August 30, 2012|By Kit Waskom Pollard | Special to The Baltimore Sun
Trail characteristics: Brad Viers describes the Susquehanna trails as "technical, with more rocks, roots, elevation and single-track trails than other trails in Harford County." Except for a few portions through open fields, most of the trails are shaded, with some views of the Susquehanna River.
Why runners like it: Viers enjoys the tough runs at Susquehanna State Park, as well as the history. The park is home to the Rock Run Historic Area, which includes the operational 200-year-old Rock Run Grist Mill and the Carter-Archer Mansion.
More information: dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/susquehanna.asp
Wincopin Trails
Location: Howard County
Where to park: Lot at 9299 Vollmerhausen Road, Jessup.
Length of run: The trails total 3.73 miles, but Donnie Chapman runs them in loops, for total distances of five to eight miles.
Trail characteristics: Wincopin is "moderately rocky and challenging," says Chapman. "Along the river, there are sections that are dead flat, but there are also tough climbs and hills. You can see the water in some sections, and it's mostly shaded."
Why runners like it: Chapman likes Wincopin for its challenging course and for its convenience; the trails are close to Columbia.
More information: howardcountymd.gov/Departments.aspx?id=4294969943
