Appalachian Trail to Loudon Heights Trail Loop

This challenging trail rewards hikers with a southern perspective on Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. From the Information Center in Lower Town, hikers find the Appalachian Trail (AT) on High Street and head up the stone steps to Jefferson Rock. Continue on the white-blazed AT about one mile to the highway. Cross the hiker-friendly section of the highway bridge over the Shenandoah River to reach the base of Loudoun Heights. Continue up the AT 0.9 miles to the intersection with the orange-blazed trail. Turn left for a break from the climb and hike about 0.5 miles on the orange trail to the first overlook. At the top of the mountain turn left on the blue-blazed trail. Two more overlooks along the power line cut preview the beautiful vista waiting at the Split Rock overlook. Backtrack 1.5 miles on the blue-blazed trail to return to the AT and the descent back to Lower Town.