Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail:
Maryland
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Description:
Maryland's Susquehanna State Park is recognized for challenging hiking and biking trails, camping facilities, rock outcroppings, boating, a museum, and restored historical sites. But none of these outshines the Susquehanna River, which sweeps majestically 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 transport 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 Susquehanna 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 Deer Creek, is the site of the early Stafford flint furnace, with a portion of the furnace still standing.
Along the way to the impressive 4648-foot-long, 102-foot-high Conowingo Dam, you'll pass wooded wetlands harboring songbirds and abundant wildflowers, especially in the spring. You may also spot old rail tracks and informational displays with historical and scientific details about the area.
The wide, stone-dust trail is easy to walk or bike, and although there is a dense canopy overhead offering shade in the summer months, the river views are frequent and beautiful. Near the northern end, a viewing platform provides river access to anglers, bird-watchers (the dam is a feeding ground for many varieties), and the curious.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To start from the south, follow MD Route 155 north from Interstate 95 and turn right on Lapidum Road. Take a left on Stafford Road and follow it to Susquehanna State Park and the Deer Creek picnic area on the north end.
To reach the northern trailhead, take Interstate 95 north from Baltimore to exit 85. Follow MD Route 22 north to MD Route 136, continuing north. Upon reaching US Route 1, go north. Turn right on Shuresville Road and then left on Shures Landing Road. Follow this to Conowingo Dam and look for the trailhead just south of the dam at Fisherman's Park.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Historical Preservation
By cwilson1006 in September, 2010
Beautiful paths winding through the park. I ask that anyone traveling there takes care, especially on the "Land of Promise" trail as that is of great historical significance to the Wilson Family of Harford county and there is on going historical research going on in that area. If anyone finds artifacts or anything of historical importance please contact the susquehanna state park service and myself at carrie.wilson1006@gmail.com.

Enjoy the beautiful trails and the old stone walls that wind through the park!
Susquehanna trail
By gary wilson in April, 2007
"Flat, easywalk, many Bald Eagles, and small woods birds and water fowl on the river. Always fresh signs of beaver, Pileated woodpeckers, various gulls, terns, herons, ducks, geese, margansers. Toilet facilites at north end. "
Primarily a hiking path
By Ben LaGarde in July, 2003
"Read the description carefully, bike riders. This is a beautiful hiking path in which only 1.7 miles look like the usual rail trail. Mountain bikers will like the path to the Mill on the Southern end from the end of the gravel section on the North. Leave this one to the bird watchers; get off the bike and walk it to really appreciate it. "
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Susquehanna State Park to Conowingo Dam
Counties: Cecil, Harford
Trail Length: 2.5 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Bike, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016070

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Guidebook: Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic rail-trails in RTC's Mid-Atlantic Guidebook.
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