#1 - Maryland Heights Loop
Harpers Ferry National Historical ParkLength: 6.6 mi • Est. 3 h 41 m
NOTE: You can't park on Sandy Hook Road anymore. You can park for this hike at the train station in Harpers Ferry. The parking lot by Harper's Ferry is small and often full on the weekends. The parking there is currently free due to CoVid, as the National Park is closed. Parking at the train station increases this hike to about 6.7 miles if you hike the upper trail. To get back to trail head use the West rail bridge to cross which is down the end of the street away from the train station.
Notes on the hike:
From the parking lot, you need to cross the pedestrian walkbridge across the Potomac and then turn left on the towpath after descending from the bridge.
The connector from the Overlook to the highway is closed from Feb to July 31 for Peregrine falcon nesting (so bake an extra 2.2 miles to double back to the Maryland heights trailhead).
Park opens at 9:00 a.m
The trail from parking lot, starts by mulch pile in back. You can also take a bus from parking lot to trailhead.
Scenic overlook, civil war fortifications, moderate to strenuous climb.
History combined with beauty! This is a hike over well-marked trails with many interpretive signs along the way. There are some steep climbs and some rocky terrain.
The hike features a spectacular overlook of Harpers Ferry and the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. However, it doesn't come easily.
The hike also includes much history. The trail passes remains of fortifications built by the Union forces in 1862 after their defeat at Harpers Ferry. There are ammunition pits, breastworks, powder magazines, and gun batteries along the trail. The remains of the main fort are at the summit of Maryland Heights.
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