Day Hike - Harpers Ferry VC to Maryland Heights (8.6 Miles) + The Rabbit Hole
Details
During his second trip of the year, Juanatán will take you to Maryland Heights, but during the winter season. This journey of 8.6 miles through Harpers Ferry National Park will allow you to experience this famous trail and overlook in a different light.
We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends!
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Length: 8.6 Miles
- Duration: 6-6.5 hrs (Including our meal on the way back.)
- Elevation Gain: 1,762 Feet
- Permits: Have a National Park Pass or pay the $20 entrance fee.
- Parking: Vienna South Metro Station (Search for ¨NOVA Trailblazers Carpooling Location¨ on Google Maps.) (Parking is free on weekends.)
- Dogs: Not allowed. (The restaurant stop is built into the hike.)
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.31617004156396, -77.75620539129638
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-011e405?u=i&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
After reaching the trailhead we will follow a trail down to Lower Town Harpers Ferry, passing some historial structures along our way. After passing through town we will go over a bridge, spend some time on the towpath, and then begin the steep ascent to Maryland Heights. After admiring the wintry view we will mostly come back the way we came, making a small diversion to grab a bite to eat at The Rabbit Hole before walking back to the Visitor Center parking lot.
Since this hike is scheduled for February, it will likely be cold, so please wear layers and bring adequate fuel and hydration. In addition, the trails could be slippery, so the use of traction devices (microspikes, crampons, or similar) is REQUIRED if the expected trail conditions warrant it. If everyone is tired after the hike there is the option to take the shuttle back to the Visitor Center. The last shuttle for the day will leave at 5:30 PM.
Itinerary:
8:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station.
8:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
9:30 AM: Arrive and begin hike.
1:30 PM: Arrive at The Rabbit Hole.
3:00 PM: Finish walking back to the trailhead.
4:00 PM: Reach the trailhead and drive home.
5:30 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station.
(Setting the end time to 6:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.
For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail!
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