Active long weekend getaways for women: Harpers Ferry Holiday

Harpers Ferry Holiday
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
October 16 -19, 2008 (Thursday-Sunday)

Highlights:

Hiking up the Maryland Heights Trail while imagining what it was like to drag 9 ton cannons behind you
Biking on C&O Canal Towpath alongside the gorgeous Potomac River
Paddling the historic Shenandoah River while singing John Denver songs
Learning about the history of Harpers Ferry
Hanging out at the Harpers Ferry Hostel with other really fun women

Harpers Ferry, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, is known for both its great natural beauty and its historical significance. As a result it is a center point for numerous activities: hiking on the Appalachian trail and other Civil War historic trails, biking on the gently graded C&O Canal towpath, canoeing down one of the lively rivers, even visiting the historic old town. Mid-October in this area is usually the peak of the fall foliage season and with temperatures typically in the 60s and 70s, there is no better place for an active and relaxing long weekend getaway.

This trip is for: any healthy woman who enjoys being active and wants to get away (and be cooked for!) for a long weekend. Your guides will teach you any of the activities (e.g. canoeing) that you want to learn.

Accommodations:

We will be taking over the entire Harpers Ferry hostel for the weekend. The hostel has four bedrooms and while most of the beds are bunks, no one will have to sleep on a top bunk. There is also great dining and living space.

Maximum group size: 15

Trip price: $570 (deduct $50 for registration prior to 6/11/08). $200 deposit.

Trip price includes:

three nights loding
meals and snacks from dinner on Thursday through lunch the following Sunday
dinner at a top Shepherdstown restaurant
canoe rental and canoe shuttles
experienced guides
you can bring your own bike or rent one from a local outfitter for $25-$45. Transport during the trip is also not included and we'll share vehicles

Trip starts: at 1 pm at the hostel on October 16

Trip ends: after lunch at 2 pm on October 19

More information: a summary of all this information, packing list, notes on packing list, and general information (must have Adobe Acrobat Reader)

For pictures from our 2006 trip, click here.

To learn more about Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, click here

Register for this trip or Contact us for more information

Itinerary

October 16: If you can get here early, meet us at the hostel at 1 pm and we'll go for a hike. The Maryland Heights hike is a 3.1 out and back or a 4.7 mile loop with spectacular views of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers and fascinating Civil War history. Our hike follows a worn military road, leftover from the Civil War, that winds its way up the mountain and turns onto a wooded path leading down to the cliffs. If you can't get there by 1 pm, join us for dinner at the hostel at 6:30 pm and an evening of relaxation and games.

October 17: The C&O Canal Towpath stretches for 185 miles from Washington DC to Cumberland, Maryland. Running parallel to the Potomac River, the path is both flat and tree-shaded, and can be navigated on either fat tire or regular tire bikes (although fat tire is preferable). We'll cycle about 6 miles to Harpers Ferry, WV where we'll stop for lunch. Those wanting more cycling can continue up the towpath to the town of Shepardstown, WV (about 40 miles total). Others may choose to return to the hostel to have some time to relax, go for a walk, or enjoy a quiet moment to read.

October 18: We'll have some free time this morning to visit Harpers Ferry's Lower Town Historic District, which sits on the point of land where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers converge. George Washington convinced the Federal Government to build an Armory & Arsenal here. This is also the site of John Brown's ill-fated raid of October 16, 17, and 18, 1859. Several park exhibits and museums occupy restored 19th century buildings in the Lower Town today. Because our visit coincides with the anniversary, there may be special presentations that we'll attend.

In the afternoon we'll trade pedals for paddles as we canoe on the Shenandoah River above Harpers Ferry. This delightful Class I waterway for paddlers offers ripples and ledges, interspersed with flatwater sections that afford relaxation. Winding its way through the scenic Shenandoah Valley, nestled between the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, the river is home to heron and osprey, and deer sometimes break through the thickets to drink at the water's edge. If you've never paddled before, don't worry- you'll get the instruction you need to have a fun and safe day. Tonight we'll visit Shepherdstown for dinner at one of the excellent local restaurants.

October 19: This morning we'll hike along the Appalachian Trail from Gathland State Park to Weverton Cliffs. This is a relatively flat 7-mile section of the trail that ends in an overlook with dramatic views of the Potomac River. We'll then return to the hostel for last minute showers and a final picnic lunch before leaving for home about 2 pm.

Register for this trip or Contact us for more information