A path covered in fallen autumn leaves leads through a forest with colorful foliage in the background.

Harpers Ferry Park Association

LXCL:Grants entry to the program. This fee directly supports interpretive and education programs in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Guided Hike Fee

Maryland Heights rises steep and rugged above Harpers Ferry, its cliffs layered with Civil War history. During the war, the strategic value of this high ground could not be overstated. Whoever held Maryland Heights controlled the town below&mdash;and the fate of the surrounding region. In 1862, during a visit to Harpers Ferry, Abraham Lincoln set out to inspect federal troops on the mountainous terrain of Maryland Heights rising above the town, where a stone fort would soon be constructed, but wasn&rsquo;t able to make it all the way up&hellip;can you? We&rsquo;ll pass three Union gun sites and beautiful overlooks before reaching the fort at the top of Maryland Heights. Along the way, we&rsquo;ll see bald eagle nests and other native and exotic species.&nbsp; Come prepared with proper footwear, plenty of water, and a lunch or snack to eat at the top. This hike is 7+ miles, rated Difficult to Strenuous, has a 1000ft elevation gain, and steep walking on dirt roads and trails. Meet at the Point in Lower Town, Harpers Ferry.

Maryland Heights rises steep and rugged above Harpers Ferry, its cliffs layered with Civil War history. During the war, the strategic value of this high ground could not be overstated. Whoever held Maryland Heights controlled the town below—and the fate of the surrounding region. In 1862, during a visit to Harpers Ferry, Abraham Lincoln set out to inspect federal troops on the mountainous terrain of Maryland Heights rising above the town, where a stone fort would soon be constructed, but wasn’t able to make it all the way up…can you? We’ll pass three Union gun sites and beautiful overlooks before reaching the fort at the top of Maryland Heights. Along the way, we’ll see bald eagle nests and other native and exotic species.  Come prepared with proper footwear, plenty of water, and a lunch or snack to eat at the top. This hike is 7+ miles, rated Difficult to Strenuous, has a 1000ft elevation gain, and steep walking on dirt roads and trails. Meet at the Point in Lower Town, Harpers Ferry.

Harpers Ferry Park Association

Holding the High Ground: Hike to the Stone Fort on Maryland Heights

Maryland Heights Trail

Guided Hike Fee

$10