Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Travel | Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Having Harpers Ferry National Historical Park a short one hour drive away is quite nice. This park offers history, old buildings, great hiking, river views and a few dining options. I have made my way to Harpers Ferry three times this year and trust another visit or two will arise between now and the end of December.

Spring and fall are my favorite time of year to visit Harpers Ferry. The green goodness early in the year is just as lovely as the colors that come later on.

Hiking Reccomendations

• Camp Hill, Virginius Island, Hall's Island - an easy to moderate 3 mile hike along the Appalachian Trail. Highlights include Jefferson Rock, Harper Cemetery and the former Storer College campus.

• Lower Town - walking through the lower town offers an up close view of the homes and buildings.

• Maryland Heights - a difficult 6.5 mile hike. This trail has steep cliffs, overlooking the rivers and Harpers Ferry.

• Murphy-Chambers Farm - an easy to moderate hike that takes you through fields and wooded ravines, offering views of the Shenandoah River along the way. The hike is 3 miles round-trip.

• Visitor Center to Lower Town - this 1.6 mile hike takes you down a ravine, past small waterfalls, wetlands and along the Shenandoah Canal. A great scenic option over taking the bus into town.