Harpers Ferry is a historic and beautiful town located in the ‘wild and wonderful’ state of West Virginia. Situated at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, Harpers Ferry is a picturesque mountain town, renowned for its significant role in American history, particularly during the Civil War.

My husband and I chose to move to Charles Town, WV (Harpers Ferry’s neighboring town) for its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and cheaper cost of living. We received the Ascend WV grant for moving to the state of West Virginia, and while living in Northern Virginia was our goal because of its proximity to our jobs, we couldn’t resist the move to this lovely state, plus we got paid to move here! Now I don’t see myself wanting to leave! As a Jersey-girl, Harpers Ferry is so different from where I grew up, but I immediately fell in love with the town while carpooling to WVU with my friend who grew up here. Our move was driven by the opportunity to explore historic sites, hike in the surrounding mountains, and immerse ourselves in a tight-knit community that values a simpler way of living.

Continue reading for my local’s guide on visiting this perfect mountain town!

Best time to visit Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is gorgeous at all times of the year, but West Virginia has all four seasons, and it can get quite cold in the winter up in the mountains. My favorite time is during the fall when the leaves change. West Virginia is one of the best states to drive through for leaf-peeping. Every year I stalk West Virginia Tourism’s Fall Foliage map to see when peak season is. Usually, the eastern panhandle is towards the end of October, making for a perfect fall trip to visit West Virginia!

Summer is chock-full of things to do in West Virginia, especially Harpers Ferry! I love spending time on the river floating, kayaking, or paddleboarding. This itinerary is geared towards warm weather activities, but most things can be done during all seasons!

Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences. If you love hiking and outdoor activities, spring or fall would be ideal. If you prefer warmer weather and don't mind crowds, summer might be your choice. There is not a bad time to visit Harpers Ferry!

How to get to Harpers Ferry

Getting to Harpers Ferry is relatively easy! Being a short 90-minute drive from the nation’s capital, it is also the perfect weekend trip from Washington DC. Let's break down the different options for getting here.

By Car

Driving is the most popular way to reach Harpers Ferry. It offers the flexibility to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

• From Washington, D.C.: Take I-270 North towards Frederick, Maryland. Then, follow I-70 West towards Hagerstown, Maryland. Exit onto US-40 West and follow it to Harpers Ferry.

• From Baltimore: Take I-83 North towards Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Continue on US-30 West towards Hagerstown, Maryland. Then, follow US-40 West to Harpers Ferry.

• From Pittsburgh: Take I-79 South towards Morgantown, West Virginia. Then, follow US-19 South towards Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Continue on US-40 East to Harpers Ferry.

By Plane

Harpers Ferry doesn’t have an airport, but it is located under an hour from Washington Dulles International (IAD) which services most every city on the east coast. Additionally, Hagerstown Regional Airport is even closer, but it does not have many direct flights to many locations.

By Train

MARC commuter trains operate Monday through Friday between Union Station in Washington, D.C., and Martinsburg, W.Va. on the MARC Brunswick Line. For additional information about MARC train schedules and ticket reservations, visit the MARC Website.

Amtrak's "Capitol Limited" between Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Illinois, stops in Harpers Ferry, seven days a week. Reservations are required. Visit the AMTRAK Website for additional information.

Visiting West Virginia

I absolutely love this state with all my heart! West Virginia invites travelers to immerse themselves in a world of natural wonder and rich history. Harpers Ferry is one of the most visited spots in the state and for good reason! History buffs and visitors alike can explore its historic downtown and delve into the state's pivotal role in the Civil War. Beyond the adventures of Harpers Ferry, the state of West Virginia offers charming small towns, warm hospitality, and a slower pace of life, making it the perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. For more West Virginia trips and tips, check out my West Virginia Ultimate Travel Guide.

https://www.bigroads.com/states-westvirginia.html 

Where to Stay in Harpers Ferry

Location: 

The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia offers a variety of lodging options to suit different preferences. For a brief stay focused on Harpers Ferry, staying within the town itself is ideal. However, if access to shops and a casino is a priority, Charles Town provides a convenient alternative. The entire region is easily accessible, with plenty of accommodation choices within a short drive of most of this itinerary’s highlights.

Hotels:

Harpers Ferry Lodging Options:

Quality Inn - This is probably your cheapest option for lodging in the area, and is in a great location with proximity to all the major sites on this itinerary.

The Town's Inn - Notoriously on Gordon Ramsey’s last season of Hell’s Hotels, you can visit this bed and breakfast right in the heart of downtown Harpers Ferry. Don’t say I didn’t warn you but could be an interesting experience!

Stonehouse Bed & Breakfast - Ever wanted to stay in a haunted house? The Stonehouse Bed & Breakfast might be for you; it is one of the stops on the Harpers Ferry ghost tour. Built in 1839, this B&B has the best location of the lodging options on this list in my opinion.  

Coming Soon: Hill Top House Hotel - SWaN Hill Top House Hotel LLC was organized out of SWaN & Legend Venture Partner and is hoping to revitalize a historic site that has been a place of luxury lodging since the 1800s. I hope this dream is brought to life because famous restaurateur Jose Andres is supposed to open a restaurant here. It also is located in such a beautiful spot!

Charles Town Lodging Options:

Hillbrook Inn - A short drive away in Charles Town, this is the place you want to stay if you are looking for a bit of luxury. This bed and breakfast has luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and in-house spa services.

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races - If gambling and sports betting is your thing, the Hollywood Casino is the place for you! This hotel is a short ten-minute drive from Harpers Ferry proper, but it is located in a prime location for casino-going.

Day 1: River Riders & Spooky Stories

Morning: Tubing on the Potomac

There are plenty of options for white water rafting, tubing, paddle boarding, and kayaking, but from my experience, the best company to book with is River Riders. There are two options for floating, but I can’t recommend ‘White Water Tubing’ down the Potomac River (the clean part) enough as the ‘Slow Water Tubing’ on the Shenandoah is kind of boring.

We always gear up with coolers and try to get a big group to go! It never ceases to be an adventure and falling off your tube is part of the fun! Just make sure to wear Tevas, Chaco, or some other kind of water shoe to protect your feet from the rocks.

If you are lucky enough to visit when snow is on the ground, this adventure center still has things to do! In the winter, this spot offers Snow Tubing and although I haven’t had the chance to try it yet, it is definitely on my list for this winter! 

Lunch at White Horse Tavern

Right next to River Riders, located within the Clairon Hotel, you will find the White Horse Tavern. This is the perfect place to stop in for a quick lunch or to watch a sports game. They have tons of seating, great food, a huge beer selection, select Bourbons, steaks, crab, sandwiches, wings, drink specials, daily happy hour with cheap drink and food specials, and live music.

Afternoon: Jefferson Rock

If you aren’t too wiped from a wild float on the river, continue to explore the beautiful Harpers Ferry and take a quick walk/hike up to Jefferson Rock. The rock is named after Thomas Jefferson, who visited the site in 1785 and described the view as "one of the most stupendous scenes in nature."

Getting to Jefferson Rock is easy if you are semi-decently in shape, and the climb to the top only takes a couple of minutes. At the top of the hill above the St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, you will find a large boulder with a natural overhang, offering a scenic viewpoint overlooking the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. You can continue your exploration by visiting Harper Cemetery or the Ruins of St. John's Episcopal Church–both of which will be on your right side of the path as you climb up.

Dinner at The Rabbit Hole

This is probably my favorite restaurant in Harpers Ferry, and it is worth a visit for the view alone! Their wide array of craft beer and delicious food (with vegetarian options) are the reason we keep returning. Catch this spot after a rain shower, and you might see a rainbow over the mountain. Talk about picture-perfect?

Evening: Harpers Ferry Ghost Tour

The oldest Ghost Tour in America (and the best I’ve ever been on) is the Harpers Ferry Ghost Tour. I love ghost tours and have done them in New Orleans, Savannah, and more, but something about this tour makes it my favorite. It really is not scary, and the guide is sooooo talented and treats it more like a history walking tour with spook sprinkled in. Definitely do not miss this, but be prepared for a crowd if you are doing it during the month of October.

Day 2: Harpers Ferry

Morning: Maryland Heights Hike

This is one of my favorite hikes in all of America! The reason is because my now husband had this spot as our first date. On our date, we both forgot water bottles, wore improper footwear, and both our parents thought we were missing and called us repeatedly. The hike to Maryland Heights in Harpers Ferry, WV has my heart, and should not be skipped, but try not to be us and actually pack a water or two. 

The hike itself is almost all uphill and can be strenuous; it is listed as moderate on AllTrails. The view is worth it though, and you can see the convergence of three states below: Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. 

Breakfast at Bolivar Bread Bakery

With a starter that just celebrated its 50-year anniversary, you have to know the bread is good! Bolivar Bread Bakery is a woman-owned, small-batch artisan bakery in uptown Harpers Ferry–Bolivar. They sell a daily selection of breads and pastries that can also be found in many local eateries around the area.

They also plan to host baking classes in the future, so keep your eyes peeled for more information about that.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Just across the street from Bolivar Bread Bakery is the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Located about 0.25 miles off the Appalachian Trail, this is actually the headquarters of the AT and serves as the "psychological halfway point" for many thru-hikers. This location is a great place to learn about the Appalachian Trail and a perfect quick stop for nature lovers. Inside, you will find tons of information on Appalachian Trail history and hiking information. They have a fabulous gift shop and it is the perfect place to grab books, maps, souvenirs, and more!

Explore Downtown Harpers Ferry

Although we are technically visiting Harpers Ferry National Historical Park later in the day and downtown Harpers Ferry is part of the park, it is best split up with a break for lunch in the middle. There are tons of things to do in the downtown area, especially if there is an event going on. Here are some of the stops you shouldn’t miss:

• John Brown’s Fort:  This is where abolitionist John Brown led his famous raid in 1859, a pivotal event that contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.

• Harpers Ferry Historical Museum: Although quite small, this is a quick stop and provides a lot of information about the vast history of Harpers Ferry.

• Ruins of Shenandoah Pulp Factory/Shenandoah Canal: On the outskirts of the historic downtown, the site is accessible from both the main road or from Virginius Island. Overall, the site has some interesting history and is in good condition. Visitors are able to walk through the ruins which make for great pictures. The area is quite close to the canal, so consider that when veering close to the edge of the dirt paths or if children or animals are present.

• Arsenal Square: The National Park Service has admirably preserved a significant landmark in American history. In 1859, the armory was the scene of a daring raid led by abolitionist John Brown. Though his attempt to spark a slave uprising ultimately failed, the event served as a catalyst for the American Civil War and the eventual abolition of slavery.

• Marmion Row: An idyllic place to stroll, take photos, and do some shopping. I think it is one of the most picturesque locations in Harpers Ferry. Old houses line the street and the river and mountain can be seen in the distance.

• Appalachian Trail Staircase: The stairs are steep, but even the most inexperienced climber can walk up the stairs with relative ease - just pace yourself. This climb provides awe-inspiring views from the hills over the shops and streets below to see the rivers in the far distance. 

• Walking Tour: Led by the same group who hosts the Ghost Tours, "O' Be JoyFull" Historical Tours and Entertainment has incredible tours that provide fantastic details of the history of Harpers Ferry and the Civil War. If you are a history buff like myself, make sure to do a walking tour with them!

• 19th Century Replica Buildings - Down in the Lower Town Historic District, you can wander through the charming brick streets, which features preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings.

Lunch at Kelley Farm Kitchen

Have any vegetarians or vegans in your group? You will want to take them here, and still, if you aren’t a veg, this place offers fantastic cuisine for even the pickiest of eaters. We just came here for the first time, and everything was delicious! My personal favorite thing to get is the ‘loaded nachos’.

H. B. Snallygaster's General Store & Cafe

Next door to Kelley Farm Kitchen, you will find Snallygaster’s. This is the cutest little spot and they serve breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner. Although we came to the wine bar for a nightcap, I am dying to come back here to try their specialty coffee specials–one is named the ‘Mothman’! If you aren’t too keen on a vegan lunch, head next door to Snallygaster’s for a fun lunch spot. Either way, it is a must-visit for the vibes alone.

Afternoon: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

It’s time to whip out your National Park Pass, or if you do not have one yet, you can purchase it at the entrance for $20 per car or snag an “America the Beautiful Pass” which, for $80, allows you access to all America’s national parks for one calendar year

All visitors to HFNHP must have one of these entrance passes:

There are also several days you can visit the park for free:

• January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

• April 20 — First Day of National Park Week

• June 19 — Juneteenth

• August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act

• September 28 — National Public Lands Day

• November 11 — Veterans Day

The park preserves significant landmarks, artifacts, and landscapes related to the town's past.

Make sure to check out the Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau building before heading into the park. This is a perfect place to stop and fuel up for the day, grabbing water, and snacks and using clean bathrooms before your day of fun. There are plenty of souvenirs—T-shirts, water bottles, jelly, and tons of other physical memories of Harpers Ferry and West Virginia.  And yes, they have brochures and area history information too.

Visitors can explore various activities at the park, such as:

• Hiking: Explore the park's trails and enjoy stunning views of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers.

• Guided Tours: Learn more about the park's history and significance through guided tours.

• Harpers Ferry Battlefield: Explore the battlefields where Union and Confederate forces clashed during the Civil War.

• Living History Programs: Experience firsthand what life was like in the past through reenactments and demonstrations.

• Camping: Camp in the park's campground and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation, making it a popular destination for visitors of all ages.

Dinner and drinks at Harpers Ferry Brewing

Now this spot is actually located across the river in Virginia, but it is too good not to include on a Harpers Ferry guide! We love coming here and even though the address is in Purcellville, VA, you can see across the river to Maryland and West Virginia with an almost 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape–including the Potomac river. 

They often have live music and food trucks, so if you find yourself here during the weekend, expect a crowd! There are tons of fun breweries in the area, so if you want to head further into Virginia for some additional libations, check out my Virginia Winery Guide.

Evening: Gambling in Charles Town, or a night at The Barn?

I’m giving you two options for your second night in Harpers Ferry, because depending on your vibe/where you are staying, you may want to kick it local.

Horse Races at the Charles Town Casino

Charles Town Casino is a premier gaming destination located in Charles Town, West Virginia. Known for its diverse selection of slot machines and exciting live racing, the casino offers a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to slots, Charles Town Casino is renowned for its live horse racing. The track hosts races all year long Thursday through Sunday night. Visitors can enjoy the excitement of the races while placing bets at the casino's sportsbook.

Aside from gambling, the venue often hosts events such as concerts, conventions, and famous comedians! The last show I went to was Pete Davidson there and I was shocked Pete made it out here to perform.

The restaurants within the casino are also quite good; I had some vegetarian sushi at 9 Dragons that was to die for.

The Barn

Popular with locals and having a really cool atmosphere, it's no wonder this place is always packed on the weekends. This is the perfect spot to come in for a quick drink or stay a while to mingle with the locals. They often have live music and the prices are relatively inexpensive.
West Virginia, a state often overlooked, offers natural beauty, rich history, and a warm hospitality that is truly unique. From the majestic mountains and pristine rivers to the charming downtown area and vibrant culture, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia has something to offer everyone. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a glimpse into the past, this small town and state are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Have you visited Harpers Ferry? Share your experiences in the comments!