Day Hike - Harpers Ferry to Loudoun Heights (8.1 Miles) + Harpers Ferry Brewing

About this event

During his final trip of the year Juanatán will take you to Loudoun Heights, but during the winter season. This journey of 8.1 miles through Harpers Ferry National Park will allow you to experience this famous trail and overlook in a different light.

We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends!

Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Strenuous

• Length: 8.1 Miles

• Duration: 4.5-5 hrs

• Elevation Gain: 1,657 Feet

• Permits: Have a National Park Pass or pay the $20 entrance fee.

• Parking: Vienna South Metro Station (Search for ¨NOVA Trailblazers Carpooling Location¨ on Google Maps.) (Parking is free on weekends.)

• Dogs: Allowed on leash during the hike. Allowed at the brewery as well, but must be leashed and remain outside.

• Trailhead Coordinates: 39.31617004156396, -77.75620539129638

• AllTrails Map : https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/nova-tb-loudoun-heights-048c613?u=m&sh=kucj8c

Trail Details:

After reaching the trailhead we will start following the trail towards Lower Town Harpers Ferry and then use the Route 340 bridge to cross into Virginia and follow the Appalchian Trail. We will then turn onto the Loudoun Heights Trail and follow it to Split Rock. After admiring the wintry view we will come back the same way until we return to our cars. After that we will drive to the nearby Harpers Ferry Brewing to refuel from the food trucks and taps.

Since this hike is scheduled for December, it will likely be cold, so please wear layers and bring adequate fuel and hydration. In addition, the trails could be slippery, so the use of traction devices (microspikes, crampons, or similar) is REQUIRED if the expected trail conditions warrant it.

Itinerary:

8:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station. 8:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead. 9:30 AM: Arrive and begin the hike. 2:30 PM: Finish the hike and drive to Harpers Ferry Brewing. 4:00 PM: Start driving home. 5:30 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station.

(Setting the end time to 6:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)

LIABILITY NOTICE: Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.

For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition .

If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service .

See you on the trail!

Featured Image Source

From NOVA Trailblazers - 20s - 40s Backpacking and Hiking