Harford County, Maryland: Your new favorite road trip
Discover why so many people are traveling an hour south of Philadelphia for a quick getaway
The Bayou Motel & Havre de Grace Promenade from the Susquehanna River.
Angela Johnson/For Visit Harford
by Tyler Zeisloft, For Visit Harford
Content sponsored by
When the first signs of spring come to our area, the urge to get outside
grows by the day. Whether your dry season desires include hiking, biking,
discovering or relaxing, Harford County, Maryland checks every box on your list, and is less than two hours from
Philadelphia.
Enjoy the outdoors
When you embark on a trail of any kind, your route is planned for a
particular purpose. In Harford County, the feeling of serenity bellows
through the trees, beyond the rocks and along the streams to put that hectic
life of yours on pause during your journey. With over 10 hiking trails to
choose from, you’ll immediately feel a sense of calm wash over you as mother
nature’s beauty shines her brightest. If you appreciate the beauty of the
outdoors but hiking is not on your “to do” list, you can visit over 30
parks, walkways and playgrounds that are open daily.
Brendan Beale/Visit HarfordHiking trail in Harford County.Towns in Harford County, such as Havre de Grace, Belcamp, Aberdeen and
Edgewood, sit along the Susquehanna River and have picturesque views of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed where you can fish, boat, kayak or plainly sit on a
park bench and listen to the water splash against the rocks.
Experiential trails
Trails may refer to those ever-popular walking journeys, but Visit Harford
has created over a half dozen experiential trails that make your stay in
Harford County a memorable one that will dazzle your eye and fill your
stomach.
View the artwork of some of Harford County’s most talented visual artists
along the Mural Trail, which features something to suit all tastes -
conservative to radical, quirky to bizarre. Be sure to check out the 31
murals when you plan your visit!
There’s no better way to experience the culture and history of rural
Harford County
, Maryland than by hitting the road to travel through the gently rolling
countryside. Bordered by the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and scenic Susquehanna
River, Harford County is home to historic barns, family homesteads and
public spaces that create stunning backdrops to colorful painted quilt
designs. Harford County Barn Quilt Trail celebrates the beauty, history,
agriculture, and small business of the county. The Barn Quilt Trail is a
collection of barn quilts painted on barns and buildings. On the Trail, you
can find dairies, museums, farm markets, heritage farms, breweries, natural
areas, and back road adventures.
It’s no secret that food is one of the basic necessities of life. You need
it! Harford County, Maryland is home to over 150 restaurants and sweet treat
shops for you to enjoy and they’ve compiled some of those shops into
incredible trails to follow in an effort for you to see what Harford has to
offer.
Whether your tastes lean toward sweet or savory, Harford County’s Chocolate
and Cheese Trail brings together two of the world's most desirable food
types into a single foodie adventure. Visit several local artisan cheese
producers and chocolate shops along this new trail. If you're trying to give
up dairy or sugar, look away now.
Harford County’s Ice Cream Trail brings funky and traditional flavors
together to create a paradise for cold treat lovers. Some of the creameries
are “cow-to-cone,” so make it a point to check them out.
Provided Courtesy/Visit HarfordSnowballsHave you ever had a snowball? No, not a snow cone — but a snowBALL? Maryland
has been serving up this tasty treat since the 1800s. In the summertime,
Harford County activates the snowball trail as over a dozen snowball stands
proudly open for another season. These delicious concoctions of shaved ice,
flavored syrup and the optional marshmallow fluff is something that cannot
be missed. Have a seat at a guaranteed picnic table n ear the stand or take
it on the go! When visiting Philly, tourists grab a cheesesteak; similarly, in Harford
County, they should indulge in a snowball.
Many people say that craft beer holds more flavor, taste and variety. The
same can be said for wine, as well! Harford County’s libation trail
showcases 10 independently owned breweries and wineries that come with
delicious adult beverages and great vibes. You’ll find live music, games,
food trucks, and special events, too. Each is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Visit Ladew Topiary Gardens
Aside from the multitude of trails,
Harford County
is the proud home to Ladew Topiary Gardens. Voted one of the top five
gardens in North America, Ladew offers 22 acres of incredible beauty for all
ages. The gardens are ever-changing; from springs blossoms to splashes of
color during the summer, and the vibrant themes of fall. And as always, the
ever-present topiaries. Plan your visit and discover why
Architectural Digest
named Ladew Gardens one of the “10 incredible topiary gardens around the
world.”
Provided Courtesy/Visit HarfordLadew Topiary GardensAttend a baseball game
For the baseball enthusiasts, Harford County is the birthplace of the Ripken
family (Cal Ripken Jr., Cal Ripken Sr. & Billy Ripken.) The Ripken
Brothers have given back to Harford County, by creating Leidos Field and
Ripken Stadium, the home of the Baltimore Orioles Minor League affiliate,
The Aberdeen Ironbirds. Come take in a game and watch soon to be pros
compete while enjoying some delicious ballpark fare.
There are so many things to see and do for all ages just an hour south of
Center City, so hop on I-95 and see why Harford County should be your next
destination. Check out all there is to see and do at
VisitHarford.com!