We hiked this section on May 27, 2006.
It was a very hot and humid day for a hike. We doused ourselves with bug spray and also applied bug spray to our boots and gaiters because of ticks.
We passed several places were people could stealth camp but unfortunately there were no water sources.
We took a break just before entering Harpers Ferry National park and a bird crapped all over Python. Just lovely!
Several hikers told us that they had moved a huge black snake off the trail just before the 340 bridge. Dirigo is deathly afraid of snakes so Python agreed to lead from this point forward. We saw the snake in the grass near the trail and were very thankful that he had been moved off the trail.
There is no shade when crossing the 340 bridge so we tried to hike as fast as possible to get out of the sun. After crossing the bridge, we followed the trail up the hill and Python almost stepped on a baby copperhead snake! Python wanted to use her hike poles to move the snake off the trail. Each time Python's poles got close to the snake, the snake would attack the pole. Finally, Python got one pole under the snake and tossed it off the trail – and then screamed like a girl "RUN!". Everyone ran!
Jefferson Rock
View from Jefferson Rock
Railroad Tracks