3 Winter Hiking Trails in Harford County

by Josh Tessier

Three winter hikes in Harford County are Rocks State Park in Jarrettsville, Susquehanna State Park near Havre de Grace and the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail in Bel Air and Forest Hill. The two state parks are open sunrise to sunset, and the Ma and Pa is open sunrise to dusk all year. Rocks has the King and Queen Seat view. Susquehanna has the most miles of trail. The Ma and Pa runs close to town.

In winter the leaves are down, so the views through the woods open up.

1. Rocks State Park (Jarrettsville)

The King and Queen Seat is a 190-foot rock outcrop overlooking Deer Creek. The park has about 3.5 miles of trails.

Where: 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road, Jarrettsville. 410-557-7994.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset. The picnic areas open at 10 a.m. from November through February (confirm March hours with the park), and Kilgore Falls opens at 10 a.m. from November to March, per the DNR park page.
Cost: To enter the Wilson's, Hills Grove and Rock Ridge picnic areas, DNR lists $3 per person for Maryland residents ($5 out of state) on weekends and summer holidays, and $2 per Maryland vehicle ($4 out of state) on weekdays. Cash only.
Tip: The rocks get icy. Wear boots with good grip and stay back from the edge.

2. Susquehanna State Park (Havre de Grace)

The park has more than 15 miles of marked trails along the river and through the woods.

A few from the DNR trail page:

Rock Run Y Trail: about 0.9 miles. Good for kids.
Land of Promise Trail: about 1.6 miles.
Farm Road Trail: about 2 miles.
Deer Creek Trail: about 2.1 miles.
Ridge Trail: about 3 miles.
Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway: about 2.2 miles of flat path from Conowingo Dam.

The park is open sunrise to sunset. From November to March, the Deer Creek Picnic Area opens at 10 a.m.

3. Ma and Pa Heritage Trail (Bel Air and Forest Hill)

The trail is named for the old Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad. TrailLink notes it has some tight turns and short, steep climbs. It's open sunrise to dusk all year.

From the Ma and Pa Trail site, the main sections are:

Edgeley Grove to Tollgate Road: about 1.4 miles
Tollgate Road to Williams Street: about 1.85 miles
Williams Street to North Avenue: about 1.25 miles
Blakes Venture to Friends Park: about 1.75 miles

Parking: TrailLink lists a trailhead lot at Williams Street and W. Ellendale Street in Bel Air, Edgeley Grove and Annie's Playground (864 Smith Ln.), and Friends Community Park in Forest Hill (37 E. Jarrettsville Rd.).

Good to know:

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
The permanent restrooms are open April 1 to November 15. The trail site lists temporary facilities at the Williams Street lot and near the 1.75 mile marker.
In an emergency, note the number on the nearest trail mile marker.

The trail's northern end is in Forest Hill. Read more about living in Forest Hill.

Winter hiking safety tips

Wear bright orange or another bright color. Hunting is allowed in parts of both state parks in season.
Start early. Days are short in December, and the parks close at sunset.
Wear boots with grip. Rocks, roots and wooden bridges get slick.
Dress in layers. Skip cotton. It stays wet and cold.
Bring water and a charged phone.
Tell someone where you're going.

Make it a family day

Pair a morning hike with lunch in Bel Air or Havre de Grace. For more things to do this season, check my 2026 holiday hub.

Want to live close to these trails? Call or text me.

FAQ

Where can I hike in Harford County in winter?

Rocks State Park has the King and Queen Seat view. Susquehanna State Park has the most miles of trail. The Ma and Pa Heritage Trail runs through Bel Air and Forest Hill.

Are Harford County state parks open in winter?

Yes. Rocks State Park and Susquehanna State Park are open sunrise to sunset. The Rocks picnic areas open at 10 a.m. from November through February; confirm March hours with the park. Kilgore Falls opens at 10 a.m. from November to March.

Does Rocks State Park cost money?

To enter the picnic areas, DNR lists $3 per person for Maryland residents on weekends and summer holidays, and $2 per Maryland vehicle on weekdays. Cash only.

Is the Ma and Pa Trail open in winter?

Yes. It is open sunrise to dusk all year. The permanent restrooms are open April 1 to November 15.

Can I bring my dog on Harford County trails?

Yes on the Ma and Pa Trail, on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Check park rules for the state parks.

Is it safe to hike during hunting season?

Wear bright orange or another bright color, stay on marked trails and hike in daylight. Hunting is allowed in parts of both state parks in season.

About the author: Josh Tessier is a Harford County REALTOR® with the Lee Tessier Team at eXp Realty, based in Bel Air. He has been licensed in real estate since 2011, and the Lee Tessier Team has sold 5,900+ homes. He lives in Harford County and is raising his family here. Call or text (443) 617-2099.

https://cdn.lofty.com/image/fs/400919269340348/website/158564/cmsbuild/2026117_1c21bdf032804bea.jpeg

Harford County real estate agent Josh Tessier — *Josh Tessier, REALTOR® with the Lee Tessier Team. Call or text (443) 617-2099.*

Watch more on my YouTube channel: Josh Talks Harford. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Header photo: “Rocks State Park 01” by Bohemian Baltimore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Taken at Rocks State Park, Harford County. Cropped, with text added.