Take to the Greenway…

A Greenway is about connections. The Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway is a natural corridor connecting towns, public and private lands, historic sites, woodlands and open spaces, along one of the nation’s most beautiful and abundant waterways.

A Greenway is also about personal connections. By viewing the river from its many vantage points in parks and cities, by breathing the refreshing air of the forest and shoreline, and by walking the many trails and footpaths, where wildflowers and wildlife abound, we restore our sense of wonder and belonging.

Taken from LSHG brochure

Not much can be added to describe the awe and inspiration that can be found along the LSH Greenway. Combine the communities of Darlington, Havre de Grace, Perryville and Port Deposit with the Susquehanna State Park, area museums, historic buildings, the Skipjack MARTHA LEWIS, and Garrett Island and you have a formula for true re-creation of body and spirit.

The wildflowers begin to peek from the soft, dark earth. The birds fly back and forth with their straw, twigs, hair and other building materials. The boats come out of their winter haven to bring their owners their source of joy on the water. All offering the certain signs that the winter has been melted by the spring sun.

The number of hikers, bikers, paddlers and sailors multiply as those of us who have been waiting for this season break out of our winter doldrums to breathe in spring’s promise. The area streams and waterways blossom with fishing enthusiasts.

The Lower Susquehanna Greenway area is tucked neatly between the major metropolitan areas of Philadelphia and Baltimore/D.C. The area offers more than 45,000 acres of hiking, biking, boating, fishing, bird watching and picnicking fun to the urban/suburban lifestyle.

Steppingstone Museum is nestled within the Susquehanna State Park. The museum preserves and demonstrates the rural arts and crafts of the 1880-1920 period in Harford County including, domestic arts, skilled trades and husbandry. A variety of artifacts are exhibited and demonstrated throughout the buildings.

The turn-of-the-century home charms the visitor. Experience the daily life of the period in the formal sitting room, sleeping quarters and the kitchen with its woodburning stove and icebox. Quilts, lace work, dolls, toys, books and other memorabilia are displayed throughout the house.

In the various outbuildings are restored handtools of the blacksmith, joiner, woodwright, cooper, potter, wheelwright, diary farmer, spinner and weaver. The big barn is a replica of a 19^th century general store, a veterinarian’s office and a decoy carver’s workshop. The carriage barn displays carriages, buggies and sleighs.

The new cannery building should be open this summer offering another unique display of rural crafts of the time.

The vast grounds are enhanced with a variety of trees and shrubs, perennial flowers, a cutting garden, and a herb garden. There’s a pavilion on the grounds that can be rented for events such as weddings and reunions.

Steppingstone Museum is open 1-5 Saturdays and Sundays beginning May 1^st and ending the end of October.

Susquehanna State Park is a short drive (or hike away) and well worth the visit. Offering over 15 miles of marked and maintained trails, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The trails range from easy to difficult and there’s an excellent trail that’s flat and easy for family hiking and biking and is handicap accessible.

The Rock Run Grist Mill built in 1794 is a 3-story stone structure that is fully operational. The water-powered mill is operated on weekends from May 1^st to Labor Day. Corn is ground into meal in public demonstrations held from 1-4 p.m. The meal is bagged and given free to the public.

Inside the mill are displays of 19^th century farm and mill equipment. There are some great photos showing the cutting of ice on the Susquehanna River. You can learn more about the mill and other buildings, campsites, etc. by calling park information at 410-557-7994.

In Perryville, Rodgers Tavern, Principio Furnace and the Perryville Train Station are all part of the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway program. The entire town of Port Deposit is on the National Historic Register. With the shore line Riverwalk, Marina Park and the Paw Paw Museum in Port Deposit also being part of the Greenway.

There is much to be shared in future issues and on our websites regarding the Greenway. We hope we can encourage you to return again and again to visit the many sites, getting a sense of the history of the area while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and the friendliness of our communities.