Appalachian National Scenic Trail

From West Virginia (WV) Cyclopedia

Location: Monroe County, in southern West Virginia, and Jefferson County at Harpers Ferry, in eastern West Virginia

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, or "Appalachian Trail," follows the Appalachian Mountains through the Eastern U.S., coursing through West Virginia at Harpers Ferry, near the state's easternmost point, and Monroe County, near its southernmost. Headquarters for the trail are located at Harpers Ferry, and thousands of hikers trek the ferry section of the trail throughout the year. The trail section in Monroe County is more remote and less visited though it's a favorite segment for long-distance hikers.

Harpers Ferry Trail Segment

In and near Harpers Ferry, WV, in West Virginia's eastern panhandle, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail descends from the heights of the Blue Ridge Mountains and crosses the Shenandoah River by the U.S. 340 bridge into Harpers Ferry. At "The Point," in Harpers Ferry, the trail crosses the Potomac River by railroad bridge and follows the river's north bank east to South Mountain, which it follows north toward Pennsylvania.

Monroe County Trail Segment

Near Peterstown, WV, along the common border of Virginia and southern West Virginia, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail follows the crest of Peters Mountain for a distance of roughly eight miles. This section of the trail provides spectacular views of the valleys of the New River, to the south and west, and the lower Greenbrier River, to the north.