Baltimore, MD: Susquehanna River Loop
Backpack one of northern Maryland's most versatile trails.
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Hikers and history buffs share the path on this 16-mile loop along the Susquehanna River. Begin at Stafford Bridge and head north on the Heritage Greenways Trail. In 3 miles, you’ll reach Conowingo Dam, where over 100 bird species have been spotted. Take the alternate dirt path at 4.2 miles to Deer Creek trestle bridge at 5.5 miles. Bear left onto Stafford Road for .7 mile and check out the water-powered Rock Run Mill (circa 1794). Finish the loop by going .25 mile north of the Deer Creek Bridge and bear left onto the Mason-Dixon Trail. Or, if you’re up for it, a network of easy upland trails hovers over the river. Hundreds of shrub species abound, as well as rare and endangered plants such as sweet-scented Indian plantain and valerian.
Info: Susquehanna SP: (410) 557-7994; www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/susquehanna.html
Hike provided by Evan Balkan, author of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Baltimore (Menasha Ridge Press)
Waypoints
Stafford Bridge
Location: 39.6233025, -76.1649323
