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Appalachian Trail / Loudoun Heights |
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Site of an important Civil War skirmish resulting in the Confederate occupation of Harpers Ferry in 1862, Loudoun Heights today is part of the Appalachian Trail, offering panoramic views of Harpers Ferry and the Shenandoah Valley. Tel: 304-535-6298 or 304-535-6029
For information: www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/trail/wv.html
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Appalachian Trail Footbridge |
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Built in 1987, this footbridge carries Appalachian Trail hikers high above the magnificent confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
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Berkeley Springs State Park (BSSP) |
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A 4-acre village green in the center of town, with the largest display of thermal waters among Blue Ridge spas, offering baths and massage daily. It also has an outdoor pool, open in summer, a public tap for free spring water, and a museum. The town hosts a variety of seasonal events here that highlight the area's natural bounty. Located on South Washington between Liberty and Fairfax. Tel: 1-800-CALLWVA
For information: www.berkeleyspringssp.com
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Boteler's Ford and Boteler's Mill |
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Follow German Street east as it bends toward the Potomac River. The road becomes River Road, with ruins of an old mill on the left and plaques on the right marking the location of a ford that was a crucial river crossing during the Civil War, and the place where General Robert E. Lee crossed with his army after the Battle of Antietam. These plaques are part of a system of War Department markers placed around Antietam National Battlefield Monument in the 1890s to identify the positions of individual units.Also see our Self-guided Tours page.
For information: www.wvcivilwar.com/sheptown.shtml
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BSSP Roman Bath House and Museum |
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Built around 1815, the Roman Bath House is the oldest public building in town. Open daily for baths in private chambers. The Museum of Berkeley Springs, located on the second floor, has exhibits about the historic town and springs. Seasonal hours. Tel: 1-800-CALLWVA
For information: www.berkeleyspringssp.com
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Cacapon State Park |
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A destination resort with lodge, cabins, conference facilities, family restaurant, a lake for fishing, boating and swimming, an 18-hole, championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. On Rt. 522, 9 miles south of Berkeley Springs. Tel: 1-800-CALLWVA
For information: www.cacaponresort.com
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Camp Hill Cemetery |
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Originally the site of British General Edward Braddock’s army encampment during the French & Indian War. During the Civil War, this strategically located hill was the site of Camp Chase, where more than 16,000 Union soldiers were stationed to guard the railroad. Tel: 1-800-447-8797
For information: www.berkeleysprings.com
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Charles Town Racing and Slots |
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Featuring live thoroughbred racing Wed.-Sat., simulcast dog and horse racing from around the country, along with all the latest video slots—and a new non-smoking gaming area. A variety of dining choices is available, from snack bars to fine restaurants. Open daily. On Rt. 340, just outside of Charles Town.
For information: www.charlestownraces.com
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Claymont Court |
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The most elaborate of the Washington houses on the Trail, and the only one open to the public for special events, Claymont Court is owned by the Claymont Society for Continuous Education, which hosts retreats, seminars, and community events. About 3.8 miles southwest of Charlestown on Huyette Road, off Rt. 340. Tel: (304) 725-4437
For information: www.claymont.org
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Coolfont Manor House |
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This historic structure is now the site for many cultural and artistic programs featured at the Coolfont Resort, which also offers a full-service spa, two lakes, and many outdoor activities. Three miles southwest of Berkeley Springs, off Rt. 9. Tel: (800) 888-8768
For information: www.coolfont.com
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Elmwood Cemetery |
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Chartered in 1869, this historic cemetery includes about 120 graves of Confederate casualties of the Battle of Antietam. Located on Rt. 480, a few blocks southwest of Shepherdstown.
For more information: www.nps.gov/anti/shepherd.htm
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Great Cacapon |
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George Washington surveyed this tiny hamlet, along the Potomac River just upstream from its juncture with the Cacapon River. Washington owned 240 acres of riverfront nearby which he prized for the abundance of fine walnut trees growing in its fertile soil. His nephew Samuel bought this land from Washington’s estate for $4999. On Rt. 9, six miles west of Berkeley Springs. Tel: 1-800-447-8797
For information: www.berkeleysprings.com
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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park |
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In this picturesque, carefully restored town that dates from around 1747, several themes in the American story converge: Native Americans, industry and transportation (including firearms and weaponry for the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Civil War), African-Americans, John Brown's raid, the Civil War, and the natural environment. The National Park Service provides interpretive programs that address these significant issues.
For information: www.nps.gov/hafe
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Jefferson's Rock |
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In 1783, Thomas Jefferson viewed the breathtaking vista that unfolds at this site and later wrote in his journal, "The passage of the Patowmac through the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature…. This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic."
For information: www.nps.gov/hafe
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Mills Gap Vista |
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The Eastern Panhandle's steep ridges, fertile valleys and abundant rivers, streams and springs were the main attractions for the first settlers. One of the most spectacular views of the gorgeous scenery along the Trail can be seen at Mill Gap. At the intersection of Rt. 51 and Rt. 45.
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Morgan's Grove Park |
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In 1775, Daniel Morgan and Hugh Stephenson departed with their troops from Morgan Grove on the famous Beeline March, joining George Washington's Continental Army in Boston, 24 days later. Today, the surrounding area, including Morgan's Grove Park, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park, adorned with pavilions, hiking trails, soccer fields, and a community pavilion, serves as an idyllic site for public gatherings. Its picnic facilities are available for rental. On Rt. 480, 1/2 mile south of Shepherdstown. Tel: 304.728.3207
For information: www.jcprc.org/page12.html
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Nearby Attractions - Antietam National Battlefield Memorial |
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A tour of the Washington Heritage Trail would not be complete without a visit to the Antietam National Battlefield Memorial. The Battle of Antietam claimed more than 23,000 men killed, wounded, and missing in a single day, September 17,1862, and led to Lincoln's issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. Open year-round, with many seasonal events of interest.
For travel directions and information: www.nps.gov/anti/directions.htm
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Nearby Attractions - Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Park |
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George Washington’s dream of making the Potomac River navigable sowed the seed for what became the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Begun in 1828, the 185-mile canal was completed from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland, and operated until 1924. Today the canal's towpath provides a continuous trail through the spectacular scenery of the Potomac River Valley, making it a great attraction for biking and hiking.
For maps and information: www.nps.gov/choh
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Panorama Overlook / Prospect Peak |
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Enjoy George Washington’s favorite vista of the serpentine Potomac River where it converges with the Cacapon River. Here, a breathtaking vista of four states, two great rivers, sheer mountain ridges and rolling farmlands unfolds. On Rt. 9, midway between Berkeley Springs and Great Cacapon. Tel: 1-800-447-8797
For information: www.berkeleysprings.com
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Paw Paw |
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Located along the Potomac River, B&O Railroad and C&O Canal, Paw Paw serves as the western-most entry to the Washington Heritage Trail. This old canal and railroad town offers visitor lodging, campsites along the river, boat ramp, food and car services. On Rt. 9, about 25 miles west of Berkeley Springs. Tel: 1-800-447-8797
For information: www.berkeleysprings.com
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Paw Paw Tunnel |
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Beginning in 1836, the C&O Canal Company took 14 years to carve a nearly mile-long tunnel through Sorrell Ridge, creating a straight route for the Canal. Today, hikers and cyclists can appreciate this 19th century wonder of the world from the restored towpath. On Rt. 9, across the Potomac River from the town of Paw Paw. Tel: 1-800-447-8797
For information: www.berkeleysprings.com
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River Sports |
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Rafting, tubing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing trips are available along the Shenendoah and Potomac Rivers.
For information: www.hello-wv.com
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Rumsey Monument |
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This imposing granite column was erected in 1915 as a memorial to inventor James Rumsey, an important American scientific inventor. Mr. Rumsey was fortunate to attract the attention and support of many of the important leaders of the time, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, who set up the Rumsean Society in Philadelphia to support him. Located at the end of North Mill Street.
For information: www.weta.org/potomac/regions/region4/rumsey.html
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Sir John's Run |
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Steamboat inventor, James Rumsey, and his brother-in-law, Joseph Barnes owned a mill on Sir John's. In May 1785, Rumsey hired Barnes to build a boat near Sir John's Run which they tested where the stream enters the Potomac. In 1939, a group of local Rumsey enthusiasts used this event to dedicate the area as Port James Rumsey. On Sir John's Run Road, 3, 1/2 mile west of Berkeley Springs off Rt. 9. Tel: 1-800-447-8797
For information: www.berkeleysprings.com
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Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area |
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Sleepy Creek is a haven for rustic camping, hiking, fishing and hunting (wild turkey is the featured game species). The area, which also has a 205-acre lake, a boat launch and a rifle range, is traversed by a section of the challenging 250-mile Tuscarora Trail. Located 11 miles west of Martinsburg and 6 miles southeast of Berkeley Springs. No gas-powered boats.
For information: www.dnr.state.wv.us/wvwildlife/wma/districttwo.htm
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Spruce Pine Hollow Park |
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This inviting roadside park and pavilion was once the site of a sawmill owned by the brother of steamboat inventor James Rumsey, where it is believed he sawed boards for a summer home he built in 1785 for George Washington in Berkeley Springs. On Rt. 9, east of Berkeley Springs.
For information: www.berkeleysprings.com
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Summit Point Raceway |
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As well as holding regular sports car, motorcycle, and go-kart races, Summit Point Raceway also conducts specialized driver training programs for recreational driving, accident avoidance and police driving. Open from March through November for racing, and year round for driver training, by appointment. On Rt. 13 in Summit Point, about 8 miles southwest of Charles Town. Tel: (304) 725-8444
For information: www.summitpoint-raceway.com
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Virginius Island |
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Located in the Harpers Ferry National Park, hiking trails of various lengths meander among the ruins of a once thriving 19th-century industrial town along the Shenandoah River. A self-guided tour map of the ruins of factories and mills is available from the Harpers Ferry National Park Visitor Center, or online.
For information: www.nps.gov/hafe/virginius.htm
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Yankauer Nature Preserve |
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This 104-acre refuge is operated by The Nature Conservancy of West Virginia and The Potomac Valley Audubon Society, offering nature trails, bird-watching, public events, and a summer camp for youngsters.
For directions and information: www.potomacaudubon.org/yankauer.html
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