Everyone (or nearly everyone) knows about the Appalachian Trail. But not many realize that, although only small segments of the trail cut through the Mountain State, the portion that passes through Harpers Ferry, West Virginia contains perhaps the most geographically significant place along the whole 2,190-mile route: the Appalachian Trail's psychological midpoint.
The actual halfway point (in terms of mileage) of the Appalachian Trail is a bit north of the Mountain State, in Pennsylvania. But the psychological halfway point, the moment hikers know they have conquered half of the difficult journey from Georgia to Maine, is right here in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, at the Harpers Ferry Visitor Center hosted by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
This visitor center is one of the most famous stops on the Appalachian Trail, especially for through hikers.
Trail tradition dictates that a photograph in front of the iconic sign on the center's front porch is a must!
The Harpers Ferry Visitor Center also includes interactive exhibits about the Appalachian Trail (like a 10-foot long, 3-D map of the entire trail!) and certain famous people who have hiked it. There are activities and areas designed especially for kids to explore, including a miniature AT shelter.
There's a gift shop featuring Appalachian Trail merchandise. There's a public restroom, and the center even offers free Wi-Fi access.
Plus, you can get information about the local Harpers Ferry area itself here as well - hikes, shops, lodging, restaurants, and more.
And don't forget to have them stamp your National Parks Passport and/or your Appalachian Trail Passport!
Have you hiked portions of the Appalachian Trail? Are you interested in learning more about the AT, which is arguably the most famous trail in the nation? Then swing by the Harpers Ferry Visitor Center and chat with the folks from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. You might even meet a through hiker or two while you're there!
The Appalachian Trail isn't the only famous trail to pass through the Mountain State, nor even the longest. For example, have you ever hiked (or even heard of) the American Discovery Trail?
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