Lower Susquehanna

With sweeping river views, waterfront towns steeped in maritime history, and extraordinary birding, paddling and fishing spots, this relaxing drive offers plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.

BYWAY AT A GLANCE

Havre de Grace to Perryville

33 Miles
Drive time: 1-2 Hours
Best done in 1-2 Days
Best for: history lovers, nature lovers, birders, outdoor adventure enthusiasts, romantic getaways

Amenities

Gas Stations

Food & Drinks

Camping

Accommodations

Hospitals

ATM

Restrooms

Regions

Central Maryland

Eastern Shore

Open for Exploration

Lower Susquehanna

With sweeping river views, waterfront towns steeped in maritime history, and extraordinary birding, paddling and fishing spots, this relaxing drive offers plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.

The mighty Susquehanna is the largest non-navigable river in the United States, more than 400 miles long and one mile wide in places. On its banks are prospects for all sorts of outdoor activities, as well as antiquing, touring historic sites, outlet shopping and even playing slot machines. This byway is part of the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop where you can have a Chesapeake adventure.

Havre de Grace to Conowingo Dam

Including MD 155, MD 161 & US 1

Formerly a busy Colonial port, Havre de Grace is now famed for its antiques shops, fishing, boating and waterfront dining. The best place to relax and enjoy the Bay in this “Harbor of Grace” is Tydings Park, home to a playground, fishing pier, boat ramp and municipal marina. The park also serves as the site of art shows, a seafood festival and summer concerts. A half-mile-long waterfront promenade leads to the fully restored Concord Point Lighthouse.

Havre de Grace museums explore rich maritime traditions and display some of the world’s finest examples of hand-carved waterfowl decoys.

As you head out of town, the Steppingstone Museum’s stone farmhouse and adjacent display barn offer insights into a proud agricultural heritage. You’re also near the remains of the Principio Iron Works, targeted by the British during the War of 1812.

Amid the heavy forest cover and massive rock outcrops of Susquehanna State Park, camping, mountain biking and fishing are popular pursuits. In addition, the park features historical sites such as a working grist mill, 14-room stone mansion and former toll house.

Enjoy a sidetrack to Darlington on Rt. 1 to admire nature surrounding the powerful Conowingo Dam, which is nearly a century old. Hawks, great blue herons and bald eagles are often spied over Conowingo Reservoir, which has been praised for its bass fishing and birding.

Spend a little time hiking or biking the 2.2-mile Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail. Major trailheads are found at the dam and within Susquehanna State Park. At Lapidum Landing Boat Ramp, launch your kayak and paddle with the river currents downstream to Havre de Grace where you can land at Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park or Tydings Memorial Park.

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Walk along the Susquehanna waterfront promenade near the Concord Point Lighthouse for spectacular views of the river and Upper Chesapeake Bay.

The Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail parallels the river and travels through riparian forest, connecting the Conowingo Dam to Deer Creek at Stafford Road in Susquehanna State Park.

Fisherman's Park near the Conowingo Dam is a great place to view Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons nesting along the river.

Port Deposit to Perryville

Including MD 222

On the east side of the river, Port Deposit features many residences that date to the early 1800s. Accessible from Main Street, a brick-and-stone, 75-step staircase leads visitors above the town and allows a spectacular view of four bridges that cross the Susquehanna River. A riverwalk at Tome’s Landing also features terrific waterfront vistas and casual eateries with wonderful seafood fare. VISIT THE PORT DEPOSIT VISITOR CENTER AND TURTLE HABITAT in the historic Tome Gas House to learn about the area and the endangered Northern Map Turtle.

In Perryville, visit the RODGERS TAVERN MUSEUM, which dates to the Revolutionary War and was visited by both George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. Nearby you’ll find the remains of the Principio Iron Works, targeted by the British during the War of 1812.

Along with the historic charm of the town, Perryville also has 1,500 Vegas-style slot machines at the Hollywood Casino, which is easily accessible from I-95. GREAT WOLF LODGE, with its 126,000-square-feet indoor water park, cabin-themed family suites, and dining options for all palates is the perfect way to wrap up your Lower Susquehanna Scenic Byway journey.

Catch a Delicious Dinner

Take a charter fishing trip on the Susquehanna Flats to catch invasive Chesapeake Channa and help reduce populations of this unwanted but delicious species.

Discover the remarkable artistry and craftsmanship of traditional Maryland decoy carvers at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. Located on the banks of the Susquehanna Flats, the museum’s deck is a great spot to see migratory flocks of waterfowl over the Chesapeake.

The Concord Point Lighthouse in Havre de Grace is open on weekends from April through October and is a favorite spot for weddings.

Tydings Park in Havre de Grace is a great place to watch the sunrise. http://www.havredegracemd.com/tydings-park/

Take a Side Trip

Take a sidetrack to learn about the civil rights movement in Harford County using downloadable, self-guided tours created by the Harford Civil Rights Project.