Discover Harford: River Landscapes, History and Hiking Trails

Explore Harford County through a range of interests: the landscape along the Susquehanna, hiking and water activities, and historic mills, buildings and museums. If you’re looking for a hotel in Harford, you can start by considering which of these aspects you want to shape your stay.

River Landscapes, Hiking Trails and Water Activities

Susquehanna State Park lies in the Susquehanna River valley and is characterized by dense forest and rocky terrain. Boaters can launch at the park’s Lapidum Boat Ramp. Check the conditions for launching before you arrive.

Farther north in the county, Rocks State Park encompasses 855 acres of rocky woodland and 3.5 miles of hiking trails. The terrain along Deer Creek is suitable for tubing; Kilgore Falls is one of the park’s main attractions. Visit Maryland describes the waterfall as having the second-highest vertical drop in Maryland. At King and Queen Seat, climbing routes range from 8 to 115 feet and span grades from 4 to 5.12. Beginners are advised to get professional training before climbing.

At Eden Mill Park Nature Center & Historic Grist Mill, the trail network offers five miles of hiking. Canoeing is also possible there, although water conditions can vary. The nature center is located in a restored grist mill. So, in addition to the hiking trails at Rocks State Park, Harford offers another place where nature and mill history come together.

Mills, Historic Buildings and a Lighthouse

The Rock Run Historic Area includes a working grist mill, as well as the Carter-Archer Mansion and Jersey Toll House. Both buildings are part of the restored historic site. Those interested in several aspects of local history can find milling technology and historic architecture here within a designated complex.

Historic Jerusalem Mill Village is a nearly intact mill village dating to the 1770s. Its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The offerings also include demonstrations of colonial cooking; check the current program before visiting. The site thus combines a preserved village layout with insights into historic cooking traditions.

Concord Point Lighthouse was built in 1827 and is the second-oldest lighthouse in Maryland. The lighthouse offers a wide view of the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. Here, history and landscape come together in a distinctive setting: a historic structure at the river mouth.

Museums, Regional Traditions and Tastings

At the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, the main gallery tells the story of an American folk art tradition. The “Gunning the Flats” exhibit covers the history of waterfowl hunting on the Susquehanna Flats. These two subjects offer different ways to explore regional culture: one through an artistic tradition, the other through the history of hunting on the Flats.

The Harford County Barn Quilt Trail is a collection of barn quilts displayed on barns and other buildings throughout the county. Stops along the trail include dairies, museums, farmers’ markets, Heritage Farms, restaurants, natural areas and scenic drives along country roads. Individual stops can change, so check the current selection if you have a particular stop in mind. Rather than focusing on a single museum or natural area, the trail offers a countywide look at a variety of subjects and destinations.

Fiore Winery & Distillery has a tasting room and offers an informative tour of the winemaking process. Check the current visitor arrangements in advance if you’re planning a tasting or tour. In Harford, historic sites, nature activities, exhibitions and a look at winemaking provide a range of different focuses for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bel Air, Aberdeen, Edgewood, Whiteford, Forest Hill, Abingdon, Havre De Grace, Belcamp, Monkton, Pylesville.

Go to the main travel overview: Maryland.