Loudoun Heights Trail

Well a very overdue hello!! I should have known that the blissful every weekend hiking of last summer could not be done this year as well. We had so much fun last summer, and we neglected some things that need to be done (like a house to finish remodeling).. So while I'm stuck indoors more often than I want to be this summer, I'll be day dreaming of our wonderful hikes from last year.

We haven't totally wasted the beautiful weather, though! Over Memorial Day, we went up to Harpers Ferry and hiked Loudoun Heights Trail! We had a fantastic time just the two of us with the pups. It was a bit overcast, but not enough to diminish this view:

We camped at a really great campground called Brunswick Family Campground. It was really inexpensive, and they were pet friendly! Not staying on the trail, but sometimes you have to compromise. But to make up for it, we had a gorgeous view of the water.

If you get to Harpers Ferry early enough, there is great parking immediately after crossing the Shenandoah (on the right). Parking was $10 which gives you a 3 day pass, so if you want to hike in and camp for a couple nights you can do that. From that parking lot, you head up towards Highway 301, and walk across the bridge. While we were admiring the rivers, we met a little friend.

I was most excited about the fact that Loudoun Heights follows the Appalachian Trail for about 1 mile! And of course, I had to document my reaction on first walking on the AT!

Loudoun Heights is a difficult trail. I would not recommend this trail if you have trouble with walking long distances up hills. The first mile and a half or so we climbed around 900 feet! After that there was not much significant elevation change. There are several great overlooks along the way,  and when you get to the final overlook, it's a great place to stop for lunch or to take a rest. The pups certainly enjoyed it!

Harpers Ferry is one of our favorite places to run away to. I love looking at the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers converging, meandering around (..ok, grabbing ice cream..) in Historic Harpers Ferry, and being in a place that is so peaceful. It's soul renewing! 

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