Sunday, December 4, 2011

Appalachian Trail - Harper's Ferry

So today I decided to take a break before my next round of finals and go to Harper's Ferry in West Virginia to check out the Appalachian Trail! As someone who has spent a lot of time in the Wilderness of Northern Minnesota the Appalachian Trail had always interested me, so I decided there was not time like the present to go check it out.

Obviously the Appalachian Trail is probably most famous for the infamous attempts at "Through hiking" it. Meaning hiking the 2,100+ miles from Georgia to Main all at once. Doing so takes between 4-6 months and only about 25% of those who start it manage to successfully finish it.



As I just had one day I did what many other people do which is go to one of the many trail heads and do a day hike on the Appalachian Trail. So I headed to Harper's Ferry which is only about 60 miles from DC. Harper's Ferry is a neat area because in addition to being in the Appalachians it is also the location of the intersection of the Shenandoah and the Potomac Rivers.

I hiked North on the trail up to the Weverton Cliffs which overlook Harper's Ferry and the two rivers there. While the area was quite scenic I must admit that it was a bit "busier" than I would have preferred. The Cliffs had a nice overview of the rivers, mountains, and the surrounding areas but also of a major highway and railway which were constantly busy. Also there were a lot of people out on the trail, a function no doubt of the fact that it was 50 degrees and sunny out in December! 
Weverton Cliffs
Hiking down the Appalachian Trail
After enjoying the cliffs I decided to hike further North along the trail to get a bit further away from everything. As I went further along the trail I ran into fewer people and the noise of civilization dissipated. Later down the trail I discovered one of the many shelters that exist along the trail. Apparently they build and maintain actual backwoods structures or cabins for people to camp in. I thought this a bit over the top based on my time in the BWCA (which is 100% traditional tent camping) but at the same time having a more sturdy structure to stay in from time to time I imagine could be nice. When I got to the structure it was already claimed for the night with a number of tents already sent up nearby (I guess there is no 9 person maximum rule here).

Shelter on the Appalachian Trail
Goat!
Back at the Weverton Cliffs for Sunset
I imagine that like most wilderness places the Appalachian Trail would be best if you had several days that way you could get away from the more populated areas and day hikers (like me!) and thereby find more solitude. While this section of the trail might not exactly be what I am used to in Northern Minnesota or the BWCA it still was really nice to get outside and hiking on a warm sunny day in December before getting back to hitting the books once again for finals!

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow what a post i am so impressed here can you more share here i will back to you soon as soon possible and also i have some information for you just click here Schengen Visa. I think you will inspire here.
Thanks for sharing with us,....



Schengen Visa

Honeymoon bed breakfast said...

Sounds like a good place for hiking. You must try Virginia's Shenandoah Valley trail too. It's good for hiking, fishing, and mountaineering. You love to explore it.

Amy Hein said...

Hey Carl,

How far North did you hike on the AT, and then you just turned around and came back? Also, do you remember how long it took?

My husband and I are taking a day trip to Harpers Ferry later this month (while we are in MD visiting family- we are MN natives and also love the BWCA) and we want to do a day hike on the AT while there and I'm just trying to figure out which way to go and how far :-)

Thanks~
Amy

Kevin said...

Hi, after reading this awesome piece of writing I am as well delighted to share my familiarity here with colleagues.

Nepal Footprint Holiday trek said...

Wow … very nice Article Thank you very much for post.
Anybody like to Trekking in Nepal?
Please Contact ,,,,
Nepal footprint holiday are an authorized licensed trekking company that allows us to operate tours and all tourism related services in Nepal such as tours in Nepal, trekking in Nepal, hiking, climbing in Nepal, biking in Nepal, adventure treks in Nepal. if you interested Please Contact Us
Nepal Footprint Holiday Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Paknajol Marg Thamel Kathmandu Nepal
E-mail: info@trip2himalaya.com
treknepalhimalaya@gmail.com
website : http://www.treknepalhimalaya.com/