At a Glance
The Mason Dixon Trail System is an expansive, 199-mile blue blazed route that serves as a vital connector between the Appalachian Trail and the Brandywine Trail. The trail features a natural, dirt surface path that winds through diverse landscapes, ranging from the forests of Gifford Pinchot State Park to the scenic west bank of the Susquehanna River. Visitors have praised it for its significant historic and cultural points of interest, unique geology, and a 30 mile stretch designated as a National Recreation Trail that offers numerous overlooks and wildlife viewing opportunities. The route is well-suited for long-distance hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an adventurous, multi-state journey that combines deep forest immersion with rewarding river vistas.
Description
The Mason-Dixon Trail connects the Appalachian Trail with the Brandywine Trail. This 199-mile blue blazed hiking trail starts at Whiskey Springs on the Appalachian Trail, in Cumberland County, PA and heads east towards the Susquehanna River, passing through Gifford Pinchot State Park en route. The trail then follows the west bank of the Susquehanna River south to Havre de Grace, MD. Across the river, the M-DT continues east, passes through Elk Neck State Forest, then on to Iron Hill Park, DE, north along the Christina River and White Clay Creek to the White Clay Creek Preserve. The trail then heads northeast to its eastern terminus at Chadds Ford, PA on the banks of the Brandywine River.
Photo by Dustin Underkoffler
The part of the trail that overlaps with the Susquehanna Greenway runs from Mt Wolf, PA down to the Maryland border. Along this stretch, the trail keeps fairly close to the Susquehanna River and there will be several overlooks along the way to take in the view.
A 30-mile piece of the trail, following the western slopes of the Susquehanna River between Wrightsville and Norman Wood Bridge (at PA Rt. 372) is designated as a National Recreation Trail. This stretch is especially scenic with opportunities to experience the area’s flora, fauna, and unique geology as well as many scenic viewpoints and many historic and cultural points of interest. Click here to learn more.
Day-hike recommendations along the Susquehanna River section of the trail include:
