Maryland Heights, Harpers Ferry WV
• 4-star hike
• 5 miles out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 910 feet
• Harpers Ferry, WV | Maryland
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The meeting point of three states and two rivers.
Now part of the National Park Service, the West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry was a critical strategic military target leading up to and during the American Civil War. John Brown's 1859 raid of the federal arsenal here was an attempt to start a slave rebellion, and during the war the town changed hands multiple times. The town's tumultuous past is now found in the history books and the park's many interpretive signs. Visiting the site today now is a peaceful and reflective experience, situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and enjoying the picturesque landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In addition to learning about the site's history, we recommend a walk across the river from West Virginia to the state of Maryland, where an old canal towpath leads to a moderate hillside climb that culminates at the Maryland Heights Overlook. From this vantage point, visitors are rewarded with a panoramic view of the historical town, its surrounding landscapes and river junction, and the convergence of three separate US States.
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4★ Maryland Heights
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
Begin at the 1894 steel truss bridge that has been partly converted to hold pedestrian traffic across the Potomac River. Descending the steps on the Maryland side leads to the towpath of the old Chesapeake & Ohio canal which is now only apparent as a wide grassy depression in the ground. Heading up-river parallel to the Potomac stone wall remnants of the old canal lock 33 can be seen. This route leads across a footbridge that spans the canal ditch and onto the Overlook Cliff Trail.
The Overlook Cliff Trail is a wide trail that climbs up the flanks of Maryland Heights. Those less accustomed to hill climbs may be either reassured or dissuaded by the fact that the trail's gradient remains unchanged throughout its journey through the wooded hillside towards the overlook. A spur trail en-route leads to a naval gun battery that was built in 1862 to protect Harpers Ferry from Confederate attack under the command of Stonewall Jackson. Aside from an interpretive sign we found little here to appreciate as trees now obscure any view of the town below.
Crossing the Potomac on an 1894 steel truss bridge to begin the hike.
You will need to take a right-turn off the main trail and head downhill to reach the viewpoint of the Maryland Heights Overlook. This expansive rocky area is a superlative position from which to appreciate the town below and the surrounding landscape; and to take a rest from the hill-climb. The exposed and often breezy cliffs of the overlook also provide respite from any insects that may have been troubling you on your hike.
For most people parking will be at the National Park Service visitor center, some two miles distant from the town which is accessible by shuttle bus. Early birds might have success parking closer - either at the railroad station in town, or the River Access parking lot which is still half a mile from Harpers Ferry. A fee is required to leave your vehicle and enjoy the park's facilities and service, which is payable at any of these three locations. The links in this paragraph lead to Google Maps driving directions.
You will need to take a right-turn off the main trail and head downhill to reach the viewpoint of the Maryland Heights Overlook. This expansive rocky area is a superlative position from which to appreciate the town below and the surrounding landscape; and to take a rest from the hill-climb. The exposed and often breezy cliffs of the overlook also provide respite from any insects that may have been troubling you on your hike.
On the old C&O canal towpath to the Overlook Cliff Trail.
Overlook Cliff Trail | Whitewater on the wide Potomac River.
Amtrak's Capital Limited service from Chicago to DC.
Tangents:
• National Park Service: Harpers Ferry
• Public Map at AllTrails: Maryland Heights
