Harpers Ferry footbridge closed indefinitely

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Ray (webmaster) from on 2/21/2020 12:14:16 PM:

News article confirms forum discussion from a couple weeks ago...

Harpers Ferry, W.Va., footbridge is closed indefinitely after December train derailment

Washington Post, 2.21.2020

A footbridge used by hundreds of thousands of hikers each year to cross the Potomac River in Harpers Ferry, W.Va., is closed indefinitely, National Park Service officials said.

The pedestrian path was damaged two months ago when a CSX freight train derailed on the tracks next to it.

...

Full text of article:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2020/02/21/harpers-ferry-footbridge-remains-closed-indefinitely-following-december-derailment/

John from Pittsburgh, PA on 2/25/2020 12:23:19 PM:

Thanks for passing that along Ray.

I wonder how long this downed connection from the C&O to the town of Harpers Ferry will last? Hopefully a solution will be found soon.

As of now it looks like I’d make Shepherdstown my sleeping destination when in this area.

Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 2/25/2020 1:52:00 PM:

John: If you truly would prefer to stay in the Harpers Ferry area and the pedestrian bridge is still closed, you might want to consider the Hillside Hotel in Knoxville, MD. I stayed there a few years ago. It is/was older and rather modest. There was a decent restaurant across the street as well. It is also an uphill ride from the trail up Sandy Hook Rd. It is about 2 miles from the trail at the pedestrian bridge.

John from Pittsburgh,PA on 2/25/2020 7:35:37 PM:

Interesting suggestion Rivnuts. The location certainly would work.

How did you reach town from the trail? Can you access the Sandy Hook bridge from the trail, it’s really high up there?

Oh I see it now. Looks like you have to exit at Knoxville and get to Sandy Hook. Doable mileage for sure though. I will definitely consider this.

John

Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 2/25/2020 10:49:14 PM:

John: You can get onto Sandy Hook Rd readily from the trail. Then take Sandy Hook Rd up to Keep Tryst Rd. No way, need or desire to get up onto Rt 340. I suggest you call ahead to ensure the "hotel" is open. It was a low budget/cost operation but it was clean and quiet as I recall.

Willy from Alexandria VA on 2/25/2020 11:11:40 PM:

Hillside Hotel is still open.

I stayed there twice during my up and back DC to Pittsburgh this year.

It seems to be thriving.

And Yes I give a hearty thumbs up to the Guide House Grill Across the street.

And for those who wish, there is a well stocked liquor store just next to the Hillside in case you need a sip of medicine during your travels.

Willy from Alexandria VA on 2/26/2020 11:09:48 AM:

Oh yeah another thing...
You can access Keep Tryst Rd from the C&O canal at approximately mm58. Look for the sign directing you to the Appellation Trail as it leaves the C&O and goes up the hill.
After crossing the train tracks go to your left on Keep Tryst Rd. It is 1.8 miles to the Hillside Hotel.

John from Pittsburgh,PA on 2/26/2020 7:19:41 PM:

Thanks to both of you for the directions and suggestions. I can clearly see the Keep Tryst Rd, Appalachian Trail, and the hotel clearly on Google Maps now. It all makes sense.

I would definitely book the hotel before committing to that ride into town. With HF potentially inaccessible, this hotel might see a huge uptick in guests.

So cool it has a restaurant across the street as well as a liquor store next door. What more does a touring cyclist need?! ; - )

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