Rafi's Route
Entry-level route at Union Walls; takes bolts and placed gear together.
- 5.3
- grade
- Mixed
- style
Is Rafi's Route open right now?
Closure in the area
There's a closure order in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. It doesn't name Rafi's Route, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).
Bridge to Maryland Heights & C&O Canal CLOSED
Park closure covering Harpers Ferry National Historical Park · NPS · Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Park closure covering Appalachian National Scenic Trail · NPS · Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park alert covering Appalachian National Scenic Trail · NPS · Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Ongoing work on Lower Town buildings
Park alert covering Harpers Ferry National Historical Park · NPS · Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
As of · Source: NPS · Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Best time to visit Rafi's Route
Best months: April–June and August–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
Jan
41° / 21°
Feb
44° / 23°
Mar
53° / 29°
Apr
65° / 39°
May
74° / 49°
Jun
82° / 58°
Jul
86° / 62°
Aug
85° / 61°
Sep
78° / 54°
Oct
67° / 42°
Nov
56° / 32°
Dec
45° / 25°
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Sharpsburg 5 S, MD, 5.1 mi away at 400 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
One of the easier climbs catalogued at Union Walls, where routes span from 5.3 to 5.10b. This line accepts both bolts and placed gear on the same ascent.
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