Harpers Ferry National Historical Park — Attraction in Harpers Ferry

There’s a lot of stuff packed into this small park and the surrounding area. The history (particularly Civil War era) is the highlight, of course. The park blends seamlessly within the town of Harper’s Ferry. This means no gate or entrance fee; instead, you pay for parking. The lower street has been preserved as it was in the 1800’s; the connecting streets have food vendors (Potomac St.) and shops (High St). The park is split into sections; most visitors stick to the lower town/river area, but there are quieter places to visit up on the hill. These hill areas include hiking trails, historical info, and some decent overlooks. River activities are available, but not through the national park itself.

Busy: yes. Especially in summer and the “fall colors” season.

Hot: yes, in summer. And humid- the main town is down in a river gorge. There’s a reason why every shop serves ice cream or shaved ice.

Parking: unless you’ve got young kids or elderly and need your car to be close by, I HIGHLY recommend parking at the visitors center on the hill (Shoreline Dr.) and taking the free shuttle back and forth. Same price, less stress, hassle, and traffic.

Bicycling: the town itself isn’t great for cyclists; however, you can avoid the parking hassle by biking in from Brunswick along the C&O canal. Bring a lock- there’s racks under the railroad bridge, and usually a hoard of other cyclists there as well. If you rent in HF, you’ll have to cross the bridge and descend the spiral staircase to access the trail- not recommended!

Water: There’s a water fountain at the intersection of Potomac and Shenandoah, but it’s usually warm. Fountains at the visitor’s center on the hill are much better.

Bathrooms: both areas (on the hill and lower town) are usually pretty clean.

Lower town: historical area, most buildings open for wandering around (masks may or may not be required). Period actors may be present on major holidays or dates of historical significance. No official picnic areas (that I know of), but plenty of shady benches and grass.

The Point: looking downstream (city at your back), the Potomac is on your left and the Shenandoah on your right. You are standing in WV, looking at MD on the left bank and VA on the right bank. Popular spot. Rangers or volunteers are usually on hand to answer Qs, provide info, and help you take that perfect family photo.

Hiking: most people go to Maryland Heights. Check out reviews for that trail- nice view but can be crowded and difficult. Gentler and less crowded hikes are available, including Jefferson Rock and numerous trails around the battlefields up on the hill (take the free shuttle up to the visitor’s center and ask a ranger for a map).

AT: this is basically the midpoint, so you’ll likely see thru-hikers.

Swimming: Potomac- no. It’s technically illegal (MD jurisdiction to the WV/VA shore), the current is swift, and it’s usually crowded with tubing/rafts (do that instead). Shenandoah- smaller, popular with wading, but the current in the center is SWIFT. Use common sense.

Virginius Island: no longer an island, but full of old factory ruins and quieter than the city area. Flat, easy trails.

Most overlooked trail: at the end of Potomac street, cross the RR tracks, go past the old ruins, and enter the woods. It’s not a scenic trail at all, but it WILL take you out to the remains of Dam 3 and an old lock. Flat, humid, buggy… and empty, if that’s your thing.

Most overlooked overlook: Ridgetop Overlook. It’s beside the remains of an old hotel and may or may not be closed, depending on which construction fairies moved the fence recently. (Don’t trespass.) Flagpole, rosebushes, and remnants of a garden hunt at a much nicer place not too long ago. Gorgeous...

Amazing history, amazing landscape, amazing time. There's several hiking trails, including the Appalachian. There's three main streets that contain historical buildings. Some you can enter, some you can just look inside. Educational signs everywhere. There's a small gift shop. Several cafes and shops along High and Potomac St. Current construction that interferes with walking and driving, esp along Potomac St. The park wants you to drive to their visitor center, leave your vehicle there, and ride the shuttle in. It's a 20 min ride with 2 stops. For people like me, with motion sickness, this is impossible. I was very stressed about what to do, as there are only 2 tiny parking lots in the historic district. There's a paid parking lot at the train station on Potomac, which is small and crowded and we found the last spot available. There's another paid lot near the entrance on Shenandoah and 340. Also small and you'll find a spot if luck is on your side. The last option, other than being dropped off and waiting for your party to arrive by shuttle, is to park at the visitor center and hike in. It'll take about 45min. It's a beautiful route, that has a couple steep areas. Actually, throughout the park there are several steep areas. And on this hot, humid day, those areas felt even steeper. I'm not sure if you can park on the Maryland side and walk in across the bridge over the Shenandoah River. If you just stick to the 3 streets, you'll need about 2 hours, plus time for shuttle or parking. Add another hour if you choose to eat there. And if you want to see everything, meaning every trail, every relevant point, every building, stop for photos, stop to breathe it in, then I recommend all day. And it's so worth it!!! The cliffs, mountains, rocks, rivers, park, trails are just so beautiful I can't...

What an amazing place. I can't believe we are just now getting around to coming here.

This park deserves a full day of your attention to fully soak in everything and get a chance to visit some of the local shops that blend into and with the National Park.

If at all possible be here on Monday at 11:00 A.M. to hear the ranger talk. The talk is only one day a week. It lasts for 90 minutes. This gentlemen did an amazing job of painting a picture of what happened when John Brown raided the armory and the events leading up to this historic day.

There are some delightful shops and restaurants in town that border directly with the National Park.

Plenty of parking. For large campers and motorhomes, two warnings: The pull through spaces are not long enough for a motorhome and a tow. Thankfully, the lot was not full the morning we arrived, so we were able to park along the end of the parking lot and take up about ten spaces. Secondly, there are low tree limbs hanging over the entrance into the park and in the parking lot. Just keep looking up. Our roof got 'brushed' in a couple of places.

If they are busy the day you arrived with your motorhome and tow, you may be required to disconnect your tow and park in the other section of the parking lot.

A shuttle bus takes you from the parking lot to Haper's Ferry. It is about a one mile drive.

There are no trash cans anywhere in the park. You have to haul everything out that you take in.

You are charged by the car. It is $30 per car. National Park Passes, of course, get you...