afternoon, during the 'golden hours,' offer the best natural light for photography, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Sunrise over the river can be particularly spectacular.

Look for elevated spots along the trails that offer panoramic views of the river. The areas around the historic buildings also provide unique perspectives with their rustic architecture.

Keep an eye out for bald eagles, herons, and various songbirds along the riverbanks. The park's forested areas are also home to deer and other small mammals.

Drone usage is often restricted in state parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's crucial to check the specific regulations for Susquehanna State Park regarding drone operation before flying.

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