One of the easiest ways to enjoy The Mountain State’s natural beauty is to take one of the best hikes in West Virginia. Here is a trail that offers both history and beauty, and the view from the overlook is stunning. The Maryland Heights Trail gives hikers ample opportunities to experience many aspects of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in one walk including geology, history, and of course the breathtaking and unpredictable wildlife in a natural habitat.

The Maryland Heights Loop Trail is 6.3 miles long but can be broken up into two smaller trails. The fastest way to the Maryland Heights Overlook is 4.5-miles-round-trip from the Master Armorer's House. Add the Stone Fort Loop trail for another 2 miles. Up up for a more strenuous hike? Take the 9.5-mile-trip from the Visitor Center to Maryland Heights Overlook including Stone Fort Trail.
Maryland Heights, 171 shoreline drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
Emily Mitchell/Alltrails
The hike takes you on a climb of 1,633 feet to a gorgeous overlook. The trailhead is near the Harpers Ferry Visitors Area to park and access the free shuttle system. The trail is also accessible from Lower Town Trail.
Directions from the Master Armorer's House in Lower Town: Turn right to merge with the Appalachian Trail at the end of Shenandoah Street. Walk under the railroad trestle to the Point. Cross the footbridge over the Potomac River and take the spiral staircase to the C&O Canal Towpath. Turn left and follow the C&O Canal Towpath for 0.3 miles. The wooden footbridge over the canal bed will head to Harpers Ferry Road. Cross it and see the Maryland Heights trailhead.
Mary Johnson/Alltrails
This trail immerses you in the beauty of the Potomac River.
The path is lined with trees. It is well-marked, easy to follow, and open during daylight hours.
Emily Mitchell/Alltrails
Offering glimpses of the past along the way, keep your eyes peeled for some Civil War history. Watch for remnants of the fortifications Union soldiers built in 1862. At the summit, you will discover remains of the fort.
PR Bajra/Alltrails
And what mother nature has to offer in terms of beauty is endless, such as these cool rock formations.
Kenneth Grimm/Alltrails
Though some of the trail is steep, other parts are relatively flat. Overall, this hike is considered moderately challenging.
Michael Flavin/Alltrails
While this trail is often crowded on weekends, if you can hike it during the week you'll likely find quiet solitude.
Michael Flavin/Alltrails
The overlook offers all of this. What a great reward for your efforts. Don't forget your camera to take some awesome shots of Harpers Ferry.
Lisa H/Alltrails

Have you hiked the Maryland Heights Loop Trail? If you go be sure to update yourself with information about current closures in portions of the trail for repairs or other habitat considerations. If you’re ready to do some more exploring, check out these 9 hiking trails in West Virginia that lead to unforgettable places.

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Where is another one of the best hikes in West Virginia?
The Endless Wall Trail in New River Gorge is a 2.4-mile moderate hike going along a cliff edge, passing through thick forests, and crossing Fern Creek. Take the opportunity to enjoy the plentiful views along the way, especially the Diamond Point overlook and the spectacular views of the New River almost 1,000 feet below. Wait for whitewater rafters going by braving the unpredictable rapids. In addition, the area offers significant historical resources as it's the site of the Nuttallburg Mine, which was the largest mine in the New River Coalfields in the late 1800s.
Where is an easy hike in West Virginia?
The Marion County Trail is a 2.5-mile paved hike accessible to bicycling, wheelchairs, in-line skating, and cross-country skiing. It takes you along Pricketts Creek through the rural countryside of Marion County. The big payoff of this hike is the 1,200-foot lighted Meredith Tunnel under Speedway Avenue and Suncrest Boulevard. To access this trail, park on the north end at Prickett’s Fort State Park or on the south end on Morgantown Avenue in Fairmont, West Virginia.
Where is a great restaurant near a hiking trail in West Virginia?
If the trail gets your stomach growling, head over to Smokehouse at Blackwater Falls located at Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis, West Virginia. Join them for fun days, such as Taco Tuesday, and their menu offers a big variety on one plate. If you are hungry for meat, be sure to try the Smokehouse Sampler with chicken, baby back ribs, pulled pork, and smoked kielbasa; or the Angus beef brisket, which is slow-smoked for 12 hours.

 

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