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Visit a section of river between the confluence of the Potomac with the Shenandoah River and Point of Rocks, Md.
Shenandoah River
Harpers Ferry, W.Va.
Appalachian Trail
Brunswick, Md.
Point of Rocks, Md.
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The Appalachian Trail is a public hiking trail stretching 2160 miles from Georgia to Maine. The trail converges with the C&O Canal for more than 2 miles around Harpers Ferry, WV. For many hikers, this section is considered the psychological halfway point on the Trail.
Benton Mackaye, who campaigned for the trail in the 1920s, claimed that the trail was an important natural resource for America, stating "the ability to cope with nature directly; unshielded by the weakening wall of civilization; is one of the admitted needs of modern times."
More than 70 years later the trail is still heavily used and is considered the ultimate hike for many. The Appalachian Trail is marked by vertical white blazes along its course, with double blazes signaling turns, junctions and other variations in its course. Blue blazes are used to mark side trails, which often include shelters, water supplies and impressive views.
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club caretakes 240 miles of the Trail in this region along with 730 miles of trails in area parks.
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