State Parks and National Parks

Susquehanna State Park

Susquehanna State Park embraces 3,300 acres along the Susquehanna River.

The terrain includes ridges, dense woods, river shore and massive rock outcrops. The park is popular for deer- and eagle-watching.

While the park attracts naturalists and other outdoors enthusiasts, it also interests history buffs. Among the historical sites in Susquehanna State Park are a 19th-century canal, a 200-year-old corn mill that is still working, and the Archer Mansion, once the home of a Confederate general. The mansion is open for tours on weekends.

Also within the state park, but privately operated, is the Steppingstone Museum, a 19th-century farm. Call 410-939-2299 for more information.

Hikers and mountain bikers use 14 miles of moderate, but occasionally steep, trails. About half of the trail system is also used by equestrians. A two-mile, wheelchair-accessible stretch of the statewide Heritage Greenways Trail System runs along the river. Motorists may use Stafford Road to view the river and Deer Creek.

The park lures anglers, who try for rockfish, white perch, catfish, walleye, large- and smallmouth bass in the river and smallmouth bass in Deer Creek. The creek is popular for tubing and swimming, although there is no designated swimming area. Canoeists and boaters use the river.

The park offers campers 69 campsites and six mini-cabins in two loops. Each loop has a bathhouse with hot showers. The park's camping season is from May through mid-October.

There is a large picnic area with restroom facilities and two pavilions.

The park is located off Route 155, three miles north of Havre de Grace.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Susquehanna State Park. Courtesy of Susquehanna State Park.