Camp Fuel: Harpers Ferry

We note considerable interest by visitors wanting information on obtaining camp fuel along the Appalachian Trail. So, we start a series of posts on camp fuel availability with information on obtaining fuel at Harpers Ferry.

Alcohol Fuel

As we used a SuperCat alcohol stove for our section hike from Harpers Ferry, we located several sources for alcohol camp fuel. One source is the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) office in Harpers Ferry itself. Alcohol fuel is stored outside on the front porch in a box. Fuel is by "donation". Denatured alcohol is $6/quart from the Walmart in Martinsburg some distance away, so be fair, if not generous.

Alcohol fuel for your camp stove is also available from the Outfitter at Harpers Ferry. Just go inside and up the stairs to the register and ask for fuel. You provide the container. Fuel is $.50 per ounce and we had several ounces of leftover fuel at Boiling Springs from our 20 ounce pop bottle. The only problem with using the Outfitter for camp fuel is they are usually closed by the time you arrive in Harpers Ferry by train.

Alcohol fuel is sometimes available at the hostel located about 2 miles north of Harpers Ferry. The hostel is just off the Appalachian Trail making a quick stop for NOBOs a possibility. Call ahead to confirm alcohol fuel is available.

Butane Fuel

Butane fuel cartridges are available from the Outfitter at Harpers Ferry. Several varieties were available the day we stopped.

Butane fuel cartridges are also available at Walmart in Martinsburg, as are small lightweight, folding butane stoves.

Propane Fuel

We can't imagine anyone carrying a steel bottle of propane up the trail, but if you need propane camp fuel, you'll find some at the KOA store just outside Harpers Ferry. Propane is also available at Walmart in Martinsburg.

Backpacking Fuel: Everclear Grain Alcohol

Now that we have made a couple of Super Cat alcohol stoves, our attention has turned to sources of fuel for said stoves. One form of alcohol mentioned as fuel is Everclear grain alcohol. Come to find out that Everclear grain alcohol comes in two versions: 190 proof and 150 proof. We did not know that as we seldom partake of hard liquor, just beer and wine mostly.

While stopping at a local liquor store to get a large Heinekin beer can for a homemade ultralight cooking system, we had inquired as to the availability of Everclear. We stopped by a second time to ascertain which version is sold in Arkansas. We get the full monty - 190 proof! A pint retails from four to six dollars depending on location. So, for local hikes, we have a source of stove fuel that we can also consume in a late night beverage, if desired. (By the way, Everclear grain alcohol has about 190 calories per ounce, so a nightcap does provide significant calories with zero fat or carbohydrates.)

While researching Everclear grain alcohol., we discovered that it is actually illigal to purchase in several states, including Virginia. This is cause for some concern as we had previously located a state liquor store Harpers Ferry, WV just west of the ATC Headquarters and a liquor store near Union Train station in DC. Both were possible sources for stove fuel. Now, we'll have to make some calls to check if Everclear grain alcohol is available, and if so, the proof, amount, and price. We'll post an update below once we know the details.

Mobile Guide to the Appalachian Trail

We've been developing a new mobile web curriculum at the office. As part of our research, we discovered a cool mobile web design tool at Ubik.com. While playing with the tool to learn its capabilities, the idea struck us that we could create a small mobile web site to support our upcoming section hike. That idea led to the better idea to develop a lean digital guide book that could be easily viewed on mobile devices.

We are pleased to announce the Mobile Guide to the Appalachian Trail is under development. You can follow the build here:

at.ubik.net

As mobile devices are not currently standardized and most cannot handle large graphics, long pages, and javascript, we've decided on a simple menu for the new mobile guide:

• Water


• Shelter


• Resupply


• Emergency


• About


• Disclaimer

As we're planning for a section hike of the AT in WV/MD/PA, we'll probably fill in the data for those sections of the mobile guide first. Then, we'll focus on the completing the emergency contact list for all states. Springer to Fontana section will follow third as new hikers will likely need the information most.

The purpose is not to supplant the existing ATC guide and data books, but to provide information in another format for fellow hikers. (Personally, I'd like to build the site and then hand everything over to the ATC for them to brand and possibly derive mobile ad income.)

Appalachian Trail Access: Harpers Ferry, WV

For our upcoming section hike of the Appalachian Trail, we plan to access the trail at Harpers Ferry, WV. Harpers Ferry is a true trail town in that the Appalachian Trail actually runs throught the town. Get to the town and you've gotten to the trail.

Section hikers will likely arrive by train. Harpers Ferry is served by both Amtrack and Maryland Rail Commuter (MARC). The train station is located just off the Appalachian Trail near the foot bridge to Maryland.

We plan to take a Greyhound bus to Washington DC and then switch to the Maryland Rail Commuter (MARC) service's Brunswick line to Harpers Ferry. The Greyhound depot is four blocks north of Union Station. Some Greyhound schedules actually stop at Union Station enroute to the bus depot.

The disadvantage of taking a commuter train to Harpers Ferry is they only run in the afternoon. Thus, most hikers will arrive in Harpers Ferry long after both the ATC Headquarters and The Outfitter at Harpers Ferry have closed for the day.

As one can't fly or take the bus legally with fuel canisters or alcohol, where to obtain fuel suddenly becomes a concern. One can spend the evening at a local hotel or the KOA campground and purchase fuel in the morning. Another option is to hit the trail and fuel up somewhere north or south of Harpers Ferry. The Bears Den Hostel is south of Harpers Ferry and sells fuel. North bound (NOBO) hikers have it a bit tougher. We plan to head south and overnight along the trail on Louden Heights and obtain fuel about 9:00 a.m. when places open.

By the way, The Outfitter at Harpers Ferry has been known to allow some hikers to overnight on their backporch. Call ahead and don't abuse the priviledge, if granted.

Related Posts:
Greyhound Bus: Harpers Ferry WV