Hike Harper's Ferry: Weverton Cliffs to Garvey Shelter (5.9 miles, 1,164' gain)

DESCRIPTION:

### Phase 1: The Switchback Slog (The Initial Climb)

Leaving the Weverton Road parking lot, the trail wastes absolutely no time. Your group will immediately hit a relentless, mile-long wall of switchbacks gaining about 500 feet of elevation.

• The Vibe: This is the "quiet phase" of the hike. The trail is heavily forested and quite rocky underfoot, requiring a bit of sure-footedness.

### Phase 2: High Reward at Weverton Cliffs

Around the one-mile mark, a short, blue-blazed side trail leads out to the right. As you break through the tree line onto the exposed rock of Weverton Cliffs, the burn in your legs instantly evaporates.

This is the ultimate group photo spot and the perfect place to drop packs, rehydrate, and have a quick snack on the rocks.

### Phase 3: Cruising the South Mountain Ridgeline

Once you rejoin the white-blazed Appalachian Trail and push past the top of the cliffs, the entire personality of the hike changes. The trail flattens out significantly, tracing the spine of South Mountain.

• The Vibe: Conversational and easy. The path becomes a gentle, rolling dirt-and-rock trail through peaceful mountain woodlands. Because the terrain is forgiving, your group can easily walk two-by-two, chat, and watch for local wildlife like white-tailed deer or wild turkeys.

### Phase 4: Arriving at the "Hilton" of AT Shelters

About 2 miles past the cliffs (3.2 miles total from the start), a signpost marks the side trail for the Ed Garvey Shelter. Named after a legendary local AT advocate, this structure is a marvel compared to standard three-sided lean-tos.
After relaxing at the shelter, exchanging stories with any thru-hikers stopping by, and packing up your gear, it’s a straightforward, mostly downhill 3.2-mile cruise back to the vehicles.

ALLTRAILS MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/maryland/appalachian-trail-weverton-heights-to-ed-garvey-shelter?u=i&sh=y1w9cy

BRING: Good Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes, trekking poles if you have them, plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch.

PARKING/CARPOOLING/CARAVANING: Gather at the Weverton Cliffs Parking Trailhead at 9:45 AM. Here is the link from Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rGVJ8RvU7fNSV8b98

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. Be sure you coordinate at least the day before with who you are riding with to ensure you are in sync. 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.

AFTER HIKE:
We will immediately head to the next hike. Get back in your car and drive to the Harper's Ferry Visitor Center and take the bus down to the drop-off in town. We will meet at the John Brown's Fort at 2:00 PM for the next hike.

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” and "Harrisonburg Hiking Adventures" 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.

DOGS: Don't bring dogs without checking with the hike leader first. Some hikes are fine for dogs, and some are too difficult. Also, some trails forbid dogs. Just message the hike leader to ask first.