">
AT Hikers: Flooding Anticipated in Harpers Ferry, Footbridge Temporarily Closed
The Goodloe Byron Footbridge, which takes the Appalachian Trail across the Potomac River in Harpers Ferry, WV, is temporarily closed due to forecasted flooding in the area. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, AT hikers should either shuttle around the closure or wait for the bridge to reopen after the flood risk has passed.
Multiple flood warnings are in effect along the Appalachian Trail in northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland through tomorrow. Per the flood warning, “the river is expected to rise above flood stage just after midnight tonight to a crest of 18.4 feet tomorrow morning. It will then fall below flood stage late tomorrow morning.”
Meanwhile, Shenandoah National Park is warning hikers of dangerous stream crossings, rock scrambles, and impassable roads as the rains continue. “Avoid stream crossings when possible,” park staff wrote on Facebook. “Plan on turning around, waiting it out, or going elsewhere if water is too high, cold, or swift. If the weather becomes threatening, find safe shelter immediately.”
Minor Flooding Predicted for Harpers Ferry
Authorities close the Harpers Ferry pedestrian bridge when the river stage reaches 16 feet, according to the National Water Prediction Service. At this height, waters from the Potomac can reach the C&O Canal towpath on the Maryland side of the river (also part of the AT). “Due to backwater effects on the Shenandoah River, floodwaters cover much of the Hamilton Street area of historic Harpers Ferry, and approach the employee parking lot” when the flood stage reaches 18 feet.
The river is predicted to crest at 18.4 feet during this event. At this stage, a flood in the area would still be classified as “minor.”
Harpers Ferry also experienced minor flooding last October in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The town also flooded several times in 2018, including a more dramatic flood in June 2018 that shut down the AT and damaged roads in the area.
The Byron Footbridge crossing the Potomac River, as pictured in 2024 (not in flood stage). Photo: Jeff McCorkle.
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
