An interesting story and a nice view above Harper's Ferry…read moreJefferson Rock is one of the highlights of Harpers Ferry. It gives a good mix of history, scenery, and a bit of historic adventure that personifies the town. The hike to the rock takes you up the hillside, passing by the iconic St. Peter's Catholic Church along the way. The path itself is fairly manageable, and most sections have railings, but once you reach the rock the protection stops. Because of this, I would recommend the visit only for those who are sure-footed and comfortable with uneven ground, as the drop-offs can be intimidating without barriers. The payoff, however, is worth the effort. From a position next to the rock you get a sweeping view of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, as well as the historic town of Harpers Ferry nestled below. The vantage point is both dramatic and peaceful, giving you a sense of why, according to the stories, Thomas Jefferson, during his travels, found this very spot so moving that it now bears his name. For those who wish to explore more, you can continue on the trail past Jefferson Rock and make your way to the Appalachian trail, which adds another layer of history to the walk. The informational sign could use a little care but, overall, this is a scenic and meaningful stop, best enjoyed with good shoes and sure footing. Enjoy.

Rock formation on ApplachainTrail, a short distance from lower town of Harpers Ferry, yet a steep…read moreand very uneven climb to get there - be careful. The rock/area is famous for Thomas Jefferson standing there in 1783 and stating "worth a voyage across the Atlantic." It is a breath taking view! You pass the remains of St Johns Episcopol church and St Peters Church along the way. Worth the walk!

This is a unique section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in that it's less about hard core hiking and…read moremore about history. Although you might see an occasional through hiker. This part of the AT is connected to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NHP) which has lots of Civil War history attached to it. For more details see https://www.nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/hikes.htm The hikes here are very easy with little elevation change. But you will get many beautiful views and like I said there plenty of historical stuff to connect with as well. For more details or volunteer options check out the PATC at https://www.patc.net/

Probably one of the best National Park situated in between the Northern Virginia and West Virginia…read morebordering the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The Potomac river runs all the way to and is about 61 miles from Washington DC. As we checked in the visitor center we were immediately greeted by a Park Service in full Ranger uniform. We paid the customary $10 per car then he handed us a map of Harpers Ferry. From the visitor center a complimentary bus takes you to the main historic town about 2 miles from the parking lot. Today, there was a special tour with a Park Ranger who enlightened us in great detail of the history including particularly of the armory it once was which equipped the US Capital for its defense all the way from the South. Most of all, the story of John Brown, the abolitionist but could be also be contested as a rebel, depending on one's learning curve. There were a few dwellings and museums and especially the building where John Brown was held up when he was captured during his attempts to raid the armory back in those days, so as to help the cause in freeing the slaves. This building was considered sacred as it triggered the civil war, or so it was thought to have started. The curators at its dwellings were knowledgeable and passionate about their jobs and to me, should serve as the model for how historical places should be curated! Thanks to our lady bus driver who drove us back n forth to the visitor center, Elliot who gave us a history tour of the museum and more importantly, the amazingly enthusiastic Park Ranger David Cox who guided us through a very thoughtful story of its history and told it as if he were speaking of the events as it was happening just then. Great job! Too bad we were pressed for time or we would have lingered longer for a hike on the trails connecting the Appalachian Trail to that area or to cross or kayak the Potomac. It was an awesome day of about 60 degrees in the middle of Winter. It could not have been a better day to visit. I'll definitely come back to either kayak or try out inner tubing in the Summer time. Very well worth a visit!

We decided to start our hike to Weverton Cliffs, here at the Potomac Wayside Park. We drove right…read morepast it the first time. Then, coming back toward the Exxon station from MD, we saw the "merge" lane into the "Park". I mean there were tons of no parking signs until at the end where you could fit 3 cars. I was second car. I was confused as I didn't see any park. But the Appalachian Trail went over 340 bridge so we just suited up and headed across the bridge. The walk across the bridge was a lot longer than it looked. When we came back to the car after our journey We saw the sign for Potomac Wayside Park. Didn't help much. There's still nothing to see, until I googled the location to add to Yelp. Google says there's a trail to take you to a waterfall but honestly, we saw that trail when we parked and immediately thought, that's someplace where homeless would burrow and druggies and the like, so I was surprised to read that the trail was actually part of the "Park." Park address is Purcellville VA but the sign on the gravel road said it was part of the Harper's Ferry NPS. Check it out. Take some pictures. Then I might come back. I come to Harper's Ferry every couple years and if legit, I'll give it a try.

Great Views. Short hike. This is on the AT. Go North from parking area on the trail. 1 mile to…read morefirst rock top view. Theres a sign at a small trail intersection. Go straight for the rock top view. Then back track to the sign and follow another mile to a cliff hang out. Amazing. So then my red flags started going off. I was the only car in the lot. Im hiking all alone......I started to frak myself out a little due to the trail after the views becoming thin and obviously less traveled. Big rocks fit for wild cats and lots of berry trees for bears.... even worse, I thought about bad humans...Sadly but smartly I turned around and hiked back to the car. Listen to your red flag feelings people. Instincts matter.

This hike is on the A.T. Trumbo Hollow (day hike) starts on…read moreVa State Rte 55/John Marshall Hwy in Linden Va. Same place as the the Manassas Gap Hike I went on two weeks ago but across the street. Again, lots of great parking. Starting at Rte 55 going onto Trumbo Hollow you are going Southward on the AT. No views but a great hike. Saw a lot of thru hikers today, most of which commented to us about the great weather! Today's 80 degrees and breezy is amazing compared to heat index of 110 degrees last week so these guys were all talking about it as we met them on the trail. Crossed some creeks and walked through 3 nice size fields which I think is cool when you are in the woods forever and then the world opens up into a sunshiny field. With the breeze, it was perfect.3 miles to reach Jim & Molly Denton Shelter. It was actually quite nice. A wooden privy out to the side and showers on the other side... a cooking station and the shelter itself even had a porch and rocking chairs. These thru hikers must think this is the MGM out here. I obviously thought it was impressive. Then we just turn and walk the way back. Nothing spectacular except doing what you love to do. Hiking. I love it. It lifts all my worries and stresses off my shoulders with each step and I feel like I have accomplished something. Of course I took my friend with me again. He laughs when I text him asking what he's doing. He knows what I'm going to ask! Though I love hiking by myself, (loner by choice), my friend is the best hiking partner ever. We just shut up and hike. Every once in a while we laugh or act stupid but mostly we are quiet and just keep hiking. I did see one snake. That was it. A Northern Ring-Neck Snake. It's actually the second one of these I've seen so far in July and the second ever in my lifetime. I thought that was pretty odd. But these snakes are so tiny. They are so thin and only reach about 12-15 inches. Perfectly harmless. I'd probably do this hike again. I liked the flow of it well enough and it's close to home.

OK, I haven't hiked the entire trail to PA. I've only hiked from Roosevelt Island to 495 bridge,…read morenot a short hike nonetheless. I have seen: perhaps the biggest trees in VA lots of junk [makes me want to clean up water ways and stop people from polluting] the three sisters rocks anchored boats in the summer folks biking on the canal trail across the river Georgetown U. I have fished for spawning fish with my Dad as a kid, and caught quite a few. I have found some of the most tranquil space inside the Beltway possible. You can hike nearly the whole trail on a weekend without seeing other people. Note: if there has been a lot of rain recently, be wary. Trees can be down across the trail and high water in the Potomac can be very treacherous.

The scenery along this trail is amazing. You feel like you are in a completely different place,…read moretransported farther away from the city than you really are. Almost completely shaded, the trail is a nice respite from the heat in summer, with beautiful views of the river year round. The trail is lightly used, which can be a good or a bad thing. It means that it will be peaceful and less crowded than other hiking trails in the area, so it is good for trail running. But it also means that you can feel isolated. I'll admit that I have run the trail alone, but I immediately realized it was a bad idea. Now I prefer to bring company. The trail does get a little rocky at parts, so if you're trying to run, expect some slower going. The only downside to this trail is that the section that is closest to the city (starting at Roosevelt Island) is littered with trash. I have never seen so much litter in a park in America before.

This was exactly what I was looking for:…read more Low key historical location Close proximity to where I'm staying Mostly flat pebble lined trail (bugs love me!) 3-5 miles long, depending on which trail you pick Signage posts along the trail to explain events that took place

Outdoor joggers and dog walkers would be fine with this location, but Civil War aficionados should…read morekeep in mind this place is still a work in progress. There are two trailheads; this address is for one of them, located in the wood line of a nearby school. Park in their back parking lot. Ignore your GPS; it had fits trying to point me to the right place. The trail is just that; a somewhat circular gravel walking path thru the woods, with Civil War information plaques explaining key points of the battle every so often. Nothing fancy by any means. This place has no bathrooms and is very secluded. If you're adverse to walking thru the woods alone, you might not be comfortable here. http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/thirdwinchester/maps/cwpt-third-winchester.html

This is a serene little park along a river. While it was cold and a bit windy while I was there, I…read morestill enjoyed waking around. There is an interesting kayak launch ramp where you might need macGyver to launch safely.

Nice river to go canoeing looks of parking spaces. Family friendly atmosphere great to place to…read morehave a picnic or cook out,