Hike Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry
Details
Distance
4.2 miles
Elevation Gain
800 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
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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Reviews
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Crowded during summer!
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!
4.0
Along the AT
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.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
