Ready for a hiking adventure that will really test your limits? The Loudoun Heights Trail is a strenuous 7.5-mile (12.1 km) round trip that usually takes about 4-5 hours to complete. This trail is perfect for those who love a challenge and want to see some amazing sights along the way.
Starting Points
You have a couple of options to start this hike:
- From Lower Town: Find the Camp Hill and Appalachian Trail (AT) on High Street and head up the stone steps to Jefferson Rock. Keep following the white-blazed AT for about one mile to the highway bridge. Use the Virginius and Hall’s Islands trails to explore the Shenandoah shoreline as you make your way to the highway.
- From the Visitor Center: Follow the Visitor Center to Lower Town Trail until you reach the highway bridge over the Shenandoah River. Turn left through the River Access parking lot and connect with the AT at the highway above.
Trail Highlights
You’ll see multiple views of Harpers Ferry, the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, and valleys. The trail also features cool rock formations of phyllite and quartzite. On your hike, you’ll be rewarded with the only view to the east into Pleasant Valley, a southern view of Harpers Ferry, and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, a view that Thomas Jefferson wrote was worth a voyage across the Atlantic!
The Hike
- Cross the hiker-friendly section of the highway bridge over the Shenandoah River and follow the staircase under the bridge to reach the base of Loudoun Heights.
- Continue up the AT for 1.3 miles to the intersection with the blue-blazed trail. Turn left for a brief break from the climb and hike about 0.4 miles to the first overlook.
- From the overlook, resume the climb and reach the top of the mountain in 0.25 miles. At the crest, turn left.
- Two more overlooks along the power line cut preview the beautiful vista waiting at the Split Rock overlook, which you can reach in 1.3 miles.
- Backtrack on the blue-blazed trail to return to the AT and the descent back to Lower Town.
Good to Know
- Important Note: There is no drinking water available on the trail, so make sure to bring enough water with you. Drinking water is available at the Visitor Center and in Lower Town.
- There are no restrooms on the trail. The closest restrooms are at the Visitor Center and in Lower Town.
- Make sure to carry out all your trash to keep the trail clean and beautiful for everyone.
The Loudoun Heights Trail is a tough hike, but the stunning views and rewarding experience make it all worth it. Happy hiking!
If you need places to eat before or after your hike, check out our dining guide here. Consider Rabbit Hole – it’s one of the favorites!
