Harford: Forests, Water and History

Harford offers many different reasons to stay: In the Susquehanna River valley, dense forests and rocky terrain define Susquehanna State Park. Other destinations focus on mills, historic buildings, museums or hiking trails. When choosing a vacation rental in Harford, it is worth first considering which of these aspects you want to shape your vacation.

Rocky Parks and Water Activities

Susquehanna State Park combines a distinctive landscape with a specific option for boat anglers: they can launch at Lapidum Boat Ramp. Check conditions at the ramp before setting out. This helps you plan a river outing without confusing it with the hiking and climbing opportunities at other parks.

In northern Harford County, Rocks State Park encompasses 855 acres of rocky woodland and 3.5 miles of hiking trails. Its main attractions include Kilgore Falls; the waterfall is considered to have the second-highest vertical drop in Maryland. King and Queen Seat is also a destination for climbers: Routes range from 8 to 115 feet and are suitable for grades from 4 to 5.12. Beginners are advised to get professional training before climbing. The water at Deer Creek is suitable for tubing.

Eden Mill Park Nature Center & Historic Grist Mill offers a different combination of nature and history. The nature center is housed in a restored grist mill. The park has five miles of hiking trails; canoeing is also possible, although water conditions can vary. Those weighing longer hikes, climbing routes and water activities when planning an outing will find different focal points here rather than one uniform park program.

Mills, Historic Sites and Exhibits

Rock Run Historic Area includes a working grist mill. The Carter-Archer Mansion and Jersey Toll House are also part of the restored site. Historic Jerusalem Mill Village offers another glimpse of the past: The mill village is almost completely preserved and dates back to the 1770s. Its buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Demonstrations of colonial cooking are also part of the program; as offerings may vary, check the schedule before your trip.

At Concord Point Lighthouse, architectural history and views come together. The lighthouse was built in 1827 and is the second-oldest lighthouse in Maryland. From there, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the mouth of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. At the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, the main gallery introduces the history of an American folk-art tradition. The “Gunning the Flats” exhibit also explores the history of waterfowl hunting on the Susquehanna Flats.

Regional Discoveries and the Right Base

The Harford County Barn Quilt Trail is a collection of barn quilts displayed on barns and other buildings throughout Harford County. Along the trail, you will find dairies, museums, farmers markets, heritage farms, restaurants and natural areas; trips along back roads are also part of the experience. Individual stops may change. The trail is particularly suited to travel plans that include regional discoveries and different kinds of stops.

Fiore Winery & Distillery also adds a tasting room and an informative tour of the winemaking process to the options. Confirm visitor arrangements before you arrive. A vacation rental or vacation home should suit your preferred focus; the attractions themselves offer very different starting points for planning.

Discover More Destinations

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

Back to the main travel overview: Maryland.