Are you doing the #fourstatechallenge NOBO (northbound↑) or SOBO↓ ?

Here are some things to consider:

• Start/Finish

  • • North End: MD/PA Border, Pen Mar Park, MD

    • South End: VA/WV Border, Loudoun Heights VA

• Stay(s) 

  • • North End: A seasonal hostel, Zero Day Stay, is 0.3 mi away.  Other stays are accessible by shuttle.

    • South End: Cross Trails Hostel is 4.5 mi, Quality Inn is 1.5 mile, and other lodging is in Harpers Ferry. 

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• Appalachian Trail Hiker Shelters, Road Crossings, and Shuttle Drivers

Here is a list of shelters, road crossings, and shuttle drivers. 

• Parking

  • • North End: There is free overnight parking at Pen Mar Park (free pass req) and parking at Zero Day Stay (free for guests, $4/night for non-guests).

    • South End: It's not recommended to park in Lower Town Harpers Ferry. (Even if you have the $20 Nat Parks pass, there are rarely spaces available). Parking is plentiful at Harper's Ferry Nat Park Parking, but it costs $20.

• Terrain

  • • The North End is a bit rocky and steep, and the middle is moderate.  The South End is easy (comparatively), but steep again right at the end.

• Next Day Care

  • • Have a plan in case everything hurts a bit more than expected.

Since 2023, eleven twelve Zero Day Stay Guests (cheers Divebomber) completed their Four State Challenge.  

If you have any questions, please contact us.  

You got this -- we can help.