Hike the Mason-Dixon Trail to Peavine Island

The Mason-Dixon Trail is a 200-mile trail that begins and ends in Pennsylvania, passing through Maryland and Delaware along the way. The trail connects the AT to the Brandywine Trail and spends considerable time adjacent to the wide and wondrous Susquehanna River. One of the Mason-Dixon trail's most popular hikes is the trek out to Peavine Island. In the summer, river revelers sun themselves on massive boulders and kayakers navigate the choppy waters. 

Peavine Island isn't technically an island unless the river is running high. Start your hike from the designated parking area and follow the blue blazes of the MDT. About halfway to the island you'll come to the impossibly well-preserved Lock 13 of the old Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal. You'll want to spend a few moments investigating this 150-year-old relic, as well as the iron and wood that still remains bolted into the stone work today. 

Soon the trail turns into a bit of an easy scramble over rocks and larger boulders. At this point, there are numerous side trails to take you closer to the river or even out into the middle of it, depending again on water level. From Peavine Island, enjoy views of the Norman Wood Bridge and keep your eye out for ospreys and bald eagles that nest along the river banks. 

The MDT offers lots of gorgeous day hikes in this area, consider exploring the Mill Creek Falls further north, or head south to Susquehanna State Park.