There’s no shortage of beautiful views to be had in West Virginia. These include hundreds of stunning overlooks accessible both by hiking trail and scenic byway that all provide excellent vistas of our stunning portion of the aged Appalachian Mountains. But every so often, the best way to see West Virginia’s beautiful scenery is actually to leave West Virginia altogether by crossing the border into one of our neighboring states.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is famous around the nation as a quaint, historic small town nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.
Ali Majdfar/Moment Collection via Getty Images
It’s the mid-point of the Appalachian Trail. It’s a National Historical Park. It witnessed several key events in the Civil War. It was visited and admired by several of the Founding Fathers.
Ali Majdfar/Moment Collection via Getty Images
And while you can get an excellent feel for the area by strolling through the cobblestone streets of Lower Town, the best way to view Harpers Ferry at a glance is actually to venture just across the state border (and the Potomac River) into Maryland.
Image courtesy of Jeffrey D. Walters/Moment Collection via Getty Images
From the vantage of the Overlook Cliff accessible off the Maryland Heights Trail, you can enjoy a magnificent birds-eye view of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Posnov/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Spring, summer, fall, winter, high noon, sunset - this view looks good at any time in any season.
PHK_Photography/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
And it’s not just the destination that’s enjoyable; the Maryland Heights Trail winds through miles of beautiful forest that make the journey as beautiful as the ultimate view.
CodyDC/Tripadvisor
Note that the Maryland Heights Trail to the Overlook Cliff is considered moderate to strenuous, mostly due to elevation gain. The Maryland Heights Loop offers the opportunity for up to a nine-mile hike, depending on where you start and if you add the Stone Fort Trail past a Civil War Fort ruin.
CodyDC/Tripadvisor
You can find the Maryland Heights Trail by crossing the Potomac River at the point where the Potomac and the Shenandoah merge. Once across, take the C&O Canal Trail to its intersection with the Maryland Heights Trail.
Ali Majdfar/Moment Collection via Getty Images Have you ever snapped a photo of Harpers Ferry from the Maryland Heights Overlook?
To learn more about how to reach the Maryland Heights Trail, visit the National Park Service’s website. For more beautiful West Virginia views, check out these 14 that are among the most scenic in the state.
Ali Majdfar/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Image courtesy of Jeffrey D. Walters/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Posnov/Moment Collection via Getty Images
PHK_Photography/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
CodyDC/Tripadvisor
Have you ever snapped a photo of Harpers Ferry from the Maryland Heights Overlook?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Maryland Heights, 171 shoreline drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
