Harpers Ferry - Maryland Heights (Rating: B) Fee Free Day

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

8.2 miles 1785 feet elevation gain.

Fee Free Day for Juneteenth federal holiday.

Description:
Our hike will take place in historic Harpers Ferry, where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet.
We will begin at the Harpers Ferry Train Station parking lot. We will hike the AT and then along the rive, past John Brown’s Fort. then across the Potomac River on the footbridge. We will hike along the C&O Canal before ascending the steep Old Fort trail and then over to Maryland Heights for lunch and a great overlook of the town of Harpers Ferry.

This is a moderately strenuous hike with a steady climb to the old Civil War fort. Pace will be about 2.0-2.5 mph. Please make sure you are physically up this distance and elevation.

Bring:
Adequate water, snacks/lunch, hiking poles if you normally use them and sturdy hiking shoes/boots. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.

Route:
From the Harpers Ferry Amtrak/MARC station parking lot, we will start with a short loop through the town taking in the view from Jefferson Rock on the Appalachian Trail, before passing through Harper Cemetery. After making our way back down through the town, we will cross the Potomac River, and continue along the C&O Canal for a half mile before we begin the long climb to the remnants of the stone fort on top of the ridge. With most of the elevation completed, we will descend to the overlook at Maryland Heights, where we will stop for lunch.

DOGS: Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. Make sure your dog is up for this level of hike.

CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:30am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9am. Carpool fee is $5.00

A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.
GPS 38.801119, -77.589532

NOTE: If you a going directly to the trailhead, the hike starts at 9am at the parking lot at the parking lot of the Amtrak/MARC station. Coordinates: 39.324228, -77.730978
There are restrooms inside the train station which will hopefully be open.

Park fees: FEE FREE DAY

Trail Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-june-4-2025-51f4efb

Optional post hike rehydration TBD😊

Any questions please message me here or text/call me at 202-528-0456. If you text me please include your name.