Trail Updates

10/06/2025

Update: The temporary staircase is in place and the footbridge is open! The shuttle to/from Lock 34 will no longer operate. Hikers should plan to use the footbridge as normal. The footbridge will temporarily close again at the end of the project while the temporary staircase is removed, likely in February. We will update this notice when we have more information.

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10/01/2025

Update: The shuttle to/from Lock 34 will continue to run until the footbridge is reopened, despite the government shutdown. We still recommend hikers arrange their own ride. Read the full alert for more information.

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09/18/2025

The National Park Service (NPS) plans to rehabilitate the existing metal stairway connecting the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge (Byron Bridge) to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath. The stairway and footbridge also carry the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.), Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, and other regional trail systems across the Potomac River (NOBO mile 1,026.7). The footbridge serves as the primary connector between Harpers Ferry and the popular Maryland Heights Trail.

NPS has announced that construction is set to begin and the bridge will be closed for approximately two weeks starting on Monday, September 22. 

While the bridge is closed, a shuttle will run between C&O Canal Lock 34 and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center (HAFE). The shuttle will run seven days a week from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm except during inclement weather (snow, ice, etc.).  A.T. hikers should be aware that: 

• Space is limited on the provided shuttle,  
• Pets are not allowed, 
• It is an hour round-trip, 
• The shuttle will only stop at the HAFE Visitor Center and Lock 34. The visitor center is 1.4 miles west of where the A.T. crosses Shoreline Drive in Harpers Ferry and Lock 34 is 0.9 miles west of where the A.T. crosses the closed footbridge. 

Day and weekend hikers and visitors are encouraged to find other hikes during the closure. 

Long distance hikers are encouraged to arrange their own transportation across the river. Visit our Transportation page for shuttle lists or check our list of local shuttle drivers. Hikers can also stop at ATC’s Harpers Ferry Visitor Center for assistance with arranging transportation. 

The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park also runs a daily shuttle between lower town (where the A.T. goes through town) and their visitor center, where hikers can pick up the shuttle to/from Maryland. 

During construction, the C&O Canal Towpath will remain open except for the occasional short closure for deliveries of construction materials/equipment (~15 minutes at a time). Hikers and visitors should follow all directions from flaggers, crews, and posted signs. 

For the latest information, visit the C&O Canal's website.