The famous Appalachian Trail stretches out for over 2000 miles, from Maine to Georgia. For hikers that want to take the trail from one end to the other, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is considered the “psychological halfway point” of the trail. If you’d rather not spend months hiking the trail and just want see a small portion where it passes through West Virginia, here’s your guide to the trail, from Virginia to Maryland, through Harpers Ferry. It’s just a four-mile hike.

The West Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail runs through the historic town of Harpers Ferry.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
From Virginia, the Appalachian Trail crosses a bridge over the Shenandoah River.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
You'll see a sign marking this spot in the trail between Maine and Georgia.
WikiMedia Commons/Pete unseth
Although it's not quite the geographic halfway point in the trail, Harpers Ferry is considered to be the psychological halfway point by most thru-hikers.
The trail passes near the ruins of St. John's Episcopal Church.
WikiMedia Commons/HarpersFerryNPS
The church suffered damage in the Civil War, and was abandoned when a new church was built.
Jefferson Rock is considered part of the trail.
WikiMedia Commons/Pubdog
Thomas Jefferson stood on this rock and said of the view: "this scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic."

Related Stories

This Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In All Of West Virginia

This Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In All Of West Virginia

 The Unrivaled Canyon Hike In West Virginia Everyone Should Take At Least Once

The Unrivaled Canyon Hike In West Virginia Everyone Should Take At Least Once

 It's Impossible Not To Love This Breathtaking Wild Flower Trail In West Virginia

It's Impossible Not To Love This Breathtaking Wild Flower Trail In West Virginia
Climbing the rock gives you great views of Harpers Ferry.
WikiMedia Commons
The steeple seen here is St. Peter's Catholic church.
Go a little further, and you can see the church up close.
Flickr/Mariano Mantel
The original church was built in 1833, and then modified in 1896 to the style we see today. It was the only church in Harpers Ferry to escape destruction during the Civil War.
You'll also pass by John Brown's Fort.
WikiMedia Commons/MamaGeek
This old fire station is where John Brown tried to lead a revolution to stop slavery.
Harpers Ferry ends at the Potomac River, where an old railroad leads to the state of Maryland.
WikiMedia Commons/MountainRail
The Appalachian Trail coincides with the C&O Canal Towpath just over the Maryland border.
You can stop by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters for more information about the trail and Harpers Ferry.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Address: 799 Washington Street Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807

For another interesting sight in Harpers Ferry, check out this abandoned hotel that nature is reclaiming.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore West Virginia