Appalachian Trail — West Virginia section
~2 days · 17.8 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Appalachian Trail — West Virginia section is known for
Follows the Appalachian Trail through historic Harpers Ferry — home of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy — and south along the Loudoun Heights ridge, where the AT rides the West Virginia–Virginia state line. Only a few miles lie wholly inside West Virginia; the rest hugs the border ridge above the Shenandoah and Potomac confluence. Point-to-point, about 17 miles as mapped, an easy overnight.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 981 ft to 5,479 ft over 17.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 7.1 mi · 40%
- Downhill 8.8 mi · 50%
- Flat 1.7 mi · 10%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Appalachian Trail — West Virginia section?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Appalachian Trail — West Virginia section scores 13/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Appalachian Trail — West Virginia section take?
Most backpackers hike the Appalachian Trail — West Virginia section in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 17.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Appalachian Trail — West Virginia section?
The Appalachian Trail — West Virginia section climbs roughly 2,277 ft total — about 128 ft per mile, topping out near 1,677 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.