Harpers Ferry in West Virginia is a wonderful small town full of history, nature, and beautiful scenery.
Between the National Historical Park and the fantastic hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail, it’s a perfect place to spend a long weekend.
There are many fun things to do in Harpers Ferry with your family. This guide includes those activities, as well as some nearby fun.
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Where is Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry is a Civil War-era town preserved by the National Park Service due to its important place in American history. It’s considered one of the best small towns in the USA!
The town is positioned along the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers in West Virginia and borders Maryland and Virginia and offers some of the best hiking on the east coast for families.
It’s also a perfect weekend getaway from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC.
Things to Do in Harpers Ferry
1. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
The main draw for many visitors to Harpers Ferry is Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The park is over 3500 acres and includes the historic downtown and surrounding area.
Harpers Ferry has limited parking in town, so visitors should use the dedicated parking lot at the visitor’s center. From there, a shuttle bus takes you directly into town. The National Park Service charges $20 for park access for three days. Your America the Beautiful Pass or Every Kid Outdoors Pass will give you admission to the park.
Once you are in town, take the time to enter each building. Every building has a small exhibit that goes into detail about the historical significance of the town. There are some interactive exhibits that the kids will enjoy.
2. Walk Up the Appalachian Staircase to Jefferson Rock
When you are walking around town, you’ll see a stone staircase leading up to a church. Follow that staircase and continue along the steep path until you reach Jefferson Rock. The path leading to the rock is part of the Appalachian Trail. You can’t miss the white blazes on the railing!
Once you’re at the rocks, you’ll have fantastic views of the Shenandoah River. Jefferson Rock is named for Thomas Jefferson, who once stood at the site in 1783. The slabs are comprised of Harpers shale. The rocks became unsteady due to the “devastations of tourists and curiosity-hunters”, so four stone pillars were in-between the two slabs in the mid-1800s.
3. Shopping and Eating in Harpers Ferry
Although the National Park Service runs a large part of the town, much of the town is still privately owned. As such, you can patronize several restaurants and shops while in Harpers Ferry.
Hikers on the Appalachian Trail find the Harpers Ferry Outfitters & Bike Shop useful for food, gear, and tools. They also sell some fun t-shirts and other souvenirs. There are small shops selling housewares, décor, and a jewelry store. If you enjoy shopping, you’ll love this town!
After shopping and exploring, you’ll work up an appetite. Thankfully there are several places to grab a bite to eat or sweet treat. We enjoyed our milkshakes at Cream Creations. They had some fun, unique flavors like Blue Panda or Banana Pudding.
4. Hike the Maryland Heights Trail
- Trail Location: The trail begins in Harpers Ferry, crossing the Potomac via the train bridge
- Trail Length: About 4.5 miles (out-and-back)
- Trail Difficulty: Strenuous – the majority of the trail is on a steep grade (either uphill or downhill). Consider using hiking poles for this hike.
Probably the most popular Harpers Ferry hiking trail, the Maryland Heights trail gives visitors amazing views of Harpers Ferry and the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. It’s a popular day trip hike from Washington, DC.
This trail is not for the occasional hiker, as its steep grade can prove to make this 4.5-mile, in-and-out hike very strenuous.
Starting in Harpers Ferry, hikers will cross the Potomac River via the train bridge and then take the stairs down to the C&O Canal towpath.
From there, hikers will follow the Potomac River northwest for about a half-mile. There is a pedestrian bridge over the canal to Harpers Ferry Road. There, hikers will cross the road to the Maryland Heights trailhead.
As mentioned above, the main part of the trail is VERY steep! There are very few places where the trail levels out. It is recommended to use hiking poles on this trail. Once you’ve reached the top, there is a descent to the outlook. This is a reprieve until you realize you must climb up on your way out.
The overlook is significant, and even with several groups of people around, there was plenty of space to sit to enjoy a snack and the view.
Plan to spend about 2.5-3 hours completing the Maryland Heights trail.
5. Hike the Loudoun Heights Trail
- Trail Location: The trail begins at the River Access Parking lot, crossing the Shenandoah River via the bridge.
- Trail Length: About 6 miles (out-and-back)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous – the majority of the trail is pretty moderate. However, there are some steep inclines.
At 6 miles long, the Loudoun Heights Trail is the longest of the two hiking trails near Harpers Ferry. However, don’t be scared off by its length, as the Loudoun Heights Trail is considered more manageable than the Maryland Heights Trail, with fewer steep inclines.
Hikers can park at the River Access Parking Lot on Shenandoah Street, right off William L. Wilson Freeway. Remember that this is still the National Park Service property, and you will be required to pay $20 for an entry fee. The parking lot can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so arrive early.
You can park at the main visitor center parking lot and take the shuttle bus into town if the lot is full. The shuttle bus stop is about .5 mile from the River Access Parking lot, adding about 1 mile to your hike.
Cross the Shenandoah River Bridge and follow the stairs down the Appalachian Trail. You follow the Appalachian Trail for about 1.3 miles until you reach an intersection with blue blazes. The trail ends at the Split Rock overlock and then backtracks down. There are a few other overlooks along the route to enjoy beautiful views of the Shenandoah River and Harpers ferry.
Plan to spend about 3-4 hours completing this trail.
6. Rafting and Tubing
Of all of the things to do in Harpers Ferry, one of the most unique activities is the ability to river raft in three states on one trip! The Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers make for perfect class I-III rafting.
These 2-2.5 rafting adventures will take you past Harpers Ferry on the Shenandoah before joining with the Potomac River. The trips range from 6-7 miles, depending on the company you choose to raft with.
There isn’t much difference between the trips that Harpers Ferry Adventure Center and River & Trail Outfitters offer. However, they have different trip times and other additional activities, like ziplining and bike tours. Visit their websites for more information, including age and weight minimums.
7. Antietam National Battlefield
Although it’s not a tourist draw like Gettysburg, the Antietam National Battlefield is still worth visiting. Known as the bloodiest day in American history, more than 22,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing in action. It was also a significant turning point in the Civil War, as it stopped General Lee from advancing into Union territory.
Like other battlefield tours, guests will drive around to significant battle sites, including the West Woods, where 2200 Union soldiers were killed in less than 20 minutes. Don’t miss the observation tower, with sweeping views of the battlefield and cornfields. And make sure to cross over Burnside Bridge and take in the towering “witness tree” adjacent.
Antietam Battlefield is open year-round, though the visitor’s center is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The National Park Service charges a $20 fee per vehicle, and the pass is good for three days.
Fun fact: The Battle of Antietam is known as the Battles of Sharpsburg in the Southern United States
Where to Stay Near Harpers Ferry
You have many options concerning a place to stay in Harpers Ferry. If you want to stay in town, there are several independently owned bed & breakfasts. They will allow you to walk into town easily.
If you want to stay at your favorite hotel chain, you’ll have several options in nearby Charles Town (not to be confused with the capital of West Virginia, Charleston). We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Charles Town and had a great experience. It was close to several restaurants and had a grocery store next door. Perfect for picking up last-minute hiking snacks.
More Fun Near Harpers Ferry
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, some other fun places to visit are about an hour from Harpers Ferry, like Gettysburg, Baltimore, or Washington, DC. You can also add Harpers Ferry to the beginning or end of a road trip through Virginia.
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