I'm organizing a group hike from Keys Gap to Harpers Ferry later this month. The plan of course was to leave some cars at the Visitors Center and shuttle people up to Keys Gap in a couple of vans/large SUVs. I had advised everyone that if they get to the gate at the Visitors Center early enough (used to be before 9 am) the ranger booth is closed and they can park for free, but if they arrive when a ranger is there, then the per car fee is $6. Well, I just found out that the fee has jumped to $10/car AND they are now charging $5/person to walk in or ride a bike in. Just to come into the lot and then get on the shuttle buses into town? I haven't been there in several months - are they going to set up toll booths now at the town entrances and on the footbridge at the C&O Canal? Are they going to start demanding everyone carry a ticket as proof they can be in town and to get back on the shuttle buses?
Has anyone run into this yet? I'm wondering how exactly this can be enforced. There are trail head lots along the canal that are free. Seems to me they are just going to encourage cars to park where they shouldn't be parking so that people can park and walk into town for free. Not to mention what this could do to the small businesses in town.
I love going there but I will absolutely think twice before setting up anymore hikes that end in town (where we always patronized the cafes and shops) if we are now going to have pay just to be in town.