Hard, 6.5 mi Loop
1,528 ft elevation gain
Hiked 9/19/25
This steep hike begins at John Browns Fort and takes you along the ruins of the stone fort at the top of Maryland Heights, a pivotal location in the civil war. The trail also leads to a fantastic viewpoint (which may be done alone as a mod. hike) overlooking Harpers Ferry and the Potomac River.
The steep trail leading up to Maryland Heights, which was climbed by defenders getting to their positions. It was also the route in which the retreating Union soldiers came down while returning to Harpers Ferry.
A wide shot from the Overlook at Maryland Heights towards Harpers Ferry and The Potomac River.
The old shell of a building sits beneath the steep cliffs of Maryland Heights.
I believe the closed trail is coming back from the overlook section, which I also did as part of the loop (but many were doing without going all the way up first). Or at least there was a trail that looked like a shortcut that was partially blocked by limbs. I almost took it as well, sounds like a good thing I didn’t!