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Hike Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

4.2 miles

Elevation Gain

800 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Melissa Seely

A moderate, short hike with an incredible view at the end! This hike is both dog and family-friendly.

Parking and trail head: Park at the Harpers Ferry Visitors Center for $10 (171 Shoreline Dr, Bolivar, WV 25425) and take the shuttle a mile and a half to lower town (free). 

Walk straight from the shuttle to the large bridge. Cross the bridge and take a left on the C&O Canal trail. You will shortly come across lock 33. Continue along the C&O Canal for a little less than half a mile, then follow signs for the trail to Maryland Heights. You will begin climbing in elevation and will eventually reach the old Naval Battery. Follow signs for the Overlook Trail. Once you turn onto the Overlook trail, you will have a short descent to the cliffs. Once there, take some photos, have a snack, then go back the way you came. 

If you choose to take the Stone Fort trail, you will see some old Civil War sites, but the climb will be significantly more strenuous and you will go 6.3 miles total. You can hit up the overlook cliffs on your way down the Stone Fort Trail.

**Note: there are no restrooms or drinking fountains on this trail** 

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Features

Photography
Running
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
River
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry Reviews

Get here early, as the summer months see a lot of visitors from the DC area (and beyond). The crowds can be somewhat overwhelming, but Harpers Ferry makes up for it with plenty of trails and a beautiful town!

My group really enjoyed this area as we came through on an AT section hike. Really broke up some of the monotony of hiking through woods constantly! We also got to see a train go by so that was cool.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Hike Maryland Heights Trail Loop

Hike to Maryland Heights

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Hike the AT to Weverton Cliffs

Antietam National Battlefield Trail