Views for days!
I met up with friends at the River Access parking in lot Harper's Ferry, where this run begins. Starting at 6:44 AM was perfect timing to see the sunrise on the 340 bridge overlooking the river. Once across the bridge, we continued on the AT until the Loudoun Heights trail split to the left (blue blazes). The run/hike to the Loudoun Heights overlook and back to the parking lot was just over 6 miles.
Once back to the car, I picked up my supplies for the remainder of the course. After resupplying, we returned to the AT, traveling toward the town of Harper's Ferry. Still following the AT, we traveled across the footbridge onto the C&O canal. At this point, my coach and friend parted ways, and I was on my own to the finish. Once on the C&O canal, I turned left following signs for Maryland Heights. Thankfully, it was still early enough in the day that the trails were not overly crowded, as they would soon become.
To access the Maryland Heights trail, I crossed Harpers Ferry Rd, where the entrance is very well marked. The Maryland Heights trail is mostly dirt, with very few technical sections. After reaching the overlook, I traveled back down to the canal. Passing the footbridge on my right, I continued back on the C&O/AT section toward Weverton Cliffs. Taking a left off of the canal, I followed the AT across Keep Tryst Rd, up to the base of Weverton Cliffs. While less incline than the first two climbs, the AT to the overlook is more technical and crowded. Once at the top of the climb, I turned right to access the overlook, following the sign for .2 miles. Once at the overlook, I grabbed a few pictures and headed back down the mountain to the canal and toward Harper's Ferry. Climbing onto the footbridge, I crossed into town, took a left, and followed the road back to the parking lot.