Take a Hike! (DMV)

Come along for a scenic hike at Harpers Ferry where you can reconnect with old friends and make some new ones, all while enjoying the outdoors with a bit of exercise and fresh air. We'll take in the breathtaking views from Maryland Heights, a highlight that promises to make the hike worthwhile.

From the town, we will take the Overlook Cliff Trail and hike up to Maryland Heights. At the Maryland Heights, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet and the picturesque town of Harpers Ferry below. This trail is moderately challenging, requiring good hiking shoes and some stamina. The climb involves a long incline of about 1,000 feet, but thankfully, it’s much easier going back down.

After enjoying the views, we’ll head back down and gather for an optional lunch and drink at Harpers Ferry Brewing. The weather will be nice, making it a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy good conversation with new friends while taking in the spectacular scenery.

To learn more about the trail, click the link in the Trail Map section below.

Meeting Time & Location:
9:30 AM at the National Parks Visitor Center, located at 171 Shoreline Drive
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. We'll meet in front of the visitor center.

Distance: 4.11 miles

Elevation Gain: 1027 feet

Difficulty: Medium
This hike is rated as medium difficulty, primarily due to the initial elevation gain of 1,027 feet. The trail is wide and well-maintained, with no stream crossings or rock scrambling involved. We'll take regular breaks during the more strenuous ascent to make the climb more manageable.

Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.

Pace: Moderate Pace
We’ll maintain a steady, comfortable pace with regular but brief breaks for a balanced mix of exercise and enjoyment.

Parking
Ample parking is available at the Visitor Center. Please note that you'll need to purchase a park entrance pass for $20 or have a National Parks Annual Pass (including the lifetime senior pass) to access the parking area.

Come enjoy a day filled with fresh air, great views, and friendly company as we hike Sugarloaf Mountain! This hike is all about enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise, making new friends, and sharing a memorable experience with a great group of people.

We’ll meet at the West View Parking Lot (check the map pin for the exact location) and head out on a 5.5-mile loop that will take about 3 hours. The hike kicks off with a good workout along the Blue Trail loop. About mid way, we’ll pause to take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and catch our breath at a scenic overlook.

After the hike, join us for a casual Happy Hour meetup at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. The Friday Happy Hours offer food, wine & music, from 4 to 7pm.
It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy good conversation, and toast to a fantastic day spent outdoors.

We’re excited to have you join us! Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, bring water, and pack your positive energy. Let’s make this a fun and refreshing day together!

Meeting Time & Location:
We’ll meet at 1:00pm at the Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot. Look for us by the picnic tables near the trailhead.

Distance: 5.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 965 feet

Difficulty: Level 3 - Intermediate Hike
This hike is rated Level 3 for its moderate inclines. The trail then descends for about 3 miles, with a few final inclines returning to the parking lot. There are no stream crossings or rock scrambles.

Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.

Pace: Moderate Pace
We'll walk a steady, comfortable 2 mph pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment.

Parking
We’ll park at the West View Parking Lot, which has plenty of spaces available and is a convenient starting point for our hike. Please refer to the event map to locate the correct parking area. Do not park at the East View Parking Area, which is the first parking area you’ll pass.

** Trail Map **
We will be hiking the Blue trail loop.

Restrooms
There are a couple of porta-potties located at the trailhead for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike.

Come enjoy a day filled with fresh air, great views, and friendly company as we hike Sugarloaf Mountain! This hike is all about enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise, making new friends, and sharing a memorable experience with a great group of people.

We’ll meet at the West View Parking Lot (check the map pin for the exact location) and head out on a 5.5-mile loop that will take about 3 hours. The hike kicks off with a good workout along the Blue Trail loop. About mid way, we’ll pause to take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and catch our breath at a scenic overlook.

After the hike, join us for a casual Happy Hour meetup at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. The Friday Happy Hours offer food, wine & music, from 4 to 7pm.
It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy good conversation, and toast to a fantastic day spent outdoors.

We’re excited to have you join us! Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, bring water, and pack your positive energy. Let’s make this a fun and refreshing day together!

Meeting Time & Location:
We’ll meet at 1:00pm at the Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot. Look for us by the picnic tables near the trailhead.

Distance: 5.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 965 feet

Difficulty: Level 3 - Intermediate Hike
This hike is rated Level 3 for its moderate inclines. The trail then descends for about 3 miles, with a few final inclines returning to the parking lot. There are no stream crossings or rock scrambles.

Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.

Pace: Moderate Pace
We'll walk a steady, comfortable 2 mph pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment.

Parking
We’ll park at the West View Parking Lot, which has plenty of spaces available and is a convenient starting point for our hike. Please refer to the event map to locate the correct parking area. Do not park at the East View Parking Area, which is the first parking area you’ll pass.

** Trail Map **
We will be hiking the Blue trail loop.

Restrooms
There are a couple of porta-potties located at the trailhead for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike.