FreeWalkers T.R. 50 Mile Trek

Start & Finish: John Brown's Fort, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Distance: 50 mile route. See with optional Optional endpoints below for distances choices you can make on the day of the walk.

Optional endpoints: Walkers are free to 'turn around' anywhere they wish returning to Harpers Ferry. Harpers Ferry is never more than 12.5 miles from where you are. We will provide 'support' stops at a few points along the way. Our shuttles will be provided to drive you back to the Clarion.

Terrain: Well packed gravel/dirt, flat/level with some limited stairs climbing.

Parking: FW will shuttle walkers from the Clarion Hotel to the start point. Other parking options include those found at the NPS website.

Difficulty: Advanced and challenging due to distance and possible weather conditions. Each walker sets their own pace. W.C. facilities available along the route, mostly port-a-johns (the trail is managed by the National Park Service so these facilities should be open and available to us).

What to pack: Layered clothes for possibly cold/wet weather conditions, socks, shoes, walking poles, snacks and water bottle. What you pack depends on your personal experiences of walking long distances in variable conditions. Support stops with liquids and food will be provided by FreeWalkers (see below); plan to pack any specific food or hydration items you think you'll want for between support stops.

Category: Nature, scenic, history and waterfront.

Coordinators: John Codd & Risa Olinsky

Something different this year than our 50 mile treks in the past. We will accept the challenges issued by U.S. Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy and attempt to walk 50 miles. Our new route will start at John Brown's Fort in Harpers Ferry, and proceed northwest toward Shepherdstown, W.V along the C&O Canal towpath. After a breakfast stop (on the trail), walkers will return via the same route to Harpers Ferry. Encouraging walkers you'll meet walking in the opposite direction is optional, but is certainly suggested.
After enjoying a lunch break (on the canal), continue on the towpath southeast to Point of Rocks where a hot snack will be waiting for you. The trip "home" is a return along the same route.

Registration is required for this special event!

Full Package cost before Oct. 1 2024: $180 /per person.

On or after Oct.1st: $200/per person.

The registration fee includes:

- FreeWalkers souvenir gift and personalized event bib.

- Pre-event meet and greet dinner at the Clarion Hotel.

- Transportation from the Clarion Hotel to the starting line, with a light grab-and-go snack.

- Breakfast, lunch and evening food stops.

- Support stations with provisions every 7-10 miles.

- Cyclist and on-foot sweep of trail.

- Transportation to Harpers Ferry for non-finishers along the way.

- Post-event dinner at Clarion Hotel.

Refund Policy:

Refundable before Oct. 1, 2024 (minus $25 and Eventbrite fee).

NON-REFUNDABLE after September 30, 2024 - no exceptions.

Lodging & Meals

Your registration allows you to take advantage of our Clarion Hotel discount. This discount ends as of January 8, 2025, so be sure to book your hotel soon. [Hotel registration link provided upon paid registration].

Breakfast is included in your Clarion Hotel reservation. The number of rooms available is limited. Other options include B&Bs and the Quality Inn Harpers Ferry. Participants are responsible for their own accommodations, hotel reservations/cancellations and transportation to and from the event. Free parking at the Clarion.

Guests who are not walking are welcome to join us for dinner both nights for $30 per night/dinner. Please let us know if a guest will be joining you. You can pay for them when you arrive.

Support and transportation

All participants will enjoy regular support along the route: food, fluids and limited transportation options. Support includes shuttles back to the Clarion from support stops along the trail.

Highlights:

• A weekend with fellow travelers/long distance walkers.
• Cloud cover permitting, seeing the sun rise over the canal.
• Full 50 mile walk option.
• 25 mile morning walk, for the 'official' walk start.
• 25 mile afternoon walk, for those that elect to start at 'lunch' time.
• Extend the weekend by spending time in Harpers Ferry or Brunswick, MD - two towns with wonderful food and sightseeing options.

Host or Publisher FreeWalkers.org