Hiking With Hammer- First post- Harpers Ferry

So I'm starting a new blog which will focus on my hiking adventures and plans. Not necessarily just hiking, but what I like to call adventures.

I've lived in Maryland for over 5 years and I love the myriad of trails and hikes available to enjoy in this (and nearby) states. For the first few entries I'll probably show some of my past hikes, but hopefully I'll add to the list over the coming years.

Author's note: Credit where credit is due: most pictures featured in this blog are courtesy of my lovely wife, Heather.

First up: Harpers Ferry

From Harper's Ferry 7-27-13

Harpers Ferry is situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers where Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland meet. Harpers Ferry is probably most famous for John Brown's Raid in 1859.

Getting to Harpers Ferry National Historic Park is quite easy. First, I recommend you drive to the Visitor Center, and not attempt to drive directly into town. The Visitor Center is situated a short distance away from the main park and town, but there is a regular shuttle bus service that will drop you off in the lower town area. There's lots to see and do in the lower town, including plenty of historical markers, shops, and restaurants. If you go on a weekend, you may get lucky and see some historical re-enactors around the railroad trestle. (see the linked map)

John Brown's Fort

The Potomac River

The Shenandoah River. There's a sandy beach here, but be careful on the wet rocks, they're slippery



Union Army re-enactors


"Sawbones" showing off the tools of his trade


The confluence of two rivers, the Potomac (on the left) and the Shenandoah.
For hikers, Harpers Ferry has a lot to offer. First, it's effectively the 'halfway point' of the Appalachian Trail. The AT cuts through part of the town, and passes by Jefferson Rock, St. Peter's Catholic Church and down the Stone steps, which can be steep and treacherous. Be careful! There's a footbridge along the side of the rail bridge that connects West Virginia to Maryland. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters is in Harpers Ferry, and is located on Washington Street in the main part of town, not far off the AT itself.

Jefferson Rock

View of the rivers from Jefferson Rock.

Once you get to the lower town, you'll probably notice the huge bluffs on opposite sides of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. This is where the Maryland Heights and Loudon Heights trails are, respectively. I have not yet attempted either trail, but I do know that the Maryland Heights trail offers a stunning view of the town below. To get to the Maryland Heights trail head, you have to cross over to the Maryland side and follow Harpers Ferry road upriver until you find the trail head, which will be clearly marked. The Maryland Heights trail can be steep and strenuous, so give yourself plenty of time and make sure you bring water and snacks.

Maryland Heights bluff with the railroad and footbridge below

Maryland Heights from below. You can see the hikers on the bluff.

If you're looking for easier trails, there are several along the Shenandoah River, on Virginus Island. Virginius Island was once the location of many mills, factories, warehouses, and homes in the nineteenth century. Today you can walk among the ruins of these buildings.
bridge to Virginius Island

Another trail on the Maryland side of the Potomac (one which I will probably cover later) follows the route of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, which connected Georgetown in DC with Western Maryland. More on the C&O later.

Thanks for reading! Please feel free to comment and/or ask questions!