Join us for a challenging 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 National Park Parking Lot](https://goo.gl/maps/49TF1bQZm8gMQVYM9) **Shuttle Bus Stop** located at 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 at 9:00 am sharp. There is a **$20 park fee** (free if you have a National Park Pass), which can also be [paid online in advance](https://www.nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/fees.htm). Note that cash is not accepted at the entrance to the parking lot. We’ll take the shuttle bus down to the stop near the [Harpers Ferry Information Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yb5MQGwYe3x91DpR7) and begin our hike.
Meeting Point: [Harpers Ferry National Park Parking Lot](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rkcoUvGAVpWRzgTH8) Shuttle Bus Stop
Meeting Time: 9:00 am
Distance: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Pace: Moderate (2.5 miles/hr)
Elevation gain: ~1600 ft
Duration: 4 hours
Type of trail: Dirt, stones, rocks, tree roots
**Post Hike Lunch**: [Kelley Farm Kitchen](https://kelleyfarmkitchen.com)
**Dog friendly?**
Dogs are allowed on the trail, however, pets are not allowed on the park shuttle buses, with the exception of service animals performing their duties.
**Bathroom Facilities/Water/Food?**
There are bathroom facilities and a water fountain at the Shuttle Bus Stop. Bring your own vegan snacks 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/).
**VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**