C&O Canal and Weverton Cliff Hike
This a beautiful hike, but don't let the C&O Canal tow path walk lull you into thinking it's going to be easy. Look at the elevation profile and you'll see that after the nice walk on the C&O the remaining 1.5 miles to Weverton Cliff is a steep climb with multiple switch backs. The payoff is the beautiful view from Weverton Cliff and walk in Harpers Ferry.Starting in Harpers Ferry WV you cross the scenic footbridge over the Potomac River and walk along the C&O Canal tow path, get the heart pumping up to Weverton Cliff, then down and walk back to Harpers Ferry. You'll probably find yourself more tired than you expect as the total distance is just over 9.0 miles.
Another option is to park in Maryland at the Park & Ride off Weverton Rd (map point). This cuts out the C&O Canal tow path walk and just does the Weverton Cliff out/back portion of 2.0 miles.
For this 9.0 mile version, park at the Harpers Ferry Train Station and walk down to the pedestrian footbridge that crosses The Potomac River. Cross the river, descend the footbridge, and start following the the C&O Canal tow path/Appalachian Trail (A.T.) downstream.
In 1.2 miles the tow path passes underneath US340. Continue for another 1.6 miles where the A.T. will turn left off the tow path and cross an active set of train tracks.
After crossing the train tracks there is another parking area just before the A.T. crosses Keep Tryst Rd. The A.T. then starts its ascent and in 0.3 miles passes beneath US340. Israel Creek will be on your left for 0.1 miles at which point you reach the Park and Ride on Weverton Rd.
Cross Weverton Rd. The A.T. now steeply climbs with multiple switchbacks before arriving at the ridge and blue blazed Weverton Cliff Trail.
Turn right for the short 0.1 mile walk down to Weverton Cliff. At Weverton Cliff you have a beautiful 180 degree views of the Potomac River, with the Harpers Ferry area just visible at the very western point.
To return, just retrace your steps.
