Majestic overlooks & the Civil War: hiking in Harpers Ferry National Park (slide show and video)

April 23, 6:18 AMPittsburgh Outdoor Recreation ExaminerJason Elliot

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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park combines nature and history into one unique location. It is a 4-hour drive (see map and directions link below) from Pittsburgh and is located at the tip of West Virginia’s eastern panhandle. Outdoor enthusiasts will awe over the scenic and challenging hikes; biking and walking on the C&O Canal trail; and rafting and canoeing on the Shenandoah River. The Appalachian Trail also runs through the park. History buffs will enjoy the preserved civil war era town which was the site of John Brown’ s Raid and also was the site of one of the first black colleges.

There are hiking trails in differing lengths and difficulty levels, so you can find one or many that fit your capabilities. All trails tie-in to the history of the park and area. Along the trails you can see earthen forts, powder magazines, canal locks, and civil war-era canons.

Maryland Heights Trail
The most popular hike is on the Maryland Heights trail. The highlight of the trail is the overlook onto Harpers Ferry. The view is magnificent since you also see the convergence of the Shenandoah River into the Potomac River. Most hikers take the most direct route to the overlook which is a 4.5 miles round-trip. If you want to also see the Stone Fort, you can extend your hike to 6.5 miles by taking the Stone Fort Trail which runs off of the main trail. The Stone Fort is located at the top of Maryland heights at 1,448 feet of elevation. The trail provides for some strenuous elevation climbs at some points. Also, there are no bathroom facilities or water supply provided on the trail, so plan and pack accordingly.
 

Virginius Island Trail
A much less strenuous hike is the Virginius Island trail.  There is a ¾ mile and a 1-¼ mile loop to choose. Each trail is low impact since there is just a slight grade. The highlights are the remains of industrial buildings including a cotton mill and factory, pulp mill, and rifle factory. Also, the Shenandoah River runs along the one side of the loop trail.

 If you plan to go, the entrance fee into the park is $6 which provides you access for seven days. The park does not offer lodging, but there are campgrounds, hotels, and a youth hostel within a few miles of the park. The park office is the starting point for visitors where park rangers can provide trail maps and help plan your time within the park.
                 

 
A view from the overlook on the Maryland Heights trail