Harpers Ferry Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, Harpers Ferry is a quaint and historic town in the West Virginia region of the United States. This picturesque destination is renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Harpers Ferry boasts a fascinating historical background, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It played a significant role during the American Civil War and is the site of John Brown's Raid, a pivotal event that fueled the abolitionist movement. Visitors can explore the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which encompasses several historic buildings, exhibits, and museums that offer a glimpse into the town's past.

Beyond its historical significance, Harpers Ferry is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. The town is situated within the Appalachian Trail corridor, attracting hikers and outdoor adventurers from far and wide. The rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains, forests, and rivers provides ample opportunities for activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Harpers Ferry offers charming streets lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Strolling through the town's cobblestone streets, visitors can browse unique boutiques, sample local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the welcoming atmosphere of this small community.

One of the iconic landmarks in Harpers Ferry is the Maryland Heights, which offers panoramic views of the town, rivers, and surrounding mountains. Hiking to the summit is a popular activity that rewards visitors with stunning vistas that are particularly awe-inspiring during sunset or fall foliage season.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Harpers Ferry hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including reenactments, music festivals, and outdoor markets. These celebrations provide an opportunity to experience the town's vibrant culture and connect with the local community.

Alternative names: Population: ~290 pplArea: 0.62 mi²Elevation: 456 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°19'26"N, 77°44'1"W

Location

West VirginiaUnited States

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Harpers Ferry Top Attractions

Harpers Ferry Attractions - What to See and Explore

Harpers Ferry offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, John Brown's Fort, Heyward Shepherd monument, St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Nestled at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a treasure trove of American history and natural beauty. This national park, located in the town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, offers a unique glimpse into the...
Museum • History museum
John Brown's Fort
John Brown's Fort was originally constructed in 1848 for use as a guard and fire engine house by the federal Harpers Ferry Armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia.
Memorial
Heyward Shepherd monument
The Heyward Shepherd monument is a monument in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, constructed in 1931. It commemorates Heyward Shepherd, a free black man, who was the first person killed during John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry.

History museum • Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church
St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia occupies a prominent location on the heights above Harpers Ferry.
39°15'36"N • 77°45'36"W
Keyes Gap
Keyes Gap or Keyes' Gap is a wind gap in the Blue Ridge Mountain on the border of Loudoun County, Virginia and Jefferson County, West Virginia. The gap is traversed by Virginia State Route 9/West Virginia Route 9. The Appalachian Trail also crosses the gap.
39°19'59"N • 77°40'36"W
Weverton Cliffs
-
Valley
Potomac Water Gap
The Potomac Water Gap is a double water gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains, located at the intersection of the states of Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, near Harpers Ferry. At 256 feet, it is the lowest crossing of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Bridge
B & O Railroad Potomac River Crossing
The B & O Railroad Potomac River Crossing is a 15-acre historic site where a set of railroad bridges, originally built by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, span the Potomac River between Sandy Hook, Maryland, and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in the United States.
39°19'32"N • 77°44'26"W
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Convention center • Hiking • Trail
Mountain
Loudoun Heights
Loudoun Heights, sometimes referred to as Loudoun Mountain, is the first peak of the Blue Ridge Mountain south of the Potomac River in Loudoun County, Virginia and Jefferson County, West Virginia.
39°19'25"N • 77°43'52"W
The John Brown Wax Museum
History museum • Museum • Specialty museum
Nature • Natural attraction • Rock
Jefferson Rock
Jefferson Rock is a rock formation on the Appalachian Trail in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It consists of several large masses of Harpers shale, piled one upon the other, that overlook the Shenandoah River just prior to its confluence with the Potomac River.
39°19'24"N • 77°43'49"W
White Hall Tavern
Historical place • Museum
39°19'25"N • 77°43'49"W
Merriwether Lewis
Museum
Cemetery
Allstadt House and Ordinary
The Allstadt House and Ordinary was built about 1790 on land owned by the Lee family near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, including Phillip Ludwell Lee, Richard Bland Lee and Henry Lee III.
39°19'26"N • 77°43'38"W
Shenandoah Subdivision
Bridge • Ruins
39°17'56"N • 77°51'47"W
Harpers Ferry Armory
The Harpers Ferry Armory, more formally known as the United States Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, was the second federal armory created by the United States government. It was located in Harpers Ferry, Virginia.
39°19'59"N • 77°44'19"W
Lock 34
-
39°19'29"N • 77°43'36"W
Lock 33
-

Day trips

Harpers Ferry – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Harpers Ferry, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Chantilly), Reston Town Center (Reston), Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (Hagerstown).

32 milesSE
Aviation museum with many aircraft
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, serves as a modern-day shrine to aviation and spaceflight history. Located in Chantilly, Virginia, within the confines of Fairfax County, this museum is a must-see destination...
32 milesSE
Shopping, Shopping centre, Neighbourhood
Reston Town Center, Reston
Nestled in the heart of Reston, Virginia, Reston Town Center is a vibrant urban oasis that combines the allure of shopping, dining, and entertainment in one sophisticated setting. This bustling shopping mall is not just a place to browse the latest fashion trends but...
22 milesN
Museum, Art museum
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown
Nestled in the heart of Hagerstown, Maryland, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts stands as a cultural oasis, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of visual arts. Established in 1931, this museum is a testament to the rich artistic...
26 milesSE
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Sport
Maryland SoccerPlex, Germantown
The Maryland SoccerPlex is a sports complex in Germantown, Maryland, although its mailing address is Boyds, Maryland. The facility, completed in 2000 and operated by the Maryland Soccer Foundation, has 21 natural grass fields, 3 artificial turf fields, and 8 indoor convertible basketball/volleyball courts.
33 milesSE
Canal
Swains Lock, Potomac
Swains Lock and lock house are part of the 184.5-mile Chesapeake and Ohio Canal that operated in the United States along the Potomac River from the 1830s through 1923. It is located at towpath mile-marker 16.7 near Potomac, Maryland, and within the Travilah census-designated place in Montgomery County, Maryland.