Loudon Heights Trails

The marker inscription reads:
"I will pledge myself that there is not a spot in the United States which combines more or greater requisites...."
George Washington
May 5, 1798

Harpers Ferry's history and geography have influenced each other for more than 250 years. Early settlers crossed these mountains and operated ferries across the rivers. George Washington, impressed with the area's natural resources, convinced Congress to establish a U.S. armory and arsenal here. The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, which cut the gap through the Blue Ridge, provided the water power for industry at Harpers Ferry.

But Harpers Ferry's location had disadvantages too. The rivers that powered the factories brought frequent floods. The armory and defensible mountains attracted John Brown and his plan to end slavery. The mountain gap, armory, railroad, and canal made the area a military target during the Civil War. After the war had stripped the mountains of their trees and destroyed the town's industry, only Storer College and its education of former slaves provided hope for Harpers Ferry.

During your visit, look for the intermingling of geography and history - it is the story of Harpers Ferry.

The Lower Town Trail begins at the center rear of the visitor centor parking lot. The trail is a nice walk down hill. When comming back, this short trail may be tuff for its stairs. You have to take large steps going up the stairs.

Use caution when crossing the road. The visitor center shuttle bus uses this road.

Follow the trail behind the road barrier.

Use caution when crossing the road. The Loudon Heights Trail is on the Appalachian Trail and begins next to the entrance of the parking lot.

Follow the sign and take a scenic walk across the bridge.

You can see Maryland Heights Overlook, Jefferson Rock, Harpers Ferry Church, Loudon Heights, and Sandy Hook Bridge from the route 340 bridge.

The Loudon Heights Trail forest entrance begins under the route 340 bridge. Follow the stairs down the bridge to reach this point.

There is a small viewpoint next to the stairs. The trail continues up the stairs and across rocks.

The trail continues above this tree. You may need to grab on to a rock or root to climb up.

Use extreme caution when crossing the road. Cars drive very fast along this road.

This is probably the steepest part of the trail. Follow the trees marked with a white stripe (White Blaze Trail). Use caution when walking back down.

Make a left towards Sandy Hook Bridge. Follow the trees marked with a blue stripe (Blue Blaze Trail).

Harpers Ferry Town, Bolivar Heights, and Sandy Hook Bridge may be seen from this viewpoint.

Harpers Ferry and the Maryland Heights Overlook may be seen from this view point.

This huge boulder is along the trail. I wonder how the top boulder was able to roll down the mountain and stay on top of the lower boulder.

This location is known as Split Rock. This is a great spot to have lunch and to take pictures. The view is great throughout the seasons.

As an alternative way back, you may take the Orange Blaze Trail. The Orange Blaze Trail curve's around Loudon Heights and connects to the White Blaze Trail. I would suggest sticking to the same trail back down.

On the way back, you can see civil war camp ruins next to the trail.

The Visitor Center has restrooms and vending machines. Feel free to read nearby historical information plaques on Harpers Ferry.