We loved our visit to Harpers Ferry! As someone who both enjoys history and outdoor activities, there were plenty of things to do in Harpers Ferry that checked both boxes. This small town is a short drive from major cities like Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh, making a great destination for a weekend getaway.
If you’re planning a trip to Harpers Ferry, check out my list of the best things to do below so you’re ready to hit the ground running when you get there!
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The Perfect Town for History Buffs and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Harpers Ferry is a Civil War-era town preserved by the National Park Service due to its important place in American history. And thanks to those efforts, 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, bordering Maryland and Virginia. Its location makes it a popular destination for outdoor lovers, with fun activities like hiking (the Appalachian Trail runs right through town) and river rafting.
Fun Things to Do in Harpers Ferry
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 National Park 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 explains the town’s historical significance.
Walk Up the Appalachian Staircase to Jefferson Rock
As 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 rock, 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 placed between the two slabs in the mid-1800s.
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 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.
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 overlook. This is a reprieve until you realize you must climb up on your way out. But it’s all totally worth it for the view.
Plan to spend about 2.5-3 hours completing the Maryland Heights trail.
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 National Park Service property, and you will be required to pay a $20 entry fee. The parking lot can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so arrive early.
You can also 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’ll follow the Appalachian Trail for about 1.3 miles until you reach an intersection with blue blazes. The trail ends at the Split Rock overlook and then backtracks down.
Plan to spend about 3-4 hours completing this trail.
Hike to Weverton Cliffs
- Trail Location: Weverton Road in Knoxville, MD
- Trail Length: 2.25 miles (out-and-back)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Technically not in Harpers Ferry, but it’s only a short drive away, another hike to a beautiful overlook is the Weverton Cliffs trail. It’s a great day hike from Baltimore or Washington, DC.
Several switchbacks take you along the Appalachian Trail until you reach the Weverton Cliffs Connector. Follow that to the large outcropping of rocks, and you’ll be treated to another gorgeous view of the Potomac River and Virginia across the way.
Plan to spend about 1.5-2 hours completing the trail.
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.
Shopping and Eating in Harpers Ferry
Although the National Park Service manages much of the town, there are still privately owned homes, shops, and restaurants.
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 jewelry. 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.
Other Things to Do Near Harpers Ferry
If you’re up for a drive, there are some other unique spots to check out that are about 30 minutes from Harpers Ferry.
Antietam National Battlefield
There are plenty of things to do in Harpers Ferry and immediately nearby. However, I would also add Antietam National Battlefield to your list of things to do, even though it’s about 20 minutes outside of Harpers Ferry.
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 fighting 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 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
Visit Frederick, Maryland
First, as far as historic small towns are concerned, you’ll definitely want to visit Frederick, Maryland! It’s home to the final resting place of Francis Scott Key (lyricist of the Star-Spangled Banner), and also a very cool Civil War medicine museum. While you’re there, enjoy the many cute shops and tasty restaurants.
Hike to the Original Washington Monument
Another historic attraction to check out is the original Washington Monument. The 30-foot-high tower was the first monument constructed to honor George Washington. It’s located right off the Appalachian Trail in Washington Monument State Park and offers beautiful views of the surrounding region.
Visit Crystal Grottoes
Lastly, I always enjoy a good show cave. If you do too, check out the Crystal Grottoes Caverns in Boonsboro, just minutes from both Washington Monument State Park and Antietam Battlefield. It’s easy to visit all three in one day.
Things to Do in Harpers Ferry Wrap-Up
Although it’s a small town, Harpers Ferry still offers plenty to do thanks to its rich history and proximity to two rivers and the Appalachian Trail. History and outdoor lovers alike will enjoy all that the town has to offer. And there are also plenty of other fun activities nearby, making Harpers Ferry the perfect weekend getaway destination.
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