Segment 39: Maryland

View of the Potomac River looking SE from Weverton Cliffs, a short side trip from the Fifty Trail/C&O Canal Towpath via the Appalachian Trail

OVERVIEW:

Crossing the combined rail- and foot-bridge across the Potomac River from Harper’s Ferry, WV into Maryland, the Fifty Trail follows the C&O Canal Tow Path into Washington DC.

That’s it. But remember, we’ve already hiked another big chunk of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail/C&O Canal Tow Path in western Maryland between Cumberland and Hancock, and the trail Returns to Maryland coming out of the Disctrict of Columbia, where it follows the American Discovery Trail Route to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and on to Delaware.


MAPS and TRAIL GUIDES:




HEART OF THE TRAIL:

Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal Tow Path from the Harpers Ferry Railroad Bridge at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers to Carderock Recreation Area. Be sure to take the short side trip where the Appalachian Trail leaves the C&O Canal, about a mile one way but a significant climb, to the Weverton Cliffs viewpoint for a grand view of the Potomac River valley (see photo). 50.3 miles without the side trip.