C&O Home  GAP Home
The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage
Georgetown/Washington Bethesda MD Potomac MD Seneca MD Poolesville MD Leesburg VA White's Ferry MD Point of Rocks MD Dickerson MD Brunswick MD Harpers Ferry WV Shepherdstown WV Sharpsburg MD Williamsport MD Downsville MD Big Pool MD Hancock MD Little Orleans MD Paw Paw WV Oldtown MD Cumberland MD Great Allegheny Passage C&O Canal Towpath Merchandise C & O Canal Towpath Trail Map
switch to GAP map Cumberland MD Frostburg MD Meyersdale PA Garrett PA Rockwood PA Markleton PA Ohiopyle PA Connellsville PA Perryopolis PA West Newton PA Buena Vista PA Confluence PA Harnedsville PA Dawson PA Smithton PA C&O Canal Towpath Sutersville PA Boston PA McKeesport PA Homestead PA Pittsburgh PA Great Allegheny Passage Merchandise Great Allegheny Passage Map
switch to C&O map

Harper's Ferry Bridge Issue
Go to Forum
EdW from LA, CA on 12/22/2019 11:06:28 AM:
Freight train derails and falls into Potomac River near Harpers Ferry, W.Va. - The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/freight-train-derails-and-falls-into-potomac-river-near-harpers-ferry-wva/2019/12/21/6970e6f2-240a-11ea-a153-dce4b94e4249_story.html
 
Blue Fork from Atlanta on 1/6/2020 8:47:37 PM:
where can one find updates regarding repairs, and when the pedestrian access will return?
 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 1/6/2020 9:27:01 PM:
There does not appear to be a scheduled or estimated return to service of the pedestrian bridge across the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry at this time. The Appalachian Trail website below may be the best source of updates regarding repairs.

https://appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/trail-updates#WV



 
Matt from Charlotte on 1/9/2020 11:13:38 AM:
DISCLAIMER: I have no real experience and am simply in the planning stages of my trip

it looks like there is a 1.5mile detour that could bring you into Harper's Ferry slightly down the trail using US-340. Granted it looks like a busy 2 lane road, but with a considerable shoulder. This is only an issue if you plan on stopping in Harpers Ferry as the pedestrian bridge only connects the AT and does not obstruct the C&O. Obviously, ride at your own risk.

I had planned on overnighting in Harpers Ferry, but now it looks like Shepherdstown is going to be the better bet.
 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 1/9/2020 3:25:43 PM:
Rt 340 is fast and fairly heavy traffic (at least west of HF which I rode in route to Harpers Ferry (HF)) with some sections where the shoulder narrows. Depending on your tolerance for car traffic, it could be a little daunting.

Shepherdstown would be a fine alternative overnight albeit without the same historical significance but very quaint in and of itself.

Given the historical significance of HF and the traffic from both the C&O Canal Towpath and Appalachian Trails, I would expect that local officials will stress the importance and timeliness of repairs to the pedestrian portion of the bridge by CSX Railroad. I'd keep a close watch for plans and progress which may enable you to maintain your plan to visit HF without traversing Rt 340.
 
FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!
More info: C&O Home C&O Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us
 
By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2024 BikeCandO. All rights reserved.
BikeCandO and BikeCandO.com are registered trademarks.