Most people treat Susquehanna State Park like a quick pit stop off I-95. They pull in, see the river, maybe walk five minutes near the Rock Run Grist Mill, and call it a day. Honestly? They’re missing out on some of the most rugged, historically dense terrain in Maryland. If you think the Susquehanna State Park trails are just flat walks by the water, you haven't really been there.
The park is a weird, beautiful mix of industrial ruins and heavy-canopy forest. It’s located in Havre de Grace, right where the river starts getting serious before dumping into the Chesapeake. You’ve got over 15 miles of trails here. Some are easy. Some will absolutely murder your quads if you aren't ready for the elevation changes.
The Susquehanna Ridge Trail is the one everyone talks about (for a reason)
If you only have two hours, this is where you go. The Susquehanna Ridge Trail is basically the "greatest hits" album of the park. It’s about 3 miles long, marked with red blazes, and it gives you those sweeping river views that actually look good on camera without a filter.
But here’s the thing.
It’s steep. You start near the picnic area and immediately realize this isn't a stroll. The trail hugs the ridgeline, looking down on the Susquehanna River. In the winter or early spring, when the leaves are gone, the view is massive. In the summer, it’s a green tunnel. You’ll feel the humidity coming off the water, and the climbs are punctuated by rocky outcrops that demand you pay attention to your ankles.
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A lot of hikers get confused by the intersections. The park uses a color-coded blazing system—Red, Blue, Green, Yellow—but because the trails cross each other constantly, it’s easy to end up on a loop you didn't intend to hike. Keep an eye out for the red markers. If you see blue, you’ve drifted onto the Land of Promise trail.
Why the Land of Promise Trail feels like a different world
The Land of Promise (Blue Trail) is roughly 1.6 miles. It’s inland. You lose the river views, but you gain this eerie, quiet forest vibe. It’s arguably the best spot in the park for birdwatching or just escaping the crowds that cluster near the mill.
The name sounds biblical, but the terrain is pure Piedmont plateau. You’re looking at heavy oak and poplar trees. It’s also where you’ll see the most mountain bikers. Since Susquehanna is a multi-use park, you have to keep your ears open. Those guys come downhill fast. It’s polite to step aside, but technically, bikers are supposed to yield to hikers. Just don't expect them to see you around a blind curve.
The Deer Creek Trail and the industrial ghosts
If you head over toward the Rock Run area, you find the Deer Creek Trail. This is the Green Trail. It’s about 2 miles and follows the creek. It’s flatter than the Ridge Trail, making it a favorite for families or people who just want to see the water without gasping for air.
What’s cool here isn't just the nature. It’s the history. You’re walking past the remains of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal. In the 1800s, this place was a hub of commerce. You can still see the stone ruins of the locks. It’s sort of haunting to think about mule-drawn boats moving coal and lumber through these woods while you're standing there in high-tech Gore-Tex boots.
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The Rock Run Grist Mill is the centerpiece. It still works. Usually, in the summer, you can go inside and see them grinding corn. It’s not a "trail" in the hiking sense, but the paths around the mill, the Jersey Toll House, and the Archer Mansion are essential for understanding why this park exists. It’s a preserved slice of 19th-century Maryland life.
Mountain biking the Susquehanna State Park trails: What to expect
If you're bringing a bike, bring your lungs too. The Susquehanna State Park trails are known among the local Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) community for being "punchy."
You won't find 1,000-foot sustained climbs here. Instead, you get these short, brutal hills that keep your heart rate in the red zone. The Farm Road Trail (Yellow) is a good connector, but the real fun is linking the Ridge Trail with Land of Promise.
- Technicality: It’s mid-range. Not as rocky as Patapsco Valley State Park, but way more technical than a rail-trail.
- Drainage: This is the big one. If it rained yesterday, don't ride here. The soil is heavy clay. Riding on wet trails at Susquehanna ruins the tread and ticks off the rangers. Give it 48 hours to dry out.
- Direction: Most people prefer riding the Ridge Trail north to south to maximize the downhill sections.
Common misconceptions about the park
People often think Susquehanna is part of a larger national forest. It’s not. It’s a state park, which means it has specific hours and rules.
One big mistake: people assume the "River Trail" is a long, continuous path right on the water’s edge. In reality, much of the riverbank is inaccessible or blocked by the railroad tracks. The Norfolk Southern line runs right through the park. You’ll hear the trains. They’re loud. They rumble the ground. It’s actually kind of cool, but it breaks the "wilderness" illusion pretty quickly.
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Another one? Thinking you can swim anywhere. The Susquehanna River is dangerous. The current near the Conowingo Dam (just upstream) is incredibly strong, and water levels can rise suddenly when they open the gates. Stick to the trails. If you want to get in the water, go to the designated boat launch or stick to the shallow bits of Deer Creek.
Logistics: Getting there and staying sane
The park is located at 4122 Stafford Road, Havre de Grace, MD.
Parking can be a nightmare on holiday weekends. The main lot near the Grist Mill fills up by 11:00 AM. There’s another lot off Wilkinson Road that is usually much quieter and gives you direct access to the Ivy Hill and Land of Promise trails.
There is a small fee to enter the park during the peak season (typically weekends from April through October). It’s usually a few dollars per car for Maryland residents and slightly more for out-of-state visitors. Bring cash. Sometimes the honors system kiosks are all they have functioning.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Download the Map First: Cell service is surprisingly spotty once you drop into the ravines near Deer Creek. Don't rely on a live Google Maps connection. Use Avenza Maps or download the PDF from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website before you leave home.
- Check the Dam Schedule: If you’re planning on being near the river, check the Conowingo Dam spillway schedule. It affects the water level and the noise.
- Footwear Matters: This isn't a flip-flop park. The trails have a lot of exposed roots and loose shale. Wear something with a decent lug pattern on the sole.
- Tick Check: This is Maryland. The tall grass near the powerline cuts on the Ivy Hill trail is prime tick territory. Use DEET or Permethrin, and do a thorough check when you get back to the car.
- Visit the Steppingstone Museum: It’s located within the park boundaries. It’s a separate non-profit that showcases rural arts and crafts. If you have kids, it's a great way to kill an hour after your hike.
Susquehanna State Park trails offer a specific kind of East Coast beauty. It’s rugged, a little bit overgrown, and deeply tied to the river that carved the landscape. Whether you’re trying to crush a 10-mile trail run or just want to sit by Deer Creek and listen to the water hit the rocks, it’s one of those places that feels bigger than it actually is. Just remember to look up from the trail every once in a while—the eagles are usually circling overhead near the river.