View Full Version : Help with D.C. side trip from Harpers Ferry
Hello everyone! I'm thru-hiking and will be in Harpers Ferry in about a week. I am planning to take a day trip over to DC and am wondering if anyone could offer any suggestions on how to handle that logistically. I know how to get there, but what is the best way to get around town to see as many sights as possible in a day? Also, are there any decently priced hotels or hostels in the city? I'd like to only spend one day there and catch the train back to Harpers Ferry in the evening if possible. If not, then I could stay there if I have to.
Thanks ahead of time for your help! FYI: it may be next weekend before I'm able to log back on and see your responses.
Bud
Well the train drops you at Union Station, which is kinda right were you want to be, When you leave Union Station the capital building is almost right in front of you.. the capital building is the far end of the "mall area " which include the white house, Washington monument, Lincoln memorial, air and space, art, then Arlington cemetery is the other end.... you really don't need a car or anything, its all within walking distance(4-5 miles).....here a a map of everything ... http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A0PDoKwN9OJR2C0A44qjzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTIxbG tlNnZ2BHNlYwNmcC10aHVtYnMEc2xrA2ltZwRvaWQDODAxYzYy ZjUwZGRkYmYzMDljYWQ2ZTVhNjBjYjNlOTUEZ3BvcwM2?back= http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fimages%2Fvi ew%3Fp%3Dwashington%2Bdc%2Bmall%2Bmap%26tab%3Dorga nic%26ri%3D6&w=1000&h=778&imgurl=www.thewall-usa.com%2Fbuttons%2Fnational_mall.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.simout.com%2Fwashington-dc-national-mall-map&size=182.7KB&name=Washington%2Bdc%2Bnational%2Bmall%2Bmap&p=washington+dc+mall+map&oid=801c62f50dddbf309cad6e5a60cb3e95&fr2=&fr=&tt=Washington%2Bdc%2Bnational%2Bmall%2Bmap&b=0&ni=128&no=6&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=11l99iv9m&sigb=12k9q09q9&sigi=11d7rj10d&.crumb=cAVsoyxVWna&
rocketsocks
07-14-2013, 14:59
Walking is probably your best bet to see sites in only one days time...or take the metro(subway)
I like the Air and space museum
(http://dctransitguide.com/t/Attractions/Smithsonian/AirSpaceMuseum/?gclid=CI71r6DWr7gCFUui4AodUzoAWQ)http://dctransitguide.com/t/Rail/Metro/?gclid=CNzPgb7Wr7gCFUui4AodUzoAWQ#sthash.awbcoT9c. dpbs
There is no such thing as a cheap hotel in DC. This is what I would do if I was in your situation. This is best done on the weekdays because the commuter trains run into DC in the morning, and back to Harpers Ferry in the afternoon. On weekends transportation is problematic.
Get a hotel or stay at a hostel in Harpers Ferry for 2 nights. In the morning jump on the MARK commuter trail into Union Station (I recommend you leave the pack in HP, as you will never get it through security at any of the buildings). First train in the morning leaves at around 5:20 AM. Spend the day walking around DC, and then jump on the MARK back to HF in the afternoon. last one leaves something like 7:20 PM. Spend the second night in HP and hit the trail in the morning.
Like jj2044 said above, Union Station is walking distance from all the good stuff. You can also jump on the metro (subway) if you want to, but taking a train to go a mile is a bit on the silly side after you hike to Harpers Ferry. A lap of the Mall seeing all the good stuff is about 6 miles max.
All the Smithsonian museums are free, as is the capital (you need to get tickets first thing in the morning if you want to get in the capital). The White House is closed to visitors, and the Washington Monument is closed for repairs.
On my 2006 AT thru I went into DC on the Amtrak from HF for 3 days over July 4. Stayed cheaply at the HI(Hostels International) location down town for $20/night. Walked around town and took public buses to the Smithsonian, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington Monuments, Native American Indian Museum, National Botanical Garden, White House, Capitol Building(where I was promptly escorted from the grounds by Security, I guess Secret Service, I was wearing my backpack), the Presidential Museum, a few others sites(museums, etc), walked along the Potomac River, checked out the excellent landscaping of the federal buildings as well as the outstanding street treescapes(some OLD Horse Chestnuts and stately American Elms!). I ate cheaply at the Hostel making most of my own meals w/ the included kitchen privledges. DC is a GREAT city for walking! I met oodles of International visitors who were also celebrating our nation's independence. The highlight of the entire 3 days was sitting elbow to elbow packed in with with all kinds of Americans and International visitors(colors, creeds, young/old, military, civilians, speaking different languages, of different religions, cultures, etc) on the Lincoln Memorial steps watching the fireworks which were being launched from just a few hundred feet away at the base of the Reflecting Pool while Honest Abe was looking over all our shoulders to the rear.. We were all just humans! What made it even more memorable is that I had just read Abe's words written on the interior walls of the Lincoln Memorial with several others(a U.S Navy man, a Moslem, a Christian, two black people( one from American one from Kenya), a Hindu, a 86 vyr old white woman. me with my backpack on, etc) and we all were sobbing after reading those words! I'll never forget it. Thru-hiking IS NOT just about hiking!
Pedaling Fool
07-14-2013, 16:27
First let me say that I've never used this service nor any bike share program, the whole idea of renting a bike sickens me.
However, maybe it's an option in your case. http://www.capitalbikeshare.com/
Blue Mountain Edward
07-14-2013, 16:31
The commuter train stop is in Brunswick Maryland. The Amtrak station is in Harpers Ferry. There is a laundromat and grocery store in Brunswick a few miles north of the C and O Canal. I would stick to walking or a short taxi ride for some sightseeing. If you dont got taxi money take the subway but not during morning or afternoon rush hour.
Odd Man Out
07-14-2013, 16:52
Hello everyone! I'm thru-hiking and will be in Harpers Ferry in about a week. I am planning to take a day trip over to DC and am wondering if anyone could offer any suggestions on how to handle that logistically. I know how to get there, but what is the best way to get around town to see as many sights as possible in a day? Also, are there any decently priced hotels or hostels in the city? I'd like to only spend one day there and catch the train back to Harpers Ferry in the evening if possible. If not, then I could stay there if I have to.
Thanks ahead of time for your help! FYI: it may be next weekend before I'm able to log back on and see your responses.
Bud
I grew up in the DC area so I know it well. If you are there just one day, you can't see everything so you would need to give some input on what you want to see most. Assuming you want to see most of the iconic sights (Capitol, monuments, etc), just walk walk up and down the mall as already advised. You could save some walking by taking the subway to one end and walk back. Walking around the south side of the Tidal Basin will bring you past the Korean War Memorial, MLK Memorial, FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Holocaust Museum, but not past the Vietnam Memorial. Pick which museums you are most interested in but you wouldn't have time for too many. If you are at the east end of the mall at lunch time, the food court in the American Indian Museum is the best.
You won't be able to get a tour inside the White House so forget that. I did the Capitol tour last time. Not sure it is worth the investment in time. Will you have your pack with you? Some buildings don't allow you to take anything inside due to security. I would think an overnight in a hostel is worth the investment so you could have two days. It's a great city with much to see.
All of the places I visited in 06, to my astonishment, we're free for Americans with an I.D. I was repeatedly told they are gifts to Americans to have free access(let's not debate that thought) to the places I mentioned. I did arrange it so I visited the National Botanical Gardens on a Free Admission day. I took two buses to get there and did a 1 1/2 mile walk. Ditto the opinion of the Air and Space Museum. I did that too. MOST of the DC Federal attractions are within walking distance of each other. Arrange your trip to DC how you want but 1 day or a partial day IS IN NO WAY a sufficient amt of time to even scrape the surface in DC. There are a multitude of time consuming museums and sites to see and experience. Here's what I think is a helpful thought - If you want to experience DC for 1 day or a multiple of days, even for a rudimentary experience, LEAVE THE GOTTA GO GOTTA GO GOTTA BE SOMEWHERE ELSE TYPICAL THRU-HIKER MINDSET IN HF AND IF YOU WANT PICK IT BACK UP WHEN YOU GET BACK TO HF!!!
In 06 with getting to and back from DC, hostel, food, taking public transportation around town, etc I spent about $150.
The commuter train stop is in Brunswick Maryland. The Amtrak station is in Harpers Ferry. There is a laundromat and grocery store in Brunswick a few miles north of the C and O Canal. I would stick to walking or a short taxi ride for some sightseeing. If you dont got taxi money take the subway but not during morning or afternoon rush hour.
The MARK stops in Harpers Ferry on the way to Martinsburg one stop after Brunswick. You do not have to go to Brunswick to get on the MARK (Commuter) train.
Jack Tarlin
07-14-2013, 22:10
Some good answers above. Keep in mind that if the lodging thing turns out to be too much trouble or expense, considering going into the city really early (like on one of the earliest commuter trains); see the major sights in town, and then get back to Harpers ferry at the end of the day. Any of the hostels in town here will happily hold/safeguard your pack or anything you don't wish to bring into the city; the Outfitter in town will do likewise; if I can help with anything, call me there at (888) 535-2087.
Odd Man Out
07-14-2013, 23:21
...Capitol Building(where I was promptly escorted from the grounds by Security, I guess Secret Service, I was wearing my backpack)...All of the places I visited in 06, to my astonishment, we're free for Americans with an I.D. I was repeatedly told they are gifts to Americans to have free access...
Not the Secret Service guards the president. The Capitol has its own police. And if your don't cross them, there are plenty of others to keep everyone in line. Jurisdictions are complicated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_law_enforcement_agencies_in_the_District_o f_Columbia
Also, the list of things you can't take into the Capitol are clear, lengthy, and includes just about everything in your backpack, including the backpack.
http://www.aoc.gov/prohibited-items-us-capitol-building
True, DC is a good bargain as most sights have no admission. But to be clear, they are free to EVERYONE - No ID required - Gifts FROM Americans to everyone.
Not the Secret Service guards the president. The Capitol has its own police. And if your don't cross them, there are plenty of others to keep everyone in line. Jurisdictions are complicated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_law_enforcement_agencies_in_the_District_o f_Columbia
Also, the list of things you can't take into the Capitol are clear, lengthy, and includes just about everything in your backpack, including the backpack.
http://www.aoc.gov/prohibited-items-us-capitol-building
True, DC is a good bargain as most sights have no admission. But to be clear, they are free to EVERYONE - No ID required - Gifts FROM Americans to everyone.
Not trying to disagreeable, because I agree with just about everything you said. There are a few places that you cannot go unless you are a U.S. Citizen with proper ID. One of which is the bureau of engraving and printing (where all the money is printed). Most of the places people want to visit are open to all and are free.
Odd Man Out
07-15-2013, 10:02
Not trying to disagreeable, because I agree with just about everything you said. There are a few places that you cannot go unless you are a U.S. Citizen with proper ID. One of which is the bureau of engraving and printing (where all the money is printed). Most of the places people want to visit are open to all and are free.
I never needed an ID for the BEP tour, but it has been a very long time. However, if true, it seems odd that there is no mention of this requirement on their web site?
http://www.moneyfactory.gov/tours/washingtondctours.html
It definitely helps to be a citizen to get White House tours tickets as they must be made at least 21 days in advance and through your congressional representative. Others can go through their embassy (not sure how that works). I wasn't very happy with my last WH tour and now you don't even get a guide (it's self-guided), so I never recommend it. If you want to see the WH from the outside, be sure to go to the north side. The view from the South is very far away. On the north side you can get pretty close (PA ave is a pedestrian street). Plus I always enjoyed interacting with the protestors in Lafayette Square across the street. There is always someone protesting something.
Several years ago I was able to arrange a tour of the Capitol by contacting my representative a few weeks in advance. The group met at the Congressman's office and his staff person led the tour. We were able to see the House in session which was interesting. There was security and I doubt they would let a backpack anywhere near the Capitol.
If a Capitol tour is interesting, my suggestion for the OP is to call your Congressman's office soon and tell them you are thru hiking and want to arrange a tour. My guess is that they could fit it in.
I use the MARC train from time to time (although a different line) and have found it to be very reliable and cheap. Coming into DC in the early morning and leaving on the last outbound train of the day would provide a full day in DC. That's probably only enough to see a few museums on the mall, maybe take a walk to the Jefferson memorial, and not a whole lot more. Staying in DC for a night could double your time in the city and allow a tour of Arlington Cemetery, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, maybe the zoo. All worth some time.
dovecote
07-20-2013, 13:17
I would second the use of the MARC train into DC and return in the evening. The Teahorse Hostel http://www.teahorsehostel.com/ would be my choice for lodging in Harpers Ferry. The hostel owner, Laurel, provides transportation to and from the Harpers Ferry station with an overnight stay at the hostel.
You're NOT going to experience much substantial in terms of museums or number of sights if you attempt to go to DC from HF, get out of Union Station and to a sight, and back to HF all on the same day. Not happening. Consider that some sights have limited hrs or days of the wk they are open too. You'd prolly best be served going in on a weekday and staying for two days or so but I understand the mindset thru-hikers tend to fall into. Escape that limiting mindset!
Lemni Skate
07-21-2013, 04:44
I live two hours from DC. If we go up for the day we usually figure we're only going to see ONE Smithsonian museum. Still, you can see what you need to of the monuments in a day IMO.
I live two hours from DC. If we go up for the day we usually figure we're only going to see ONE Smithsonian museum. Still, you can see what you need to of the monuments in a day IMO.
I agree. If you get there early you can see quite a bit in one day.
Just make a list of must see stuff, so you don't miss something you have always wanted to see.
A visit to DC can be a day or a couple of weeks, you will never see everything.
For what its worth, I work in DC and have for the last 9 years. My office looks out at the Capital.
Taking the earliest MARC from Harpers Ferry and returning on the last train provides just over 12 hours in DC. I would say that this provides enough time to walk through the entire mall area and also see the outside of nearby locations like the White House and Supreme Court/Library of Congress buildings. I would plan on doing that and then pick one museum to visit in more depth (a favorite is Air & Space). But that's a very full and tiring day. Especially if it is a "day off" from thru hiking since there is a lot of walking involved! Definitely not a "zero day"! Spending a night is definitely preferable.
Tuckahoe
07-21-2013, 20:51
You're NOT going to experience much substantial in terms of museums or number of sights if you attempt to go to DC from HF, get out of Union Station and to a sight, and back to HF all on the same day. Not happening. Consider that some sights have limited hrs or days of the wk they are open too. You'd prolly best be served going in on a weekday and staying for two days or so but I understand the mindset thru-hikers tend to fall into. Escape that limiting mindset!
Yeah, I'm honestly not getting your caution or objection to a hiker making a day trip from Harpers Ferry to DC. It seems to me a perfect location from which to head to DC and pretty simple logistics.
Taking the earliest MARC from Harpers Ferry and returning on the last train provides just over 12 hours in DC. I would say that this provides enough time to walk through the entire mall area and also see the outside of nearby locations like the White House and Supreme Court/Library of Congress buildings. I would plan on doing that and then pick one museum to visit in more depth (a favorite is Air & Space). But that's a very full and tiring day. Especially if it is a "day off" from thru hiking since there is a lot of walking involved! Definitely not a "zero day"! Spending a night is definitely preferable.
+1 this. Good planning and 12 hours provides plenty of opportunity to get a good sampling of DC.
Not as part of a hike, but Im planning a November trip to DC to play tourist over 3 or 4 days, taking a bunk in one of the hostels, and the commuter train between HF and DC. I live a block from the train station here in Williamsburg, and so, my DC trip will start there.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/Eloquent/miscgreen/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by Dogwood http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/Eloquent/buttonsgreen/viewpost-right.png (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1504426#post1504426)
You're NOT going to experience much substantial in terms of museums or number of sights if you attempt to go to DC from HF, get out of Union Station and to a sight, and back to HF all on the same day. Not happening. Consider that some sights have limited hrs or days of the wk they are open too. You'd prolly best be served going in on a weekday and staying for two days or so but I understand the mindset thru-hikers tend to fall into. Escape that limiting mindset!
Yeah, I'm honestly not getting your caution or objection to a hiker making a day trip from Harpers Ferry to DC. It seems to me a perfect location from which to head to DC and pretty simple logistics. - Tuchahoe64
That's not what I'm saying at all. You're not reading my posts Tuckahoe64. I did this side trip myself on my AT thru. I'm saying the OP prolly is not going to experience much in DC by attempting to do so much in one day, even if it's a long day. MUCH time is going to be spent simply traveling back and forth between HF and Union Station(or there abouts) and figuring out and traveling on buses/trains/taking taxis/renting and riding a bike/walking around, etc once in DC rather than visiting attractions like museums, monuments, etc. THAT TIME will seriously eat into the entire time allowed if trying to cram a side trip into DC into a single one day affair! There's a lot to possibly experience in DC AND Museums take time to visit. Read my posts! You'll see that I simply advise spending a couple days in doing the entire side trip to DC.