Harpers Ferry: Weverton Cliffs & Maryland Heights

Join us for two excellent hikes in a row. Our first stop will be Weverton Cliffs, about 5 miles from Harpers Ferry. We'll climb to the top to see the stunning vistas of the Potomac River, and then continue up the Appalachian Trail another mile to the first summit.

We'll then get back in our cars and continue on to Harpers Ferry, where we'll climb up to Maryland Heights and enjoy the extremely scenic views of the town below at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The total distance will be about 8.2 miles with 2104 feet of elevation gain. It will probably take us 7 hours total. This hike is not for beginners. You need to be in shape to handle these hills. If we have fast and slow hikers, we will divide into two groups and meet at the top.

WEVERTON CLIFFS
Our first meeting point will be at 10:00 AM at the parking lot for Weverton Cliffs on Weverton Cliffs Road, Knoxville, MD 21758. We are going to start off going to Weverton Cliffs (with a beautiful view of the river) on the way back, and then proceed to the summit. This will be 3.64 miles and 989 feet of elevation gain and is rated as moderate. Here is the map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-oct-15-09-30-pm-fd2ae8e?u=i

MARYLAND HEIGHTS
Our second meeting point around 1:00 PM will be in front of John Brown's Fort, 814 Shenandoah St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 for the hike up to Maryland Heights. Maryland Heights via Harper's Ferry is a 4.6-mile out-and-back trail with 1,115 feet of elevation gain that features river and town overlooks and is rated as moderate.

TRAIL MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/west-virginia/maryland-heights-via-overlook-cliffs-and-combined-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&ref=sidebar-view-full-map

PARKING/CARPOOLING: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center, 171 Shoreline Dr, Harper's Ferry, WV 25425. Cost is $20 per car, or free if you have a National Park Pass. There's a free shuttle bus that takes you to Harper's Ferry right next to John Brown's fort.

Please arrive at the trailhead 15 minutes before the start of the hike. Also, I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.

POST EVENT DINNER, DRINKS, & SOCIALIZATION:
After the hike, we will gather for dinner around 5 PM (or whenever we get back) at Almost Heaven Pub and Grill, 177 Potomac St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. This is right in town.

EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring plenty of drinking water and a lunch/snacks. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the hike leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventurers” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.

SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.