The Maryland Heights Trail to Overlook Cliffs is a difficult trail with between 5 and 7 miles round trip, depending on where you park, and more than 1500 feet of vertical climbing. Portions of the trail are paved or maintained dirt trails, but a good portion of the trail is fairly steep, rocky, and challenging.

Portion of the Maryland Heights Trail

This is a very popular trail, so it’s best hiked during the week and not around holidays.

The trail climbs through the forest of Elk Ridge, to a rock outcropping (Overlook Cliffs) overlooking Harper’s Ferry, WV. Overlook Cliffs are a part of the Maryland Heights Loop trail in Maryland, and the view includes the wilds of Virginia across the river. Several sites along the way preserve various Civil War defense locations of Harper’s Ferry, including a Naval artillery battery, stone fort, and two smaller cannon batteries.

View of Overlook Cliffs from the bottom

The view from the top is really incredible, and encompasses sights for miles around.

View of Harper’s Ferry from Overlook Cliffs

This is a very popular trail though, so expect to be slightly patient as you jocky for a good photo spot at the top.

Some of the crowd at the top of Overlook Cliffs

Here is a link to All Trails’ summary of the hike: Maryland Heights Trail, Harpers Ferry, WV