Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry

161 Potomac Street, WV
4.7
3 Reviews
Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry
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Details

Distance
4.53 miles
Elevation Gain
1191 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Family Friendly
River
Forest
Easy Parking
Wildflowers
Wildlife
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Directions
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Track

About this place

Added by Melissa Seely

Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry is 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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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Crystal Mae
1/22/2026
Well Maintained
Amazing Views
Great Conditions
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Stephen Catalano
8/9/2020
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, ...
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John Clairmont
6/19/2020
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 ...
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