St Patricks Day (Two Days Late) Loudoun Heights from Visitor Center

Annual St Patricks Day (Two Days Late) Loudoun Heights Out/Back from Visitor Center
I missed St Pat's Day, Sorry I had a Dr appointment

RSVP Opens March 12 at 830AM RSVP Closes March 18 at 530PM

• Limited to ten participants (including me), everybody goes on wait list, answer my question to get off the wait list in the order that you sign up.

If you change your mind, please change your status before RSVP closes, so that others on the Wait List can join.

It's St Patrick's Day, everyone MUST wear something Green!
Even though we are two days late.
Rabhadh cothrom ní mór duit glas a chaitheamh
(courtesy of Google Translate)
Any Green liquid refreshments will be enjoyed.

Join me for the classic Loudoun Heights hike.
We will start from the Harpers Ferry Visitor Center
171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
You need a Park Pass or pay the fee.
8 miles 1700 ft elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate

Here's an AllTrails link:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/harpers-ferry-loudoun-heights-eccd2a8?u=i&sh=6shrvk

The trail starts near the center of the tree line south of the Visitor Center, at the back of the main parking area.

Hikers travel down a steep ravine with 97 stone steps, passing by small intermittent waterfalls. At the base of the ravine, the trail crosses Shoreline Drive then follow the drive.
After we cross under the Rt 340 bridge, we will turn left and loop around to cross the Rt 340 bridge on the AT south.

From the park service: "Cross the hiker-friendly section of the highway bridge over the Shenandoah River then follow the staircase under the bridge to reach the base of Loudoun Heights. Continue up the AT 0.9 miles to the intersection with the orange-blazed trail. Turn left for a break from the climb and hike about 0.5 miles on the orange trail to the first overlook. At the top of the mountain turn left on the blue-blazed trail. Two more overlooks along the power line cut preview the beautiful vista waiting at the Split Rock overlook. Backtrack on the blue-blazed trail to return to the orange-blazed trail and then down to the AT and the descent back to the river."

Health rules:
Do not sign up if you have a fever, feel sick or have been exposed to anyone with COVID in the past two weeks.

I assume by March 19, that all snow and ice has melted, but we should always be prepared, so bring your traction just in case.

Reminders: Make sure your emergency contact information is in your pack. Bring insect repellent, hiking poles, 2L of water, electrolytes, lunch/snacks. Dress for the weather, including hat, gloves, layers, and rain/snow gear as needed.

Rehydration: At trailhead (bring a chair) (not sure about beer in the park, so bring non-alcoholic beverage just in case)

Leader’s Phone: 703-609-3125

Disclaimer:
Blue Mountain Hiking Club Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with the following disclaimer -
DISCLAIMER/Liability Waiver: The Blue Mountain Hiking Club (BMHC) and its Leaders and Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm, bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attending” you are confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and you will not hold any hike leader/organizer, participant, BMHC member, responsible for any hazard to your well being. You are fully responsible for yourself and any person under the age of eighteen you bring with you on any hike or event.