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Hiking to Harper's Ferry Overlook cliff
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Naismith from Florida on 6/23/2013 10:46:11 AM:
We were wondering about pulling over and hiking to the Overlook Cliff from the C & O trail. Map is here
http://www.nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/upload/Md-Hts2011-2.pdf
but has anyone actually done this? It doesn't look far on the map, but I note all those elevation lines. Wonder how long it typically takes? And whether it can be done in the lighter gym shoes we use for cycling (not bringing heavy hiking boots on this trip).
 
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 6/23/2013 5:03:46 PM:
My wife and I did this. I should note that this was done on a seperate vacation trip to Harper's Ferry, we were not biking. This was done a number of years ago so the memory is a little fuzzy. I do believe you should be o.k. with your shoes. I do remember it was a fairly steep trail but "steepness" is somewhat relative. I do remember working up a sweat...lol. My wife and I do not agree with how long it took. Again, we were on vacation and not in any hurry. We spent a good deal of time at the top.

One question for you. What are you going to do with your bikes while you are hiking? The trail is pretty busy along there. We do not remember seeing anywhere specifically to park your bikes. Just something to consider. Hope this helps
 
Naismith from Florida on 6/23/2013 7:05:17 PM:
Um, there is a car parking lot at the bottom of the trail, and we thought there would be someplace to park the bikes there, locked to a tree if not an official bike rack?
 
Randy on 6/28/2013 2:50:59 PM:
There is a rack where you can lock your bikes near the Pedestrian Bridge on the C&O Side. And be sure to LOCK your bikes!

You will hiking up Maryland Heights. It is fairly steep, but sneakers should be okay. Take plenty of water. As you hike up the trail it eventually splits off to a left and right trail. The left trail takes you to the remains of the old Union Fort at the top of Maryland Heights. This trail is very rocky. Saw a rattlesnake on the trail.
Be sure to take the rightmost trail when you come to the Split. The entire hike may take a couple hours but when you reach the Vista it is worth it. Incredible views of Harpers Ferry and the Shenadoah and Potomac Rivers. It's beautiful!
 
Jeffro from Greensburg on 5/19/2015 2:09:16 AM:
This thread is awesome and absolutely deserves a bump! I have been to/stayed at Harpers Ferry at least five or six times previously, and never knew about the existence of this trail! I would always say to people, "Man, it would be cool to see the view from the top over there!" No one ever mentioned to me that a trail exists, and I guess that it's easy to miss the trailhead after a day of biking, when you're focused on getting across the bridge to the actual town. Awesome post, thanks!
 
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