Appalachian Trail: Gathland State Park to Harpers Ferry
Meander through Civil War history on this 10.5-mile section hike of the Appalachian Trail.
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From the trailhead, go south along a forested ridgeline from the site of the first Maryland Civil War battle, Crampton Gap. At the 500-foot Weverton Cliffs, enjoy views of three states before switchbacking down to the foamy Potomac. Turn right (west) for the final three miles, which follow the river on the flat gravel C&O Canal Towpath to Harpers Ferry, the AT’s official midpoint and another important Civil War site.
Contact: Gathland State Park; dnr.state.md.us
-Info provided by Courtney Trusty
TO TRAILHEAD: Shuttle car: From Frederick, MD, drive west on US 340 W (toward Harper’s Ferry, WV). After crossing the South Fork Shenandoah River, turn right onto Union St. In .4 mile, turn right onto Washington St. In .3 mile, turn right onto McDowell St. Follow it .2 mile to roadside parking.
Start: From shuttle car, backtrack to US 340 E and follow it to the exit for MD 67 N (toward Boonsbore). In 5.7 miles, turn right onto Gapland Rd. In 1 mile, turn left onto Arnoldstown Rd. Go 400 feet to parking on the left.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 16.8
Waypoints
HAR001
Location: 39.405991, -77.639386
Begin at the trailhead, located at the intersection of Gapland Road and the end of Arnoldstown Road.
HAR002
Location: 39.404628, -77.640236
Follow the trail as it turns east, and then south along a forested ridgeline from the site of the first Maryland Civil War battle, Crampton Gap.
HAR003
Location: 39.382856, -77.64909
Reach a pipeline, and continue straight (south).
HAR004
Location: 39.366552, -77.658861
Pass a blue-blazed trail, and look northwest for views of Elk Ridge.
HAR005
Location: 39.3601, -77.662568
Pass the spur trail to Ed Garvey Shelter on left.
HAR006
Location: 39.359822, -77.662029
The Ed Garvey Shelter is one of the AT’s nicest, with its glassed-in second story. Retrace your steps to HAR005, and then track south toward Weverton Cliffs.
HAR007
Location: 39.333331, -77.676457
Follow blue blazes to the south for views above the Weverton Cliffs.
HAR008
Location: 39.332069, -77.676564
At the 500-foot Weverton Cliffs, catch views of three states before switchbacking down to the foamy Potomac via HAR007.
HAR009
Location: 39.332795, -77.682052
Arrive at Weverton Road after losing roughly 400 feet of elevation.
HAR010
Location: 39.332913, -77.683188
Follow the AT as it turns southwest.
HAR011
Location: 39.331489, -77.685163
Road-hike through the I-340 underpass.
HAR012
Location: 39.329875, -77.682491
Reach Kepp Tryst Road and continue east.
HAR013
Location: 39.32987, -77.681528
Pass over railroad tracks, and turn south toward the Potomac River.
HAR014
Location: 39.329277, -77.681483
AT turns west to follow the flat gravel C&O Canal Towpath to Harpers Ferry, the AT’s official midpoint and another important Civil War site.
HAR015
Location: 39.325667, -77.706492
Cross US 340 on the Sandy Hook Bridge, and follow the trail west.
HAR016
Location: 39.324146, -77.726267
Cross a footbridge here.
HAR017
Location: 39.32313, -77.728872
AT turns west.
HAR018
Location: 39.323055, -77.730505
Reach a set of stone steps and continue heading east.
HAR019
Location: 39.322949, -77.730826
Keep heading east toward the Harper Cemetery.
HAR020
Location: 39.322747, -77.732905
Pass Jefferson Rock.
HAR021
Location: 39.322878, -77.7404
Turn right on the blue-blazed trail to reach your shuttle car.