September 26th–27th, 2018, Maryland and West Virginia
It was a half day’s hike into Harpers Ferry from the shelter. On the way down I found several more paw paw patches with ripe fruit and stopped to pick a few. I also saw two box turtles crossing the trail in different places.
The trail continued through some well marked civil war era historical sites. I stopped and scanned the markers and plaques as I went. Then, to my surprise, I happened upon one marker erected by the Athens GA Historical Society.
At the bottom of a long hill the trail merged with the C&O Towpath along the Upper Potomac River. This was a long, flat path used to tow barges in man made canals and locks along the river. The path is now a pedestrian and bike path that continues for nearly 200 miles. The river itself looked higher than usual and was really turbulent.
After a few miles I reached the railroad and pedestrian bridge to Harpers Ferry in the next State: West Virginia.
The lower town is primarily a national park with historic buildings, information displays, and exhibits inside some of the old buildings. As you continue toward the upper town, there are a few shops and restaurants along the way before reaching the more populated areas uphill.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is headquartered in Harpers Ferry as well. In the picture you see an ATC employee taking a picture of a thru hiker for their records and hiker photo and info book. I checked in and had my photo taken. I am the 130th southbound thru hiker to reach the ATC this year. I am SOBO 130.
I checked in at the Teahorse Hostel to rest, get a shower, do laundry, and sort through the box I had received from home. The rain continued during my stay and it was nice to be dry and clean, at least for a while.