Maryland's Mountainous State Park Offers Exciting Trails, Fishing, A Family Campground, And Historic Sites

Maryland's Susquehanna State Park is not exactly what one first thinks of when hearing the name "Maryland." Not to say that the Old Line State has no remarkable or beautiful destinations; on the contrary, Maryland's lovely Chesapeake Bay hosts sanctuaries that are among the best on the East Coast — like scenic Elk Neck State Park, which has bay views, comfy camping, and scenic trails. However, Maryland's entire reputation as an outdoor destination tends to revolve around the state's Chesapeake coastline, and more mountainous state parks further inland, like Susquehanna, may get passed over. 

Overlooking Maryland's mountainous features would be a mistake. Far from the waters of the Chesapeake, Maryland's slice of the Appalachian Mountains contains treasures like Greenbrier State Park and its surprising white sand beaches. Susquehanna State Park is actually within an hour's drive of both Baltimore International Airport and the Chesapeake. Sitting on the banks of one of the East Coast's most enchanting rivers, Susquehanna State Park brings the majestic mountainous vibes of Western Maryland's Appalachia to the much more heavily populated areas around Maryland's Chesapeake coastline. 

With superb hiking trails, engaging historical sites, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, Susquehanna State Park is an ideal spot for memorable day trips from Baltimore and amazing overnight camping outings right in one of the state's best under-the-radar natural sites!

Susquehanna State Park does not quite have the rolling Appalachian summits of Western Maryland. However, the park still manages to conjure a prime mountain aesthetic within the much more urbanized area northeast of Baltimore. Susquehanna State Park achieves this thanks to its location within the lovely Susquehanna River Valley, an underrated natural corridor along the East Coast that boasts distinctive mountain-like terrain without any particularly high elevations. The park's very name comes from the Susquehanna River, which forges the gorgeous riverbanks and woodlands that make the park so special. 

The Susquehanna as a whole flows for around 444 miles through New York and Pennsylvania before emptying into Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. The river's course features no shortage of amazing outdoor destinations, like Pennsylvania's scenic, mile-long City Island in the heart of Harrisburg. Yet Maryland's Susquehanna State Park demonstrates that the river's premier beauty does not end at the Pennsylvania border. With picturesque riverside rock outcrops, enchanting forests, and even historical sites, Susquehanna State Park may be the Susquehanna River's most underrated gem. 

The Susquehanna River is often wide enough to accommodate unique river islands, and Susquehanna State Park is no exception. In the heart of the park are Robert, Wood, and Snake Islands, which visitors can access via a pedestrian bridge. The park also includes the much smaller Sand Islands, which make great stops for boaters out on the river. The park's islands and mainland forests are also great places to view migrating birds if you're a birder looking to add to your life list. Additionally, the park features some interesting and educational historical sites and exhibits, including the Rock Run Grist Mill and the Steppingstone Farm Museum. 

With a major river right in its name, you can safely assume that Susquehanna State Park is a perfect spot for fishing and boating excursions. Boat ramps at the park's Lapidum Boating Facility are open year-round, with a $10 boat launch service charge ($12 for non-Maryland residents). From the boat launch, you have easy access to both the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay just downstream! If you're a fan of fishing, the park's segment of the Susquehanna River has abundant populations of large and smallmouth bass, striped bass, shad, herring, perch, catfish, and carp. 

Despite taking its name from a river, Susquehanna State Park offers plenty of great recreational opportunities on land as well. The park currently includes more than 15 miles of well-marked and well-maintained hiking trails that showcase the park's charming scenery. Depending on what you're looking for, you can find short and simple trails past the park's historical sites, or longer, multi-mile trails through its enchanting forests and riverlands. Many of the park's trails are also some of Maryland's most popular routes for mountain biking and horseback riding! There are even cozy picnic shelters at the Deer Creek picnic area where you and your compatriots can enjoy a blissful lunch in the heart of Maryland's natural beauty. 

For overnight stays, Susquehanna State Park's family-friendly campground loop has 69 individual campsites, which include six electric sites, six camper cabins, and amenities like showers, water spigots, and dump stations. The park's campsites are a great place for RVs, but you can also enjoy a more rustic, "get-back-to-nature" experience in a tent-only campsite. No matter the camping option you choose, you'll be waking up amid some of Maryland's most beautiful scenery!