Sunday

SUNDAY

Sunday, June 2, 2024

On Sunday we walk from Turners Gap to the Maryland/West Virginia border at Harpers Ferry. Distance hiked: about 17 miles.

The hike begins with the ascent of Lambs Knoll, the highest spot on the AT in Maryland. The ascent is a bit strenuous, but the trail is not too rocky. There is an overlook to the east, toward Middletown and Burkittsville, Maryland, called White Rocks, a little past the summit of Lambs Knoll.

Just after noon we arrive at Gathland State Park in a pass through the mountains called Cramptons Gap.

Gathland Park is a major highlight of the weekend. Plans for the big picnic lunch are ongoing.

When we leave Gathland, we ascend again to the ridge at the top of the mountain until we reach the blue blaze trail descending to Weverton Cliffs, with views of the Potomac River upstream all the way to Harpers Ferry. Going down to the top of the cliffs is optional. Be careful with your footing, especially near the cliffs where a fall could easily be fatal. Leaving the intersection to Weverton Cliffs, we descend on multiple switchbacks to the level of the Potomac, then follow the C&O Canal towpath for a little less than three miles to the footbridge across the Potomac. We have finished walking all the way across Maryland.

In Harpers Ferry, we first meet up near John Brown’s Fort. We traditionally start our celebratory meal with dessert first: ice cream cones, sundaes or floats. Then we stop at a restaurant with outdoor seating for a wrap-up dinner with appropriate cold drinks. 

Daily schedule (schedule details subject to change):

Meet in Harpers Ferry at 8 am. Check ahead of time about parking permits. A few carpool vehicles will transport all the hikers to Turners Gap, approximately 9 am. Leave Turners Gap.

12:15 pm. Arrive at Gathland State Park for picnic lunch (address: 900 Arnoldstown Road, Burkittsville, MD 21758).

1:30 pm. Leave Gathland.

4:30 pm. Support vehicle at Weverton road crossing.

6 pm. Arrive at Harpers Ferry.

How to get to Harpers Ferry:

Directions to Harpers Ferry:

From Boonsboro, take MD 67/S. Rohrersville Road 12 miles to US 340 West. Take the Shenandoah Street exit and follow it into the park. Turn on Potomac Street and follow it to the train station. Park at the train station.

Warning: Parking at Harpers Ferry is limited. You should plan well ahead of time regarding where to park and how to pay for it. Click on this link for detailed information.