LOCATION: Harpers Ferry, WV
TRAIL DISTANCE: 4.8 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS: Harpers Ferry Train Station​
TRAIL TYPE: In & Out
TRAIL GRADE:  Difficult (3)
TRAIL PARKING: 10 spots or less
KEY WORDS: Summit View
TRAIL INFO
What’s to like about the trail:  Picturesque river vistas, mature forest, and a postcard view of the Shenandoah & Potomac Rivers converging at Harpers Ferry.
Why go for a hike on this trail: Adventure and small town fans converse on Harpers Ferry for its views and trails. Get ready for Instagram worth views!
Best time to go for a hike on this trail:  All four seasons.

Summary
  • Parking is found throughout the town (parking fee required at the train station or use your National Park pass)
 
Your adventure begins at the train station, yes a small parking lot wields access via a gravel pathway to the convergence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. Get your camera or phone ready to snap because between the mountains, this convergence is post card pleasing. Use the elevated walkway (parallel to the railway) to cross the Shenandoah River and land in Maryland at the C&O Historic Canal towpath. Make a left at the C & O Canal trail and walk 300 yards to a small bridge crossing on your right leading to Harpers Ferry Road. Cross carefully and pick up the Maryland Heights trail (green blaze). The trail is a consistent climber via a well marked pathway, combing over roots, small stones and compacted dirt within mature forest trees.  Ride the green hash for  1.9 miles, enjoying the lung burn of a good steady climb until the junction of with the red blaze trail. The red blaze trail continues the descent but have no fear the trail soon starts to plateau and begins a slight descent towards the Overlook trail. Arrive at the Overlook trail after 1.1 miles on the red trail. The overlook trail will be on your right and very clearly marked. For 0.5 miles this swiftly descending trail is full of obstacles from roots, rocks, boulders and uneven terrain. Arrive at a very well marked (almost touristy) overlook of the Harpers Ferry area. (Pro tip, veer left on a small trail to a more quiet overlook). The view is lush with big vista views of the converging rivers, the town of Harpers Ferry all within the bountiful backdrop of mountain rich West Virginia. To return, retrace your steps to the town of Harpers Ferry.
 

HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
  • Things to Know
  • Nearby Hikes
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  1. Be bear , snake and tick aware.
  2. Parking available in town of Harpers Ferry or at the National Park entrance (shuttle available).
  3. Use your National Park Pass to park in the town train station (manages by NPS on weekends)
  4. Area is popular on the weekends , plan your visit to start early in the day.
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