PARKING
INFORMATION
Check
out the Google map for Harpers Ferry Climbing
Maryland
Heights/Elk Ridge
Option
1:
Park your car in the gravel lot next to the Cindy Dee Restaurant on Keep Tryst
Rd. Carpool, Walk, Bike, etc.
Option
2:
Park in the National Park Service (NPS) lots (there are 3) along Sandy Hook Rd.
The lots are along the Potomac River upstream of the main cliff face (Maryland
Heights). Get to these lots early on the weekend and during prime tourist
season. CARPOOL FROM THE GRAVEL LOT NEXT TO THE CINDY DEE
RESTAURANT.
Option
3 (***Best): During the summer and weekends (when
local public schools are out of session) there is a school bus turnaround at
the upstream end of the town of Sandy Hook. Park your car on the edge of the
turnaround. Stay out of the main turnaround space. The turnaround is still used
by the river tubing companies, local residents, etc. on weekends and in the
summer. CARPOOL FROM THE LOT ADJACENT TO THE CINDY DEE
RESTAURANT.
Option 4: Park
at the official Visitor Center parking lot for Harpers Ferry National Historic
Park (HFNHP). Take a bus into Harpers Ferry and hike
to wherever you plan to climb. Drive west of the gorge on highway 340 to find
the NPS visitor center. I have never used this option but it is possible.
Option
5:
Take a train from anywhere in the country and get off in Harpers Ferry. Walk
anywhere in the gorge from the train station.
Loudon
Heights
Option
1:
Park at the “Widespot” along highway 340 below the
main Loudon Heights cliff. This is the primary takeout for whitewater kayakers
so it is often busy.
Shenandoah
Areas
Option
1:
Near the entrance to the lower town area of HFNHP is a NPS self pay parking
lot. This lot is at the base of the highway 340 bridge over the Shenandoah
River on the town side of the river. Whitewater users are exempt from paying.
Maybe the climbing community can gain recognition by the park service for use
of this lot as a “put in” to our activities.
Blair
Witch Realm
340
Boulder
Weverton Cliffs