Pen Mar Park to Harper's Ferry

[10-K]

My wife and I just returned from hiking the Maryland section of the trail. This was a very important trip because after hiking 1000 miles of the AT by myself I finally convinced my spouse to go on a hike with me. I think she's hooked. :)

We started Saturday morning about 8:00 AM and finished Monday around noon. The weather was absolutely beautiful the entire weekend.

I think this section is a perfect introduction to the AT. There are a few mild climbs, a good sprinkling of rocks, and a lot of gentle well graded trail. Water was plentiful and we found nice campsites each night. The shower at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground was a treat as was the Free State hostel where we had our lunch on the first day.

I'd like to thank everyone who made suggestions and provided me information for planning this hike. I'm getting pretty far away from home and my knowledge of what's "up there" is pretty thin and you guys are great when it comes to helping out with pre-trip planning.

I've attached a thumbnail of Marie just as we started our decent into Harper's Ferry. As you can see, she still has a smile on her face and the hike is almost over so it looks like I have a new hiking partner. (don't know if the pic will display properly but trust me - she's smiling :) )

[Ratchet-SectionHiker]

Glad you had a good time! Me and my wife are doing the same trip next week. Where did you park your vehicle in Harpers Ferry? We are getting a shuttle ride to Pen-Mar and leaving one vehicle in HF and was looking for a good spot for a few days. Thanks!

[Hooch]

For parking, contact the Outfitter at Harper's Ferry. I'm sure they can direct you to something.

Who is shuttling you to Pen-Mar? What's it costing ya? I'm thinking about doing that setcion in the fall and am starting to look into options.

[CowHead]

you can park at the national park at Harpers Ferry the go to the AT center in town nice place and follow the blue to the trail. Also there's some places at Weverton Cliffs parking spot

[Hooch]

you can park at the national park at Harpers Ferry the go to the AT center in town nice place and follow the blue to the trail. Also there's some places at Weverton Cliffs parking spotCool, thanks. Know of a good source for a shuttle to Pen-Mar? I have an e-mail out to the Outfitter folks to see if they know anyone, but still haven't heard back from them.

[CowHead]

There is a few folks around WB that live in Harpers Ferry that might lend you a hand what our the dates your planning to be in the woods I might be able to help also I live about 1 hr away from the trail

[Ratchet-SectionHiker]

Actually my mother in law who lives in Westminster MD is giving us the shuttle and unfortunately she's not the kind to give rides to strangers! Hope you have a great time

[10-K]

Cool, thanks. Know of a good source for a shuttle to Pen-Mar? I have an e-mail out to the Outfitter folks to see if they know anyone, but still haven't heard back from them.

We stopped at the Free State Hiker hostel for lunch and there was a list of 4 or 5 different folks who shuttle in the WV/MD area on the bulletin board. I bet you could email the owner of the hostel (bonepac@gmail.com) and ask him for some of the names and numbers on the list.

[sbennet3]

I'm planning the same trip in a couple of weeks. This will be my first hike in quite a few years. Have already arranged a shuttle from Harpers Ferry. Should I plan on 3 or 4 days? How much weight did you carry?

[CowHead]

first time way to much second and third and six time about a 30 lb pack that's food, water, shelter and other things the make hiking fun. There's a hostel, a great restaurant and shelters galore..this time of year shelter's are empty and very peaceful

[Toolshed]

Did it last october - Shelters near empty, though you have to put up with the mice.
Took me 3 days at about 13 miles per day. Don't forget change for the pop machines at the state parks you pass.

[Kerosene]

My future wife and I backpacked from Duncannon to Harpers Ferry (110 miles) back in June 1979. I was going to take a picture of her at this same overlook, but as her knee was bothering her she definitely wasn't smiling. She married me a year later, but I've never been able to convince her to come with me again. :-(

[10-K]

Did it last october - Shelters near empty, though you have to put up with the mice.
Took me 3 days at about 13 miles per day. Don't forget change for the pop machines at the state parks you pass.

Coke machines were all unplugged or otherwise dysfunctional when we went through there in July. I was really looking forward to a coke too. ;-)