Short hikers take a shorter route. Our long, level leg-stretcher on one of the most scenic stretches of the towpath starts at the charming train station at Point of Rocks and heads westward to historic Harpers Ferry. Along the way there will be constant views of the adjacent Potomac River as it slices through two mountain ranges. The short hike starts at Brunswick. This is your chance to hike the other two sections.
All hikers use the towpath to return.
We venture to Pennsylvania s lovely Michaux State Forest to hike a stretch of the Appalachian Trail we haven t done in years. Starting at Caledonia State Park, we ll head south on the Appalachian trail along the South Mountain ridge to Route 233-a new portion of the trail for many. There s a superb view from Chimney Rocks. Both hikes in the park s Hazel Country start on the Hazel Mountain Trail on the Skyline Drive and end at Pinnacle Overlook. Short hikers take a more direct route.