Folks,
I will be hiking the 50 mile section from Harpers Ferry to Route 30-Caledonia State Park in a couple of weeks. For those familiar with this section, any suggestions? What not to miss? Water availability? Can we camp(tents) anywhere along this section? I’ve gathered from the forum that this section is ridge hiking, not too steep or rocky. Suggestions where to park a car at Harpers Ferry? Any info would be helpful and appreciated.
Thanks, in advance.
Flipper
Flipper
This section is relatively easy (emphasis on relative). As you are aware, it is mostly ridge walking and fairly level. When you do come to gaps the ascents and descents are fairly short (usually under 500 vertical feet) and have lots of switchbacks. Although the trailway is generally very nice, there are still some rocky sections in the northern half. They are nothing to worry about, but they will give you a short taste of what you would encounter in Northeast PA.
With regards to water, this section is very forgiving. Like many ridgewalks, good springs are sometimes few and far between, but the section has a number of other options that are often quite conveniently spaced. Running water (and often bathrooms with flush toilets) is available at Gathland State Park, MD (Crampton Gap); Dahlgren Backpack Campground, MD (try to plan on spending night here if possible. It has bathrooms, showers and it’s in walking distance to a nice hiker-friendly restaurant); Washington Monument State Park, MD (an odd-ball of a monument that is nothing like the “real” Washington monument); Penn Mar Park (at MD/PA border) and at Old Forge Picnic Ground, PA. You will also cross several streams that could be used for water sources (do yourself a favor and treat any stream water). There are also the usual assortment of springs at shelters, and, with recent heavy rains, they, hopefully, will be running, but, since shelters are often quite far off the trail, you can avoid them unless you are actually staying in them by just filling up at the various parks and streams mentioned above.
Along with the stops mentioned above, make sure to check out each of the overlooks. Most are quite close to the trail and usually the views are quite good. My personal favorite is Weverton Cliffs, which looks down on the Potomac River and Harper’s Ferry, but there are several others that merit checking out, too. Also, if you are a history buff, keep your eyes open for historical markers. The Battle of South Mountain during the American Civil War was fought across several of the gaps in the southern part of Maryland, and the trail literally passes right through scenes of the fighting. Also for history buffs, your stop point (Route 30) is only about 10 miles west of Gettysburg. If you want to see some more history, take a quick cruise through the park before heading home (Route 30 goes right into town and right through the battlefield). It is worth the trouble.
Ken G.
I did this section a year ago and loved it. Would recommend staying the first night at the new Ed Garvey shelter. Huge double-decker shelter which is in real good shape and with a nice privy. its only a 7 mile walk from HF but you’ll be glad you stayed there. water is about .4 down hill(only drawback).
As far as parking, we left our car at the national historic park right in town. There are tons of signs for it, i believe its right on 340. The rangers have you fill out a pass and an itinerary. The gate is locked and your car stays protected. There is also a shuttle that drops you off downtown, right at the AT. You follow it right to the pedestrian bridge that crosses into Maryland.
As ken mentioned Dahlgren is also worth stopping at. Old south mountain inn has great food, but expensive. you can shower at the campground for free and then go eat. Nice field to watch the stars, just beware the police drive up and do rounds at night-they scared us half to death as we were walking back. Ensign Cowall is also a nice big fairly new shelter, not a bad place to stay. The water is not a problem because of the parks along the way, so dont worry. have fun and watch those rocks
A-Train
I’ll second the other two comments. Very pretty and good section. You might also think about parking at the hostel just North of H.F. I don’t have my book with and the name escapes me. It’s located where where you leave the tow path and just before you hit Weaverton Cliffs. H.F. to Dalhgren is about 18 miles. Might be a bit much for the first day. A-Train is right about the Ed Garvey shelter… a real palace. The only shelter I’d warn about is Devil’s Racecourse. It’s an OLD shelter and it’s down a VERY steep hill. Camp on top of the hill and just get water from below. All the parks make it an easy and pleasant hike. If you happen to hit Penn Mar State Park on a weekend… You’ll be in trail magic heaven. Even a DEAD hiker could score major trail magic in Penn Mar on a nice weekend! Should be a great trip… enjoy.
Moose
Man, all your talk makes we want to go back and hike it slower. I was forced into the MD challenge and passed everything very quickly. I know I know… If someone told you to jump off a cliff, would you? I almost did by the time we got to Weaverton Cloffs. Sooooo tired! We did stop at most of the overlooks. I recommend them also. I’m pretty sure you can arrange parking with the Hill House in HP. In fact, a guy we met was going to leave his car there for 3 months.
Grimace
My buddy and I are doing almost the same section the weekend of the 7th. This info has been great. Any chance anyone might know of a way to get a ride from Ashby’s gap to Harpers on the morning of the 7th (Friday)? It would be me and my friend Marineboy
Dude
Dude - I live near there and hike that stretch all the time. Let me know when you’re going to be around and I’ll see if I can give you a ride.
Trenchmouth
Ken and others,
Thanks for the replies. The information is valuable and we will follow your recommendations. Good summmer to all.
Flip
Flipper