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Canoeing and Kayaking
Location Harford County, Route 136 to Susquehanna State Park.
Susquehanna State Park, 410-557-7994
Access Site Begin at Fisherman's Park (near the Conowingo Dam) at the car top boat launch. From Route 1 north turn right on Shuresville Road and left on Shures Landing Road. End at Jean Roberts Memorial Park or David Craig Park at the mouth of the river, just before crossing under the Amtrak bridge in Havre de Grace. These parks are located at the corner of Union Avenue and Otsego Street.
River Trip Distance 9 miles
Time 4 hours
The trip can be broken into two shorter excursions: Fisherman's Park to Lapidum Boat Ramp in Susquehanna State Park (5 miles) and Lapidum Boat Ramp to Havre de Grace (4 miles).
Water Conditions Between Conowingo Dam and Lapidum Landing, the river drops gently over ledges and a jagged bottom. The river joins slow-moving tidewater one mile before Lapidum Landing. Water levels vary due to scheduled releases from the Conowingo powerhouse. During higher water, expect fast conditions spotted with rocks, eddys, little waves and little holes. Lower water levels leave a rocky maze that requires good water reading ability. The challenge is to decipher where is the best channel of water to float a boat in the 3,000-foot wide river. There is no water gauge. Do an on the spot inspection and check the generating schedule at the Conowingo powerhouse.
Skill Level Easy to moderate difficulty (should have experience on moving water)
Suitable For Families? No
Hazards/Restrictions Avoid the river in cold weather or if water levels are high, due to the difficulty of rescues. The width of the river allows for strong winds that can blow away small boats or swamp them with waves. Water levels rise rapidly in the Susquehanna River due to releases from the Conowingo Dam (up to 8 feet).
Carefully check water levels and the generation schedule before entering the Susquehanna River (410-457-4076). Watch for the warning signals at the dam. Also, the conclusion of power generation can leave boaters stranded high and dry in a sea of wet rocks. On the lower reaches below Lapidum Landing, be careful to stay out of the main boating channel.
Potable Water Carry in your own water.
Natural Features The mile-wide river is the largest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay and feeds the Susquehanna Flats, a large shallow estuary at the head of the Bay. Portions of the flats are protected under the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge, which provides habitat and a stopover for migrating waterfowl. The Susquehanna River also supports a shad fishery. These anadromous fish skirt the Conowingo Dam in fish lifts on their annual run to spawn. Numerous gulls, osprey, heron and even bald eagles nest in the vicinity of the dam and find plentiful fish to prey upon in the river. The rock-strewn bottom creates an interesting series of pools and ledges. These rocks mark the fall line on the river's descent to tidewater. Wooded islands dot the center of the river, while bluffs and ridges line either side of the river, providing scenic views of somewhat dramatic topography. Granite is quarried nearby.
Historic/Cultural Features The Tidewater Canal runs the length of the river. Canals were used during the 19th century for ease of navigation around the bouldery river. The rocks and riffles just above Port Deposit have the name Smith Falls, because this is as far as Captain John Smith got in his exploration of the Chesapeake Bay and the Susquehanna River. The Rock Run Historic Area in Susquehanna State Park along the river includes the operating Rock Run Mill (a grist mill), the Jersey Tollhouse, Tidewater Canal and lock, and Archer Mansion. Piers that once supported a mile-long covered bridge over the river can be seen extending in the river from the tollhouse and on Wood Island (the middle island across from Deer Creek). Lapidum Landing is the site of the former Bell's Ferry that shipped local farmer's products to the port of Baltimore.
The Susquehanna flats was a prime area for hunting canvasbacks in the United States, which peaked in the early 1900's through the 1930's. Hunting during the depression provided subsistence food for families. Large shipments were sent in canvas bags to restaurants in the major metropolitan areas including New York City. Waterfowl were shot in masses with battery guns out of boats. Other hunters shot from sinkboxes. Many waterfowl populations have been threatened by loss of bay grass habitat, but are making a comeback.
Guiding Check with Susquehanna State Park office for a listing of park-sponsored programs.
Rentals Canoes can be rented in Jarrettsville. Kayaks can be rented in Chase from Ultimate Watersports, 410-666-WIND.
Camping Camping is available at Susquehanna State Park. Accommodations include mini-cabins. Call 1-888-432-2267 for reservations.
Other Points of Interest Numerous trails are located within Susquehanna State Park, including the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail that parallels the river, providing excellent views and great birding and wildflower watching opportunities. Fishing on the river is popular for shad, rockfish, bass and other species. The nearby towns of Havre de Grace, Port Deposit, Perryville and Aberdeen provide many tourist amenities and have historical interest. Havre de Grace's Lockhouse Museum, Maritime Museum and Concord Point Lighthouse were part of the shipping and transportation industries that made this town thrive. A waterfront "promenade" provides views of the Chesapeake Bay.
Other Accommodations Bed and breakfasts are located in Darlington and Havre de Grace. Motels are located in Perryville and Aberdeen.
Fees or Permits A $2 per person service charge is in effect at the picnic area within Susquehanna State Park.
Description This paddle trip is on the widest river in the region (one mile wide), and the largest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The river crosses the "fall line" over a maze of rocks that create pools, ledges and gentle drops before reaching tidewater. About half of the trip is maneuvering through a rock-strewn riverbed, and the other half is through swift moving flatwater. The trip begins near the tailrace of a hydroelectric plant and ends at the mouth of the Susquehanna at the head of the Chesapeake Bay.
The impressive scenery is owed to the expansive views allowed by the open water. The birdwatching and fishing opportunities along the way are incredible. For variety, canoe to Wood Island across from the confluence of Deer Creek in the Susquehanna River for a lunch and fishing stop. The island is owned by Susquehanna State Park. Paddlers looking for a shorter trip can do the first segment from Fisherman's Park to Lapidum Landing (mostly maneuvering through the fall line), or canoe from Lapidum Landing on to Havre de Grace (tidewater). Below Lapidum Landing the river passes under four bridges and by a granite quarry with barge traffic, temporarily interrupting the scenic beauty and solitude; however, the Susquehanna Flats near Havre de Grace at the conclusion of the trip are stunning.


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