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+ 104

Appalachian Trail: Harpers Ferry to PA-16

Hiking Trail

Hard
42.03 mi
7,706 ft
Hike 41 miles through Maryland on the Appalachian Trail.

Leaving Harpers Ferry, cross over the Potomac River to begin the 41-mile stretch of the AT through Maryland. Many thru-hikers or trail runners attempt to complete this stretch in one day, but the average hiker should allocate 3 to 4 days for this segment. Considered one of the easier portions of the trail, this is a great opportunity to test out whether or not a longer thru-hike if right for you. Follow the C&O Towpath to Weverton before climbing up to the spine of South Mountain. Along the way, the trail passes Crampton Gap, Lambs Knoll, Fox's Gap, and Turner's Gap—a notable access point to Washington Monument State Park and home to the first completed Washington Monument. A 40-foot-tall stone tower sits atop Monument Knob in honor of the first President of the United States. Further north on the trail, you'll cross over I-70 on a footbridge. A short spur leads to an adjacent state highway that serves as a popular trailhead to reach Annapolis Rock and Black Rock. A significant amount of roadside parking is available and in the spring and fall this area can become extremely busy. Just a few miles north, look for a spur to Annapolis Rock. Passing through a small campground, the trail emerges onto a rocky outcropping with killer views to the west. Slightly north on the trail, you'll reach the Black Rock, another picturesque overlook that's less visited due to its distance from the road. As the trail continues north, you'll cross through a quiet and relaxing stretch as the trail continues to the Pennsylvania state line. After several road crossings, you'll reach the northern trailhead for this segment, PA-16. Sources: Written by Brendon Voelker
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Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
U.S. 340 Climb0.77 mi502 ft12.3%
Weverton Climb1.65 mi837 ft9.5%
Ed Garvey Shelter to Gathland State Park3.52 mi-259 ft-0.9%
Gathland State Park to Rocky Run Shelter5.22 mi810 ft0.2%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.24 mi177 ft13.9%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.73 mi299 ft7.7%
Rocky Run Shelter to Reno Monument Rd.0.94 mi141 ft1.4%
Reno Monument Rd. to US 40A0.95 mi-118 ft-0.3%
Washington Monument Rd Climb0.83 mi492 ft11.1%
US 40A to Washington Monument 1.84 mi420 ft4.3%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.32 mi187 ft10.9%
Washington Monument to Interstate 702.77 mi-253 ft-1.6%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.50 mi194 ft7.2%
Pleasant Walk Rd Climb0.64 mi525 ft15.5%
Pleasant Walk Rd Climb0.39 mi157 ft7.5%
Annapolis Rocks to Wolfsville Rd.6.28 mi-509 ft-1.2%
Appalachian Trail Climb1.03 mi302 ft5.5%
Wolfsville Rd. to MD 771.38 mi400 ft3.8%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.54 mi331 ft11.5%
Foxville Rd. to 4912.51 mi-600 ft-4.0%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.29 mi210 ft13.4%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.70 mi607 ft16.3%
Raven Rock Appalachian Trail Climb0.50 mi495 ft18.6%
Raven Rock to Mason Dixon Line4.95 mi-656 ft-1.7%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.68 mi164 ft4.6%
Pen Mar High Rock Road Climb0.75 mi180 ft4.5%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.43 mi302 ft13.1%