+ 95
Appalachian Trail: Tucker Lane to Harpers Ferry
Hiking Trail
Hard
44.07 mi
9,609 ft
The AT passes through the lowlands, ending at Harpers Ferry
After leaving the high peaks of the Shenandoah National Park Area, this segments provides a nice break as it traverses through the lowlands on its way to Harpers Ferry.
Along Tucker Lane, just a few hundred feet north of Interstate 66, you'll find a parking area along the east side of the road. The popular day hiking area of Trumbo Hollow is located due south on the Appalachian Trail.
As the trail heads north, it passes through a Wildlife Management Area before skirting around Sky Meadows State Park. Both historic and scenic, this area holds 20+ miles of hiking trails and also provides access to the Appalachian Trail.
Crossing John Mosby Highway, the trail skirts around the infamous Mount Weather. The command center for FEMA, this facility has been crucial in times of natural disaster and war. It is also an evacuation site for key civilian and government officials due to its remote location in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Ahead on the trail, pass over Buzzard Hill before reaching Bear's Den Park, where you'll be welcomed with a rocky, exposed overlook.
Shortly after, a spur trail leads to a large trailhead on the southern side of the road at Snicker's Gap. If you stay on the AT, cross the highway to reach the Raven Rocks Trailhead. Roughly three miles north, a craggy overlook provides killer views from a rocky vantage point. This area serves as a popular day hiking destination and a popular starting point to shuttle the 20+ mile hike to Harpers Ferry.
After a break at Raven Rocks, the trail remains relatively quiet as it heads north and passes through Keys Gap. Though seemingly remote, the trail passes through a narrow corridor of land between rural neighborhoods and farmlands.
Just before descending to Harpers Ferry, you'll reach Loudoun Heights. According to Wikipedia, "The peak, which overlooks Harpers Ferry, was used by Stonewall Jackson to bombard the town during the Battle of Harpers Ferry". The Loudoun Heights Trail also serves as a popular day hiking loop beginning in West Virginia.
Crossing into Harpers Ferry, you'll be welcomed into the quaint town that serves as an iconic and historic landmark for thru-hikers.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
After leaving the high peaks of the Shenandoah National Park Area, this segments provides a nice break as it traverses through the lowlands on its way to Harpers Ferry.
Along Tucker Lane, just a few hundred feet north of Interstate 66, you'll find a parking area along the east side of the road. The popular day hiking area of Trumbo Hollow is located due south on the Appalachian Trail.
As the trail heads north, it passes through a Wildlife Management Area before skirting around Sky Meadows State Park. Both historic and scenic, this area holds 20+ miles of hiking trails and also provides access to the Appalachian Trail.
Crossing John Mosby Highway, the trail skirts around the infamous Mount Weather. The command center for FEMA, this facility has been crucial in times of natural disaster and war. It is also an evacuation site for key civilian and government officials due to its remote location in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Ahead on the trail, pass over Buzzard Hill before reaching Bear's Den Park, where you'll be welcomed with a rocky, exposed overlook.
Shortly after, a spur trail leads to a large trailhead on the southern side of the road at Snicker's Gap. If you stay on the AT, cross the highway to reach the Raven Rocks Trailhead. Roughly three miles north, a craggy overlook provides killer views from a rocky vantage point. This area serves as a popular day hiking destination and a popular starting point to shuttle the 20+ mile hike to Harpers Ferry.
After a break at Raven Rocks, the trail remains relatively quiet as it heads north and passes through Keys Gap. Though seemingly remote, the trail passes through a narrow corridor of land between rural neighborhoods and farmlands.
Just before descending to Harpers Ferry, you'll reach Loudoun Heights. According to Wikipedia, "The peak, which overlooks Harpers Ferry, was used by Stonewall Jackson to bombard the town during the Battle of Harpers Ferry". The Loudoun Heights Trail also serves as a popular day hiking loop beginning in West Virginia.
Crossing into Harpers Ferry, you'll be welcomed into the quaint town that serves as an iconic and historic landmark for thru-hikers.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP ;) | 0.77 mi | -217 ft | -5.3% |
| Segment | 0.53 mi | 210 ft | 7.5% |
| Segment | 0.34 mi | 171 ft | 9.4% |
| Segment | 0.58 mi | 423 ft | 13.7% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.58 mi | 509 ft | 16.4% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.27 mi | 141 ft | 9.8% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.25 mi | 167 ft | 12.2% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.28 mi | 213 ft | 14.5% |
| Coulson Ln Climb | 0.47 mi | 423 ft | 16.9% |
| Ratcliffe Ln Climb | 0.46 mi | 282 ft | 11.5% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.51 mi | 449 ft | 16.5% |
| AT North - Rt 7 to Raven Rocks Overlook | 2.44 mi | 413 ft | 1.9% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.46 mi | 302 ft | 12.4% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.50 mi | 394 ft | 14.7% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.86 mi | 476 ft | 10.4% |
| Segment | 0.69 mi | 272 ft | 7.4% |