Susquehanna SP: Lower Susquehanna Heritage Trail

Your adventure will start in the Deer Creek Picnic Area, located on Stafford Road. Walk back to Stafford Road and turn left. You will see a bridge to your right. Walk across this bridge to reach the trailhead for the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Trail. Please be careful and watch out for traffic as you make your way to the trail. You will be walking the trail from the trailhead to the Conowingo Dam. It is 2.5 miles in length EACH WAY, and follows along the Susquehanna River. You may prefer to bike this trail. As you enter the trail, you will notice a structure to your right. You are standing at a flint furnace that derived power to operate from the Susquehanna River. This is just one of many important industrial places that relied on the river to operate. Follow this pathway as it winds down towards the River. Take a few minutes to enjoy the river itself. Rivers are and have been used to provide much for humans. The water we drink, fostering plants and animals that provide a food source, travel from one place to another, powering industrial pursuits, a pleasant afternoon of swimming and relaxation, as well as powering our homes. The Susquehanna River, which runs from New York State to the Chesapeake Bay, has done all of these things. Your final destination is the Coniwingo Dam. In 1928, the Mighty Susquehanna’s power was captured to provide electricity. The Dam still works in that capacity, but also offers some fantastic bird watching opportunities. Check and see how many Bald Eagles you can spy. Be careful not be attacked by turkey buzzards! Count how many levees are open on the dam. You’re 2.5 miles in now so turn around to return to the car.