Appalachian Trail Access Points | Martinsburg

The Appalachian Trail winds through the eastern spine of the United States for over 2,190 miles, stretching from Georgia to Maine. In West Virginia, it crosses only a short distance-about four miles-but those miles are rich with scenic overlooks, river crossings, and deep connections to American hiking culture. The main access points in and around Martinsburg and the Eastern Panhandle provide convenient gateways to this legendary route.

1. Harpers Ferry Access Point

Location: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Description:
This is the best-known and most historically significant Appalachian Trail access point in the state. The trail passes directly through Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, crossing the Potomac River Footbridge and leading hikers along streets lined with 19th-century buildings before climbing toward Maryland Heights.

Harpers Ferry is home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters, often considered the “psychological midpoint” of the entire trail. Hikers register here, take their midpoint photo, and browse maps or trail logs from thousands of previous visitors. The AT crosses the pedestrian bridge beside the old B&O Railroad bridge, where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet-a spot famous for its sweeping view and river mist at dawn.

Nearby Features:

The Jefferson Rock overlook, offering views of both rivers and the town below.

Access to Loudoun Heights Trail and Maryland Heights Trail, both of which link with the AT.

Parking at the Harpers Ferry Visitor Center, with a shuttle to Lower Town.

2. Weverton Cliffs Trailhead

Location: Just across the Potomac River from Harpers Ferry, near Knoxville, Maryland
Description:
Although technically on the Maryland side, this access point is only minutes from Harpers Ferry and a favorite for hikers from Martinsburg or Shepherdstown. A short, steep climb from the parking lot leads up to Weverton Cliffs, a dramatic overlook where the Potomac bends in a wide curve through the Blue Ridge.

The AT here connects directly to the South Mountain section, heading north toward Washington Monument State Park and south back across the bridge to Harpers Ferry.

Experience:
Weverton Cliffs is ideal for half-day hikes, sunrise photography, or casual treks that still capture the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Trail. The climb covers roughly 1,000 feet of elevation over a mile, with rocky switchbacks shaded by oak and hickory trees.

3. Keys Gap Trailhead

Location: Keys Ferry Road (Route 9), about 6 miles west of Harpers Ferry
Description:
Keys Gap marks another convenient Appalachian Trail access point for hikers in the Eastern Panhandle. This quiet trailhead sits at the border of Jefferson County, WV, and Loudoun County, VA, and offers a secluded section of the trail that winds gently through forested ridgelines.

Parking is limited but usually sufficient for day hikers. From here, heading east leads toward Harpers Ferry, while heading south follows the ridge toward David Lesser Shelter and Bears Den Overlook in Virginia.

Character:
This section of trail is less crowded than Harpers Ferry and perfect for those seeking solitude, bird calls, and the muted rhythm of forest hiking. It passes through oaks, tulip poplars, and mountain laurel, with patches of wildflowers in spring and glowing red maples in fall.

4. Loudoun Heights Access

Location: Appalachian Trail crossing on Route 340 south of Harpers Ferry
Description:
This access leads to Loudoun Heights Trail, which runs parallel to the AT for part of its length before rejoining it near the state line. Hikers can follow switchbacks up to the Loudoun Heights Overlook, where the Shenandoah River curves beneath a carpet of green hills.

The overlook offers one of the best panoramic views in the region-looking north to Harpers Ferry and across the valley into Maryland. It’s a moderately strenuous route, roughly 7 miles round trip, and often less busy than the Maryland Heights trail.

5. Snickers Gap Trailhead

Location: Route 7, near Bluemont, Virginia (about 30 minutes from Martinsburg)
Description:
Though technically in Virginia, this access point is a convenient entry for Panhandle residents exploring a longer section of the Appalachian Trail. From Snickers Gap, hikers can head north toward Keys Gap or south toward Raven Rocks, one of the most photogenic ridge-top spots in this stretch.

The Raven Rocks Trail section climbs about 1,500 feet through a series of rocky ascents and descents, offering sweeping mountain views, ridge breezes, and small spring-fed streams along the way.

6. Dahlgren Backpack Campground & Route 40 Access

Location: Near Boonsboro, Maryland (north of Harpers Ferry)
Description:
Further along the trail, this access is popular for those hiking northbound from Harpers Ferry. The Dahlgren Backpack Campground, just off Route 40, provides free camping with restrooms, picnic tables, and potable water-a rare luxury for thru-hikers.

This portion of the trail traverses the South Mountain State Park corridor, with dense forest cover, historical Civil War sites, and gentle terrain suitable for multi-day hikes.

Experience of the Trail in West Virginia

Though the West Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail is brief-barely a few miles-it captures the essence of the entire route. The Potomac River crossings, Civil War relics, and Blue Ridge views create a blend of natural beauty and historic depth rarely found in such a short stretch. For Martinsburg residents or visitors, the Harpers Ferry area serves as both gateway and sanctuary: a place where one can step onto a footpath that connects to the entire spine of the Appalachian Mountains.

Every access point carries its own rhythm-some filled with the chatter of hikers and the flash of cameras, others silent except for the rustle of leaves and the crunch of boots on stone. Together, they offer a portrait of the Appalachian Trail at its most human scale: accessible, storied, and endlessly unfolding through the hills of the Panhandle.