Harpers Ferry - Lower Town and Maryland Heights Loop (Rating: B) Fee Free Day
Details
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.
8.5 miles 1,470 feet elevation gain.
Fee Free Day for Veterans Day.
If you are a Veteran, wear something that reflects your branch of service.
Description:
Our hike will take place in historic Harpers Ferry, where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet.
We will begin at the Harpers Ferry National Park Visitors Center. We will hike the Lower Town Trail along the Shenandoah River into Harpers Ferry near John Brown’s Fort. We will then cross the Potomac River on the footbridge. We will hike along the C&O Canal before ascending the trail up and over to Maryland Heights for lunch and a great overlook of the town of Harpers Ferry. We will make part of our return on the Appalachian Trail then reconnect to the Lower Town trail and back to the Visitors Center.
This is a moderately strenuous hike with a steady climb to Maryland Heights. 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.
Dogs are welcome:
Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. Make sure your dog is up for this mileage and elevation gain.
CARPOOL: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 8:00am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9:30am. 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
Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool locations. Carpooling is organized by the participants, and they participate at their own risk. Feel free to comment if you are looking for an alternative carpool spot.
NOTE: If you are going directly to the trailhead, the hike starts at 9:30am at the Harpers Ferry National Park Visitor's Center. 171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry7, WV
GPS 39.31710, -77.75708
There are restrooms at the Visitors Center (if the shutdown is over)
Park fees: FEE FREE DAY
Trail Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-november-6-2025-4f16c0b?u=i&sh=oxfau4
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.