The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will offer a special Harpers Ferry area hike for families with children on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to about 1 p.m. It will follow the Overlook Trail in the Maryland Heights section of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, on the Maryland side of the Potomac River.

Families with children of all ages will be welcome. The hike will be free but enrollment will be limited and pre registration will be required. To register or get more information go to the PVAS website at www.potomacaudubon.org or contact Ellen Murphy at 304-676-8739 or Ellen@PotomacAudubon.org.

The hike route is rated as difficult, with steep and rocky sections. However, it offers spectacular views.

Participants should bring water and a snack, wear sturdy shoes, and dress for the prevailing weather. If the weather is warm, they should bring insect repellent.

The hike group will assemble in Harpers Ferry, at the river overlook known as The Point, and cross over the Potomac on the footbridge.

Parking may be available at the Harpers Ferry Train Station but if visitor traffic is heavy participants will have to park at the park’s Visitor’s Center and ride the bus to the lower town.

This hike is part of an Audubon program, called “Outdoor Explore!”, which is intended to give youngsters a better understanding and appreciation of the natural world in a safe, supervised way. Its activities include hiking, exploration of different local habitats, plant and animal identification, and other natural science activities.