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 Reporter |
Summary: This is part 4 of 4 hikes that could be done as individual day hikes or strung together for a 4 day backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail to complete the state of Maryland. This hike begins near Weverton at Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter, one of the finest shelters along the AT. If you've spent the night you will wake to a southern view of an awesome sunrise, giving warmth to the start of a new day. The hike out to Weverton is along smooth, flat trails. Prior to the tough switchback descent you will do well to take the side trail (blue blazed) down to Weverton Cliffs. The views both east and west along the Potomac are awesome. To the west you can just make out the Episcopal Church steeple in Haper's Ferry. The descent is steep and rocky but this is followed by several miles of flat, wide, smooth towpath hiking to Harper's Ferry, thus completing the Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail. Trailhead: This hike is intended to begin at Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter. However, you can begin near US 340. Just take MD67 North from 340 and turn right on Weverton Road. On the right is the parking area for the AT. But don't simply start from here towards Harper's Ferry. It is a tough climb but you will miss out on an awesome view if you don't first climb north-east up to Weverton Cliffs. (Lat:39.33493 Lon:-77.67531) Trail Guides for Appalachian Trail MD - Ed Garvey to Harpers Ferry: Appalachian Trail Guide to Maryland and Northern Virginia by Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (Potomac Appalachian Trail Club) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (www.patc.net) 703-242-0693 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Talbert, who has posted 20 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Stacy & Jeff on 7/2/2008 Error: Reserved Word Found: ;
Reviewed by AMAZONEV on 1/25/2008 Perfect quick 45min drive from Rockville about 1hr hike up back down and home for a juicy morning hike (like 4 hrs). Nice getaway alone but also a neat short hike with a group for a picnic. And you can say you sampled a piece of the Appalachian Trail.
Reviewed by MCM on 11/27/2007 It is the steeple of a Catholic, not Episcopal church, in Harper's Ferry that is visible for miles.
Reviewed by Bruce D on 10/28/2007 Started at I-70 and ran all the way to the C&O at Weaverton. Was an excellent run - took about 4 hrs to finish the 19.1 miles. Had no plan to make good time - just wanted to check it out. Made it with 2 - 16 oz water bottles with no problem. This run will make you feel beat up physically and you have to really focus not to fall or roll ankles. 19 miles on this part of AT felt like 24 normal miles. Beautiful Fall day, started at 50 deg and lots of hikers on the trail. Being my first time on this trail, the white blaze was confusing while running and easily lost in a few spots - like after coming to the parking lot at the Washington Memorial. Ed Gaver shelter was cool but was the only shelter I saw over the stretch. 
Reviewed by Mike T. on 10/7/2007 We started in Harper's Ferry and hiked North, towards the Ed Garvey shelter. The approx. 4 mile (what it seemed like) trail along the river was flat and easy, but when we started going uphill it got super difficult, especially with a heavy backpack. Right before the Ed Garvey shelter there's a campsite with a firepit that my friend set up a couple of years ago. Apparently the rangers are okay with this spot since when we went back the pit was still there. Also, we checked the spring near the Ed Garvey shelter and it was nowhere to be found...maybe we missed it, but I'd look into it if you're relying on a refill there. The hike back to Harper's Ferry was MUCH easier, but the rocks were a bit precarious, causing slight slipping.
Reviewed by JBP on 7/31/2007 Did not start at Ed Garvey. Nice hike from Weverton parking area to Harper's Ferry. No real change in elevation once you reach the C&O canal since AT follows the C&O canal to HF. Also recommend taking a bike along C&O canal path right out of Harper's Ferry, and going up Maryland heights.
Reviewed by The Brit on 7/13/2007 Umm... The hike from Ed Garvey to Weverton was certainly NOT along smooth, flat trails!! VERY rocky. This reporter must have been confused. Steep descent to Weverton on the blue blazes - quite nice views. Descent down to towpath was quite good fun, but you really have to watch your footing. The towpath was the worst part of the whole MD section by far - hard on the feet and seemed to go on forever. Harper's Ferry nice, if you like that kind of thing. John Brown's had great coffee and brownies for really reasonable prices - nice end to the hike.
Reviewed by Ruth Ann on 3/5/2006 My sister and I really enjoyed this hike because it was a day hike. We got on the trail at Gathland State Park. It was an easy, fun hike. The EG shelter is one of a kind. We would like to go back and spend the night there. We thought the short hike to the Weaverton Cliffs was well worth the effort. Even the switchback going down the bluffs wasn't too hard. (That switchback was my introduction to the AT about 25 years ago). I found it easier this time. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Maryland Hiking, Maryland Trails, Maryland Hikes, Frederick County Hiking, Frederick County Trails, Frederick County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||