Join us for a challenging and rewarding hike in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park! Rich in civil war history, [the hike up to Maryland Heights](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/maryland-heights-trails) rewards the adventurous with unparalleled views of the charming town of Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers.
Expect a relatively speedy pace, rocky and uneven terrain and a steep elevation gain of 1,600 ft. You should be able to hike uphill without break for at least an hour, as well as comfortably scramble over rocks and negotiate uneven surfaces. Please wear sturdy shoes/boots and appropriate clothing.
We’ll meet at the [Harpers Ferry Train Station](https://goo.gl/maps/N5f7LskEHeWGfBjV6). There are two main **parking lots**:
1. [Train station itself](https://goo.gl/maps/N5f7LskEHeWGfBjV6) where there is a small lot that fills up fast.
2. [Harpers Ferry National Park Parking Lot](https://goo.gl/maps/49TF1bQZm8gMQVYM9) is your best chance of finding parking. However you will have to catch the free shuttle bus and then walk from the drop off area to get to our meeting point at the train station so please reserve 30 min extra if you are parking here.
Both lots charge a **$20 fee**, which can also be [paid online in advance](https://www.nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/fees.htm).
Prepare to come early as spots in both lots fill up quickly especially on the weekends. Carpooling is encouraged and a great way to meet people and help the environment!
Meeting Point: [Harpers Ferry Train Station](https://goo.gl/maps/N5f7LskEHeWGfBjV6)
Meeting Time: 9:30 am
Distance: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Pace: Moderate (2.5 miles/hr)
Elevation gain: ~1600 ft
Duration: 4 hours
Type of trail: natural
**Post Hike Lunch**: [Kelley Farm Kitchen](https://kelleyfarmkitchen.com)
**Carpool Options**
[Gaithersburg Park-n-Ride](https://goo.gl/maps/aEwRZHsFs77uYDfE7): Meet at 8:30am (it’s a big parking lot, please see the comments section for coordination).
**Dog friendly?**
Yes, please keep your dog leashed. Dogs are the sole responsibility of the owner(s) who brought them; should be up-to-date on their vaccinations & in possession of the relevant tags; and should be under the control of their owner(s) at all times. Dogs that demonstrate consistently aggressive or otherwise out-of-control behavior will be banned from future hikes. Owners should come prepared to dispose of
**Bathroom Facilities/Water?**
The train Station has bathroom facilities.
Food: Bring your own vegan snack and (non-alcoholic) beverage to enjoy mid-hike. There are no trash receptacles on the trail so pack out your own waste.
**Update Your RSVP**
Out of respect for others interested in attending this event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes.
## Alcohol/Smoking/Intoxicants: Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during the hikes.
**Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct**
When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC’s Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies – VSDC – Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/).