Harpers Ferry in West Virginia is a crucial milestone for anyone who hikes the Appalachian Trail. Known as “the mental halfway point ,” it houses the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the land around it is a National Park steeped with Civil War history.
Does Appalachian Trail go through Harpers Ferry?
Welcome to the ATC Harpers Ferry Visitor Center
The Appalachian Trail Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry is one of the most well-known landmarks along all 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail .
What Mile is Harpers Ferry on the AT?
Appalachian Trail (MD): The Appalachian Trail, which goes from Georgia to Maine, goes through Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The town of Harpers Ferry is considered the psychological midpoint of the 2,190-mile trail, and is also the location of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters.
Do you have to pay to hike Harpers Ferry?
Effective January 1, 2019, the park's per vehicle fee will increase to $15, and the per person fee will increase to $7 . All of the money from fees remains in the National Park Service, with at least 80 percent retained by Harpers Ferry.
Are there bears in Harpers Ferry?
HARPERS FERRY — Hikers and bikers on trails in and around Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and Maryland Heights are encouraged to be aware of American black bears after bear sightings were reported in the area Thursday .
What is the half way point on the Appalachian Trail?
Far from the start, but nowhere near the end, you come to a renovated, three-story stone grist mill built in 1760 in Pine Grove Furnace State Park . This marks the halfway point! To celebrate, you participate in the thru-hiker tradition of attempting the “half-gallon challenge”...
Where is half way Appalachian Trail?
However, did you know that southern PA is where you'll find the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail? That's right, while the exact distance of the trail varies by a few miles from year to year, the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail can be found in Michaux State Forest in Cumberland County, PA .
Where is the halfway mark on the Appalachian Trail?
Hikers continue through South Mountain, where they can see the ruins of an iron furnace where firearms were constructed for the American Revolution. At this point in the journey, hikers reach the halfway point of the 2,178 mile-long Appalachian Trail at Pine Grove Furnace in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania .
How many miles a day on the Appalachian Trail?
Most hikers start out slow, averaging eight to 10 miles a day. They will eventually work up to 12 to 16 miles a day . Don't worry if you end up doing less some days and more on other days; as long as you set a goal for where you need to be each month, you will survive and successfully complete the trail before winter.
What is the hardest part of the Appalachian Trail?
Mount Katahdin
From the perspective of a northbound thru-hiker, the Appalachian Trail saves the most epic for last. That is to say, the trail's northern terminus, Mount Katahdin, is not only one of the most challenging ascents of the entire trail, it is also one of the most spectacular.
What is Harpers Ferry famous for?
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is known for the National Historical Park that documents the history of this small town in the state's eastern panhandle, focusing mainly on the raid of abolitionist John Brown and the Civil War battle in town.
How long does it take to hike the Appalachian Trail?
What to Expect. Completing the entire 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in one trip is a mammoth undertaking. Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way. A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire A.T.
What is the record time for hiking the Appalachian Trail?
Belgian dentist Karel Sabbe topped Joe ‘Stringbean' McConaughy's overall time on the Appalachian Trail and now holds the supported thru-hike record. The Appalachian Trail (AT) speed record now stands at 41 days, 7 hours, 39 minutes .
Where is the 1000 mile Marker on Appalachian Trail?
Is Harpers Ferry worth visiting?
Today, Harpers Ferry is home to some historic buildings, monuments, landmarks, and a charming little downtown district, and it makes for a great day trip or weekend destination . Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations.
How do I spend a day at Harpers Ferry?
- Hike Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. There are many things to do in Harpers Ferry but one of the most popular is going for a scenic hike. ...
- Register for Historic Trades Workshops. ...
- Visit Exhibits and Museums.
Can you drive in Harpers Ferry?
You can drive directly into the town of Harpers Ferry and park downtown, although parking is limited (more info below). The easiest way to get there is to park at the national park visitor's center and either walk or take the shuttle down into the town.
Do I need bear spray on the Appalachian Trail?
Don't run or play dead, even if the bear makes a bluff charge. Carrying firearms is strongly discouraged. If you're concerned, then carry bear spray instead .
How many bear attacks on the Appalachian Trail?
Bears have always been present along the Appalachian Trail, and between 2000-2016, there were only 23 fatal bear attacks in the whole of the United States.
What to do if you see a bear on the Appalachian Trail?
- Back away.
- Speak calmly and firmly.
- Avoid making eye contact.
- Do not run or “play dead” even if a bear makes a “bluff charge.”
What is the easiest state on the Appalachian Trail?
1. Springer Mountain, Georgia 75 miles (eight days) This part of the trail at the southern end of the A.T. may not get as much attention as others, but it is no less impressive.
Is the Appalachian Trail paved?
The National Trails System Act of 1968 designated the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail as the first national scenic trails and paved the way for a series of National Scenic Trails within the National Park and National Forest systems .
Which state contains the greatest number of Appalachian Trail miles?
Virginia . Virginia has the most mileage of the trail of any state with 550.3 miles (885.6 km) of the trail (one-fourth of the entire trail), including more than 20 miles (32 km) along the West Virginia border.
What cities does the Appalachian Trail go through?
- Georgia. Blairsville – Union County, GA. Dahlonega, GA. Gilmer County, GA. ...
- North Carolina. Fontana Dam, NC. Franklin, NC. ...
- Tennessee. Roan Mountain, TN. Unicoi County, TN.
- Virginia. Abingdon, VA. Berryville/Clarke County, VA. ...
- West Virginia. Harpers Ferry & Bolivar.
- Pennsylvania. Boiling Springs, PA. Delaware Water Gap, PA.
How many states does Appalachian Trail go through?
The trail runs from Mount Katahdin, Maine, to Springer Mountain, Georgia, passing through 14 states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia), 8 national forests, and 6 units of the national ...
Where does Appalachian Trail start and stop?
The Appalachian Trail
The Trail travels through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian Mountain Range, from its southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine .
