Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Things To Do Near Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Set against the stunning natural backdrop of the Shenandoah Valley, Harper's Ferry National Historical Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time. Hiking trails treat visitors to both breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Civil War cannons. The historic town of Harpers Ferry stands at the heart of it all, offering a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and museums to explore. 

Hiking Trails

• Murphy-Chambers Farm Trail

  The Murphy-Chambers Farm Trail is a looping trail that extends for roughly 3 miles. Visitors can walk about a mile in to enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the Shenandoah River flowing through the valley. More ambitious hikers can continue onto the extended portion of the trail where Civil War cannons and earthworks still dot the landscape. 

  Location

  171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

  Length

  3 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Bolivar Heights Trail

  The Bolivar Heights Trail offers visitors a stunning combination of history and nature. An easy third of a mile into the loop, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hikers who chose to continue along the trail beyond the overlook will find themselves following a wooded path toward another stunning view at Schoolhouse Ridge. 

  Location

  Whitman Ave, Bolivar, WV 25425

  Length

  2.4 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Loudon Heights Trail

  The Loudon Heights Trail is a looping trail that provides adventurous hikers with a 7.5-mile challenging trek. Visitors who tackle the hike are rewarded with stunning views of the Shenandoah and Potomac River Valleys. 

  Location

  Potomack Canal, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

  Length

  7.5 miles

  Intensity

  Strenuous

Sightseeing

• Antietam National Battlefield

  The Antietam National Battlefield commemorates the bloodiest day in American history. On September 17, 1862, General Lee led his Army of Northern Virginia in a battle against General McClellan's Army of the Potomac. The battle lasted nearly 12 vicious hours. After the guns fell silent, there were 23,000 missing, wounded, or dead American soldiers. The battlefield offers self-guided tours of the area, as well as battlefield walks with park rangers. Guided driving tours are also available, making it a perfect choice for those who can't make the hike. 

  Location

  302 E Main St, Sharpsburg, MD 21782

• Appalachian National Scenic Trail

  Stretching across 2,193.1 miles and 14 states, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is the longest hiking-only trail in the world. Built by private citizens, the Appalachian Trail completed construction in 1937. The Appalachian Trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day, but it's important to note that weather conditions might make certain sections of the trail impassable at times. Visitors are encouraged to check for local trail conditions before setting out on a hike. 

  Location

  Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Museums

• Pry House Field Hospital Museum

  The Pry House Field Hospital Museum can be found in the Antietam National Battlefield. In September of 1862, the Union Army of the Potomac commandeered the home, intending to use it as a base of operations during the Battle of Antietam. Built on a hill, the home and surrounding grounds afforded a much better view of the battlefield than the official Army headquarters in Harpers Ferry. The Pry House provided a perfect vantage from which General McClellan could monitor the movements of enemy troops. The museum is sponsored by the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, and it offers visitors a glimpse at the harsh realities of caring for the wounded during the Civil War. 

  Location

  18906 Shepherdstown Pike, Keedysville, MD 21756

• John Brown Wax Museum

  A visit to the John Brown Wax Museum provides a great way to learn the details of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. The museum hosts 87 life-size wax figures to help bring the story of the abolitionist raid at Harpers Ferry to vivid life. 

  Location

  168 High St., Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• The Anvil Restaurant

  The Anvil Restaurant is a popular local eatery best known for its seafood selections, but they also offer traditional American fare. If you are not looking for a meal, stop by their bar for happy hour and maybe try your luck at some video gaming. 

  Location

  1290 W. Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

• The Country Cafe

  The Country Cafe is a quaint and casual spot that serves home-cooked meals at reasonable prices. If you stop by for breakfast, don't forget to try their made-to-order donuts. 

  Location

  1723 W. Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV

• Harpers Ferry Park Association Bookshop

  The Harpers Ferry Park Associate Bookshop stocks a large variety of books about the history of the area. You can also peruse their fine selection of art, gifts, postcards, and more. 

  Location

  723 Shenandoah St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

How To Get To Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park entrance is located 20 miles from Frederick. Simply follow US Route 340 S from Frederick to Harpers Ferry, WV. Then, turn left at the Harpers Ferry stoplight, and you'll see the park ahead.

All visitors to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park must have a park entrance pass displayed in their vehicle. Visitor passes may be purchased at one of several locations, including the Entrance Station located by the visitor center, Bolivar Heights, and the River Access Parking Lot. Please note that the Entrance Station is the only location that accepts credit and debit cards. Fees for larger groups and tours vary. Contact the park for more information. 

Address

171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Fee: Entry fee (per private vehicle) $20.0

This pricing does not apply to group tours and vans with a capacity of more than seven passengers.

Fee: Entry fee (per motorcycle) $15.0

Fee: Entry fee (per pedestrian or cyclist) $10.0

Located at the junction of two rivers, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park also sits at the junction of nature and history. Beautiful hiking trails that lead visitors through some of the most beautiful views of the Shenandoah Valley also allow for exploration of battlefields and important historical sites. From awe-inspiring overlooks to living history museums that serve to entertain as well as educate, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a perfect addition to any RV road trip.