Maryland Heights Christmas Hike (Rating: A)

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.

This is a 8.5 mile hike with a 2,000' elevation gain in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Because the town of Harpers Ferry itself is likely to be crowded due to Christmas festivities, and parking there will be chaotic, we will begin and end at the parking lot under Route 340 (at the beginning of Shenandoah St (use the coordinates: 39.32165,-77.74318)). If you drive direct, please be there by 8:45, so we can be hiking by 9am.

We will take the “high path” about 2 miles into Harpers Ferry proper, and cross the foot bridge across the Potomac to start our ascent and descent to the Maryland Heights. On the way up, as we are all avid mountain goats looking for more altitude, we will ascend all the way up to the actual heights of Maryland Heights to a few Civil War forts along the South Mountain ridgeline. From there we will descend thru the forts and a couple of gun emplacements, until we get back down to the "normal" trail to the more famous Heights. From there we will zig-zag down to the Overlook where there is sufficient space to spread out and eat with a view. From there we will have to ascend again, but will be shortly back in Harpers Ferry where we will stop to refuel for our trip back to the cars (there should be hot chocolate & hot apple cider (and other warm beverages) for sale in the village).

In years past there was a lot of Christmas stuff set up in town. They got out of the habit during covid, so hopefully it is making a comeback. Santa hats are optional, and if anyone wants to start singing Carols while we hike, I am liable to join in.

I hike at a moderate pace of 2-2.5 mph when moving, with stops at all photo points, and trail intersections.

For those new to NVHC hikes, please note that the “A” rating is a difficulty rating, not a scenery rating, or user feedback rating. These aint Yelp Stars. 8.5 miles (8.5 pts) + 2,000ft (5 pts) makes this a 13.5 point hike, so be sure you know what you are undertaking. If you have not hiked with NVHC before, you may want to start with a “B” or “C” hike, and work your way up.

Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

Leader: Dale Johnson (540-454-5592)

Carpool Location: Carpoolers will meet at the Dulles Town Center Park & Ride Lot (21021 Atlantic Blvd, in Sterling, VA, across from Dulles Towne Center Mall). Please arrive by 7:45 so you can get people matched with cars, and out of the lot by 8am (Hike Leader will NOT be at the Carpool location).

Park Entry Fee: The Parking Fee for Harpers Ferry NHP is $20, and I think they are once again collecting it, so if you do not have a pass, carpooling may be the way to go.

Trailhead: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Lot under Route 340 (at the beginning of Shenandoah St (use the coordinates: 39.32165,-77.74318))

Rating: A

RSVPs will close at 9pm the night before, so if you need to make a last minute change text me at 540-454-5592 so we are not waiting for you.

AFTER PARTY: For those interested, on the way back we may stop at Harpers Ferry Brewing (not the Maryland Heights view, but pretty good) to replenish fluid levels, but it will be a brief stop so as not to impair our drivers.