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Explore the Trail: West Virginia

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (Photo: David Reus)

From the north, the Appalachian Trail enters West Virginia at Harpers Ferry by way of a footbridge over the Potomac River. Only about four miles lie in West Virginia proper, passing within just a quarter-mile of ATC headquarters, then crossing the Shenandoah River, ascending the Blue Ridge at Loudoun Heights, and straddling the Virginia-West Virginia border for the next fifteen miles. The Trail also straddles the Virginia-West Virginia border several hundred miles farther south, near the New River.

Harpers Ferry is historic and scenic and is served by Amtrak and commuter trains that run into Washington, D.C. It makes an ideal location to start or end a hike. Get a map of Harpers Ferry(PDF), including local hiking trails, services, and attractions.

West Virginia at a Glance
A.T. mileage	4 miles
Difficulty rating	2-3
Elevation	265—1,200 feet
Guidebook	Appalachian Trail Guide to Maryland and Northern Virginia with Side Trails
When to go	Mid-April through mid-June. September and October. Summer heat and humidity can occasionally be oppressive.
Trail club	Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

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Explore the Trail: West Virginia

West Virginia at a Glance