Friday, August 21, 2009

Appalachian Trail in Harpers Ferry

The Appalachian Trail was proposed by Benton MacKaye in 1921 and completed in 1937. It was designated the first National Scenic Trail in 1963. The 2,178 mile trail runs along the mountains from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine and crosses the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry. Most of the trail runs through national and state parks, though some sections cross private land. The trail is cooperatively managed by the National Park Service and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The main office and visitors center is in Harpers Ferry. The trail runs along the crest of South Mountain for 41 miles through Maryland.

Trail beside the tracks on the CSX Railroad Bridge

Looking across the Potomac River toward Maryland

6 comments:

Quilly Unshuttered said...

Another astounding header pic!

When I was young I wanted very much to hike the Appalachian Trail and never had the money or the time. Now I am older -- and fatter -- and fulfilling this dream would likely kill me!

imac said...

I would love to walk across there Lew.

aurbie said...

Beautiful photos, Lew. I love the way you captured the bridge.

SandyCarlson said...

I love these shots. That last one is really wonderful. I am always wondering how to capture the whole in a piece of a bridge. You have shown me a way!

The trail is a wonder.

EG CameraGirl said...

I knew someone who walked the entire trail...not all at once though. I've been on part of it in New England. Great shot of the bridge.

Anonymous said...

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