Is hiking on your list of things to do while you’re visiting The River Bend Retreat? Well, you are in luck! Not only do you have the 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath practically at your doorstep, but if you’re looking to mix it up a bit with some more challenging hiking experiences, there are a lot of great opportunities very nearby!
Maryland Heights at Harpers Ferry
This is absolutely THE “must do” hike in the area! It’s a moderately strenuous, out-and-back hike that is very popular for its stunning view of Harpers Ferry from the lookout point. If you can only do one hike while you’re here, this is it!
Loudoun Heights at Harpers Ferry
The lookout point along the Loudoun Heights trail provides another fabulous view of the charming little town of Harpers Ferry, WV. Begin this hike on the A.T. in Harpers Ferry. Next, cross over the Shenandoah River on the Rt. 340 bridge. Then follow the white A.T. blazes into the woods until you come upon the offshoot trail (left turn) that leads to the overlook. For more info., check out the Loudoun Heights trail map.
The Appalachian Trail
Gathland State Park
Gathland State Park is the location of the National War Correspondents Memorial. The large, striking, stone structure with it’s arches and castle-like appearance stands along the path of the Appalachian Trail as it passes through the park. You can pick up the A.T. here for an out-and-back hike or go south on the A.T. all the way to the C&O Canal Towpath.
Weverton Cliffs
From its lookout point, the Weverton Cliffs hike provides a very nice view of the Potomac River and the surrounding mountains of Virginia and West Virginia. The hike can be done as a fairly quick, but quite strenuous, out-and-back hike from the parking area on Weaverton Cliffs Road. It can also be a major highlight of a longer A.T. hike from either Harpers Ferry or Gathland State Park.
Annapolis Rock
The overlook at Annapolis Rock provides a fantastic, westward view across Washington County. It is a moderately strenuous, out-and-back hike accessed via an offshoot trail from the A.T. The best place to park for this hike is in the lot on Route 40 near Canada Hill Road. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
High Rock
High Rock is yet another very enjoyable stopping point along the A.T. For day trips, good endpoints for your hike are Pen Mar Park in Highfield-Cascade or Raven Rock Road in Smithsburg. However, one great feature of the High Rock overlook is that it is possible to drive right up to the overlook area. A beautiful time to arrive is just before sunset. Bring a picnic dinner and watch the sun slowly say “Goodnight”.
Antietam Battlefield
Antietam National Battlefield is often overlooked when the idea of hiking is being considered, but it is another wonderful option! Combine a hike over the serine, rolling hills of the battlefield with an interesting American history lesson. The Battlefield offers miles of hiking trails that take you through the landscape of the bloodiest day of warfare in American history. Two of our favorites are the Bloody Lane Trail and the Final Attack Trail which begins at the famous Burnside Bridge.
The C&O Canal Towpath
Having the C&O Canal just steps away is one of the big reasons we fell in love with our property. We treasure our (almost) daily walks on the towpath. Over the years, we have become very familiar with the section between Harpers Ferry and Williamsport. We’ve outlined the main points of interest for you here. We hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!
