Near Appalachian Trail: South Mountain
Follow the white Blazes!
Near Appalachian Trail: South Mountain
Looking down at the Potomac from the Weverton Cliffs.
Near Appalachian Trail: South Mountain
Welcome to the AT
Near Appalachian Trail: South Mountain
View of white rocks.
Near Appalachian Trail: South Mountain
AT South Mountain!

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Hike Route

Appalachian Trail: South Mountain

4.5 (10 Ratings)
The South Mountain portion of the Appalachian Trail - right near Harpers Ferry!
12.9
mi
Distance
1,733
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
12.95mi
Distance
1,733ft
Elevation Gain
2,352ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
1,756ft
High Point
371ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This section of the Appalachian Trail starts on alternating easy, groomed singletrack and paved fire road from the parking lot to the top of the mountain. From the top of Lambs Knoll, the trail becomes singletrack with lots of rocks and some roots, so pay attention. In general, the trail is easy to follow from end to end. Just keep trucking south and enjoy it. You need at least 2 vehicles to leave at each end, or you're looking at a long out-and-back excursion.
History & Background
War Correspondents Arch:The War Correspondents Arch is a National historic monument. Constructed in 1896, the monument stands fifty feet high and forty feet broad. The monument is administered and maintained by the National Park Service.South Mountain State Battlefield:Gathland State Park is located in Crampton's Gap, which witnessed a portion of the Battle of South Mountain, the first major battle of the Civil War fought in Maryland.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Keith Rickett