MD Scenic Byways - Digital Guide
Lower Susquehanna
2021-08-13 04:34:44
MIX OF STATE AND LOCAL ROADS
drive type
For anyone interested in maritime history, fishing, shopping or sweeping river views, this unhurried drive offers plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
33 MILES FROM HAVRE DE GRACE TO PERRYVILLE
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.
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, leisure activities 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 are dedicated to 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 for a covered bridge spanning the river.
Enjoy a sidetrack to Darlington on Rt. 1 to admire the nature and power that surrounds the 80-year-old Conowingo Dam. Hawks, great blue herons and bald eagles are often spied over Conowingo Reservoir, which has been praised for its bass fishing and bird watching.
Spend a little time hiking, biking or canoeing through the 2.2-mile Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway. Major trailheads are found at the dam and within Susquehanna State Park.
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.
In Perryville, a tavern building dates to the Revolutionary War and was visited by both George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. Along with the historic charm of the town, Perryville also has 1,500 Vegasstyle slot machines at the Hollywood Casino, which is easily accessible from I-95.
MARYLAND LORE: When the Conowingo Dam was completed in 1928, it was second only to Niagara Falls for hydroelectric power output in the United States.
TRIP TIPS: Allow yourself time to walk or bike throughout historic towns such as Havre de Grace and Port Deposit, as well as Susquehanna State Park.
CONOWINGO VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER Darlington • 410-457-5011
HAVRE DE GRACE DECOY MUSEUM
Havre de Grace
410-939-3739
www.decoymuseum.com
HAVRE DE GRACE MARITIME MUSEUM
410-939-4800
www.hdgmaritimemuseum.org
LOWER SUSQUEHANNA HERITAGE GRENNWAY TRAIL
Darlington • 410-457-2482
www.upperbaytrails.com
STEPPING STONE MUSEUM
Havre de Grace
410-939-2299
www.steppingstonemuseum.org
SUSQUEHANNA STATE PARK
Havre de Grace
410-557-7994
www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/northpoint.aspx
For information about amenities found along this byway, please refer to the chart on page 62.
SIDE TRIP
West of Havre de Grace, Aberdeen features Ripken Stadium, where the IronBirds play minor-league baseball.
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