Loudoun Heights (Part 1)

I got a great hike in today - up from the first Harpers Ferry parking lot to the Loudoun Heights area.

For this hike the parking lot closest to 340 is best.  After crossing the bridge into Harper's Ferry (coming from Virginia) take the first right hand turn.  The parking lot is approximately 100 feet to the right.  Parking fees apply unless you have a pass.

The first part of this hike follows the Appalachian Trail.  You cross the 340 bridge over the Shenandoah River.

This is the view of the Shenandoah from the bridge, facing east towards Harper's Ferry.  You can make out a little bit of the steeple on the right.

At the end of the bridge a stairway takes you under the bridge and you start the climb on the trail.  The climb takes you to about 1,000 feet elevation before it levels back out.

At the top you have a choice - follow the AT South towards route 9, or hike East towards Loudoun Heights (the sign reads "Sandy Hook Bridge".  For today I took the hike east towards Loudoun Heights.  (continued here)