River & Trail

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Maryland Heights Trail Hike

Enjoy expansive views of the Shenandoah & Potomac Rivers at their confluence in Harpers Ferry, WV. This half day hiking trip is a must do in the DC metro area!

Scenic hike to harpers ferry overlook 

The Maryland Heights Trail to the famous Harpers Ferry Overlook is the area’s BEST for scenic hikes. You’ll enjoy views that dazzled none other than Thomas Jefferson himself! Add to the blockbuster scenery is an area rich in American history – this is a bucket list area hike! 

C&O Canal to Maryland Heights Trail

The trail begins just across from the historic C&O Canal, that threads its way up the Potomac River. You’ll climb steadily up a picturesque stream valley, lined with rock outcroppings and forests. When you reach the top of the mountain, a side trail winding through the woods leads you to the spectacular overlook of two rivers and three states. Maryland Heights towers above the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers and Harpers Ferry National Park. You are on top of the entire DC metro region!

Add Tubing Fun for $20 More!

whitewater or mellow tubing trip for only $20 more is the perfect way to cool off after your hike.

Available For Groups of 10+

Groups of 10 or more can sign up for this Maryland Heights Adventure. 

Harpers Ferry History

“Harpers Ferry played an especially important role during the Civil War. So important was this site that it changed hands 8 times during the four years of the war. Batteries of artillery occupied several sites on the surrounding hills including the slopes of Maryland Heights. The early abolitionist John Brown seized an armory in Harpers Ferry and made a valiant last stand against federal troops.” – Charles D.
Learn more About Harpers Ferry.

Trip Info

Minimum Group Size is 10 people.

  • $40 per person, group rates available. Email sales@rivertrail.com or call 301-834-9950 for a quote. 
  • Price includes: Hiking guide and transportation
  • Suggested Age: 7+
Pricing based on Groups of 10 or more.

Add 5% amusement fee + $2.50 user fee/person.

  • Departure times: 8:30am, 11:30am, 3:00pm
  • Trip length: 2-3 hours (duration can be customized)
  • Season: Year round

HIKERS: SUGGESTED ITEMS TO WEAR AND BRING

On cooler days:
Sneakers or hiking boots, wool or thermal socks, fleece shirts/jackets, wind breakers, gloves, wind breaker pants, optional wicking under garments (long johns, not cotton) and hat

On warmer days:
Sneakers or hiking boots, shorts, t-shirts, baseball style hat or visor

Suggested items to bring:
Sunglasses, chapstick, sunscreen, bottled water, snacks (granola bar, etc.), camera, backpack to carry items in

Directions To River and Trail Outfitters in Knoxville, Maryland

604 Valley Road Knoxville, MD

From the Baltimore area:
Take I-70W to Frederick. Take Exit 52 onto 340W for 16 miles. Turn right on Valley Road at the yellow flashing lights just before the Potomac River Bridge. We are immediately on the left.

From the Washington D.C area.:
Take I-270N to Frederick. Merge with I-70W toward Hagerstown. Move to far right lane immediately. Take Exit 52 onto 340W toward Charles Town. Follow 340 for 16 miles. Turn right on Valley Road at the yellow flashing lights just before the Potomac River Bridge. We are immediately on the left.

From the Northern Virginia area:
Take the Greenway to Route 7W or get directly on Route 7W (Leesburg Pike) past Leesburg. Exit onto Route 9W toward Charles Town. Approximately 2 miles after the small town of Hillsboro, turn right onto Route 671. At the T-intersection turn right onto 340 and cross the Potomac River Bridge. Turn left at the first Maryland intersection (yellow flashing lights just past bridge) onto Valley Road. We are immediately on the left.

From the Harpers Ferry WV area: 
Take 340 N, go approximately 3 miles past Harpers Ferry, crossing over the Shenandoah and Potomac River bridges into Maryland. Just after the Potomac River Bridge, turn left at the yellow flashing lights onto Valley Road. We are immediately on the left.

When you arrive at River & Trail, continue 1/2 mile past it to the top of the hill to find turn arounds in the developments on the right. DO NOT TURN AROUND IN ANY OF THE SMALL DRIVEWAYS BEFORE THIS. This may cause an accident or a ditched bus!

adventure Add-ONs

Harpers Ferry campground - Brunswick Family Campground - family camping

Brunswick family campground

Relax at our riverfront campground beside the Potomac River and the C&O Canal Towpath, just 15 minutes from Harpers Ferry. Tent, RV and cabins available. Bike, canoe, kayak and tube rentals onsite. Playground, pavilions, bath house, camp store. Campers get 10% discount on select River & Trail activities.

Rafters on the Shenandoah River - River & Trail Outfitters

Rafting

Add an afternoon whitewater rafting trip on two rivers and through three states to your itinerary! Guided whitewater rafting provides a great way to experience natural and Civil War history from the water. Group rates are available for your hike & raft combo. Contact our group sales person for more information!

Canoeing

CANOE & KAYAK RENTALs

Add an afternoon paddle following your hike. Enjoy a 2 hour mellow and beautiful section of the Potomac River where great blue herons and eagles fly. Brunswick Family Campground where you check-in also offers great opportunities for picnicking between activities. Contact our groups sales person for more information!

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