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Details

There will be two concurrent hikes (see below for meeting places & times) along the C&O Canal towpath with multiple options for distances of 14 to 36 miles. Whatever distance you do, the hike will afford you some of the most beautiful views of the Potomac River (the approach to Harpers Ferry), let you observe wildlife and wildflowers, and let you explore (a little bit) historic Harpers Ferry. Here are some photo albums of previous versions of this hike.

Long hikers will start at Point of Rocks and hike to Harpers Ferry and back (28 miles; 5.8 blisters), with the option of going up to 4 miles past the start before returning (for up to 36 miles total; 7.4 blisters). Short hikers will start at Brunswick and hike to Harpers Ferry and back (14 miles; 3 blisters), with the option of going to Point of Rocks (21 miles total; 4.4 blisters). You may want to download hike notes and map or use the photos below for the hike.

LEADER: Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com)

WHAT TO BRING:
Bring food and drink, or $$ to buy at Harpers Ferry. You’ll proceed at your own pace and you may stop (or not) anytime to eat. This hike occurs rain or shine, cold or warm, so dress appropriately. However, in case of hazardous weather, please check here for last-minute changes before leaving for the hike.

WHEN & WHERE:
Long hikers will meet in the parking lot along the towpath at Point of Rocks by 8:15am (cross the tracks and the wooden canal bridge). Short hikers will meet in the parking lot near the towpath under the MD 17 bridge in Brunswick by 10 am (from S Maple Av, cross the train station's parking lot and the tracks, then turn right and go to the end). If you need a ride, post a comment.

SIERRA CLUB

You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s homepage. Membership is not required for participation.

ONE DAY HIKE
Although open to all, this training hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the One Day Hike (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s Meetup page for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see volunteering opportunities and/or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io

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Adventure
Nature
Hiking
Outdoors
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