About the Flip-Flop Kickoff

Join us for educational workshops and to see off a group of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers who are following the flip-flop route, starting in Harpers Ferry.

Photo credit: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

This free event is led by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and supported by the Trail & Town Alliance of Harpers Ferry & Bolivar, and the towns of Bolivar, WV; Harpers Ferry, WV; and Brunswick, MD.Featuring hiking workshops, a cookout, and a send-off breakfast for flip floppers, the Flip-Flop Kickoff is a fun and educational event in Harpers Ferry, a scenic and historic town in the Blue Ridge Mountains.In previous years, this event was known as the Flip-Flop Festival. We've since changed the name to Flip-Flop Kickoff to better reflect the focus on supporting flip-flop thru-hikers.

What's a Flip-Flop Thru-Hike?

The traditional Appalachian Trail thru-hike starts in Georgia and ends in Maine.But an increasing number of long-distance hikers are innovative enough to hike the 2,200-mile AT by starting in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, which is known as the psychological halfway point. After hiking the northern half, they "flip" back to hike the southern half.This alternate route helps conserve the trail and allows hikers to avoid crowds of thru-hikers who start in Georgia.At the Flip-Flop Kickoff, we encourage this alternate itinerary by helping long-distance hikers learn how to prepare for a thru-hike, and celebrating flip-flop thru-hikers who set off from Harpers Ferry that weekend.

Contact Us

Want to ask questions about the festival? Or volunteer to help?Contact us via email: trailandtown[at]historicharpersferry[dot]org

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Schedule & Registration

Class of 2023 flip-flop thru-hikers / Photo credit: Dan Innamorato

Event Registration

Register for shuttles, workshops, and other sessions HERE.Note that not all sessions require preregistration. Continue reading for the complete event schedule. We’ve also provided links to individual session registration below for your convenience.

Schedule, Friday, April 24

Open House & State of the Trail with ATC CEO Cinda Waldbuesser* Location: Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), 799 Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV* Time: 4:00pmVisit ATC headquarters, the “psychological halfway point” of the Trail, and hear about the state of the Trail and updates on the ATC’s work from the new CEO, Cinda Waldbuesser. Cinda will talk about important projects, give updates on Hurricane Helene recovery work, and talk 100 more years of A.T. stewardship.RegisterHike Through History with local guide, Chris Craig* Location: Meet at the ATC, 799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV* Time: 5:00pmJoin us for a fascinating history walk through the charming streets of Harpers Ferry, WV! This walking tour offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the story of this historic town firsthand. The tour is expected to last around 1.5 hours and will be on easy to moderate terrain.Register

Schedule, Saturday, April 25

Join the workshops for raffles throughout the day!Morning Meet & Greet with refreshments* Location: Interpretive Design Center Pavilion (IDC), Harpers Ferry, WV* Time: 9:00amMeet fellow flip-flop thru-hikers, past, present and future!RegisterWhat the Funk? Hiker Hygiene & LNT WorkshopLocation: Curtis Freewill Baptist Church, Harpers Ferry, WVTime: 10:00am – 11:00amJoin Jim Fetig, past thru-hiker, ridgerunner, and current Potomac Appalachian Trail Club President, as he breaks down how to stay clean and healthy on your hikes. Jim also covers the importance of Leave No Trace. 2026 hikers can pick up their 2026 A.T. hangtag at the end of Jim’s workshop.RegisterFlip Flop 101 Workshop* Location: Curtis Freewill Baptist Church, Harpers Ferry, WVTime: 11:00am – 12:00pmJoin Class of 2023 Flip Flop thru-hiker and ATC ridgerunner Leanna "All Good" Keegan as she discusses how to complete a safe and enjoyable Flip-Flop thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail.RegisterPack Shakedowns* Location: Interpretive Design Center Pavilion (IDC)* Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 3:00pmTalk with experienced backpackers and Potomac Appalachian Trail Club ridgerunners about what’s in your pack and what you need and don’t need to bring on the Trail.RegisterLunch Break* Location: Virginia Lodge 1, 770 Filmore Street, Harpers Ferry, WV* Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pmHarpers Ferry Independent Order of the Odd Fellows will have bagged lunches available for sale at their lodge, just across the street from the workshop location. Vegetarian options are available. Attendees are also welcome to explore the many other amazing food options in Harpers Ferry. Check out our Visit page for more information.Pay via Cash, Paypal, Venmo, or CashApp (additional 50 cent charge for Apps) when you pick up your lunch.RegisterAsk the Flip Floppers Panel* Location: Curtis Freewill Baptist Church* Time: 1:15pm – 2:30pmEver had a question about hiking the A.T. and didn’t know who to ask? Now is your time. Join a panel discussion with Class of 2025 flip-flop thru-hikers who will share their stories, tips, and guidance for having a great hike on the Trail.RegisterHiking With Your Dog Workshop* Location: Interpretive Design Center Pavilion (IDC)* Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pmMaria Wishart and her dog, Boots, have hiked thousands of miles together. In this presentation, they’ll share expert advice on how to prepare your dog for hiking, proper etiquette/manners when hiking with your dog, Leave No Trace principles and extra care considerations for your canine companion when heading out into the wilderness.RegisterDehydrated Food for Hiking Workshop* Location: Curtis Freewill Baptist Church* Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pmJoin longtime ATC visitor center volunteer Dottie “Dot Com” Rust to learn the What, Why and How of dehydrating your own food for hiking. In this workshop, we’ll dig into the equipment needed for dehydrating your own food as well as some tried and true trail recipes.RegisterFlip Flop Shuttle* Curtis Freewill Baptist Church & Brunswick Family Campground* Times: 4:30 pm and 8:00 pm on Saturday, 4/25. 6:30 am on Sunday, 4/16A free shuttle is provided for event attendees to/from Harpers Ferry and the campground on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.RegisterEvening Cookout* Location: Brunswick Family Campground, Brunswick, MD* Time: 6:30pmShare a meal with fellow flip-flop hikers and event attendees at a free cookout provided by the A.T. Community of Brunswick, MD. There will be a shuttle to/from the cookout so folks staying at both the campground and Harpers Ferry can attend.No advanced registration is required.

Schedule, Sunday, April 26

Photo credit: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Flip-Flop Thru-Hiker Group Photo* Location: Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), 799 Washington St., Harpers Ferry, WV* Time: 7:00amAre you a 2026 Flip Flop Thru-Hiker? Come take a photo with your fellow Class of 2026 Hikers. All 2026 flip floppers are welcome – you don’t have to be starting from the event. Don’t forget to bring your hangtag!No advanced registration is required.Breakfast* Location: Social Hall at Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodist Church, 601 Washington St., Harpers Ferry, W* Time: 7:30am – 9:00amEnjoy a delicious and hearty breakfast prepared by members of the community. All are welcome. Breakfast is free for 2026 flip-floppers, and a pay-what-you-can donation is asked of other attendees.No advance registration requiredScenic Sendoff* Planned Location:* Social Hall at Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodist Church, 601 Washington St.* Time: 9:00amAfter breakfast, those who choose can start their flip-flop journey by following a breathtaking route through Harpers Ferry. Allow about one hour to walk and take photos along the 0.75 mile route to the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, where we’ll say farewell and good luck to the Class of 2026 flip flop thru-hikers!No advance registration is required.*If the renovation project on the Byron Bridge has started, we will hold the Scenic Sendoff across the river along the A.T. and provide a free shuttle to the starting location.

Click HERE for a map of the event to help plan your visit.

Plan Your Visit

The A.T. Communities of Harpers Ferry and Bolivar are quaint and historic West Virginia towns, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. Along with being considered the psychological halfway point of the Appalachian Trail, the Harpers Ferry area offers a wealth of fantastic hiking, cycling, rafting, and climbing opportunities, with restaurants, shops, art galleries, indoor and outdoor exhibits. All set close to world-famous historic sites related to the Civil War, African American History, and the explorer Meriwether Lewis.The A.T. Community of Brunswick, Maryland, just across the river, is a historical town along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. Long known for its role as a transportation hub along the railroad, Brunswick also offers wonderful options for hikers and cyclists alike.

Stay

Camping is available at the standard rate ($22) for event attendees and hikers at the Brunswick Family Campground, just across the river in Brunswick, Maryland. Reserve your site on the campground’s website or call them at (301) 834-9950. Tent campers should ask to stay at the Potomac Green site.Hikers staying at the campground on Friday night can inquire at the ATC Visitor Center about free rides to/from the campground and Harpers Ferry on Friday evening and Saturday morning.There are many other great lodging options nearby for those who don’t plan on staying at the campground and/or want to stay in Harpers Ferry/Bolivar:* Halfway Hideaway Hostel in Harpers Ferry* Cross Trails Hostel in Knoxville, MD* Quality Inn in Harpers Ferry* Travelodge in Brunswick, MDThere are many more inns, guest houses, and bed and breakfasts in Harpers Ferry and the surrounding area. Visit Experience Harpers Ferry for more information.

Eat

Event meals:* Saturday lunch: A bagged lunch will be available for purchase at Virginia 1 Lodge, courtesy of the Harpers Ferry Independent Order of the Odd Fellows. The Odd Fellows accept Cash, Paypal, Venmo, or CashApp payment when you pick up your meal.* Saturday dinner: A free cookout for event attendees is available thanks to the A.T. Community of Brunswick, MD at the Brunswick Family Campground. The grill will get going at 6:30 pm!* Sunday breakfast: Event attendees can enjoy a community breakfast hosted by the A.T. Communities of Harpers Ferry & Bolivar, WV. Breakfast is free for 2026 hikers and a pay-what-you-can donation is asked of other attendees. Learn more on the Schedule page.Other food options:Harpers Ferry and the surrounding area offer many more world-class dining options. Learn about other options or plan the rest of your trip by visiting the Jefferson County Visitor Center or Experience Harpers Ferry.

Parking

Parking for the event on Saturday is available for free to attendees at the Curtis Freewill Baptist Church in Harpers Ferry. This is the same location as the workshops and is just across the street from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center. Parking is available on the streets throughout Harpers Ferry and Bolivar (some spots are metered); at the Harpers Ferry Train Station; and at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park's Visitor Center, from which you can catch a shuttle to town. Both the train station and visitor center require a fee to park, which supports the National Historical Park.