Article Overview: Things to Do in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Harpers Ferry is the perfect combination of rich history and gorgeous natural scenery.

Visiting this national historical park is easy with 3 major airports a stone’s throw away and even service by rail on Amtrak. Whether you’re planning a simple day trip or a few nights, there’s plenty to see and do in this unique and fascinating area.

Last year Will and I teamed up with West Virginia Tourism to explore this incredibly beautiful area and its fascinating and important place in American history. The resulting short film is one we’re really proud of as it really showcases the bounty of activities and sights the area has to offer.

In this article I’ll cover:

Best Things to Do in Harpers Ferry
What to See at Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry Attractions
Getting to Harpers Ferry
and more

Things to Do in Harpers Ferry

Table of Contents: Things To Do in Harpers Ferry

Table of Contents: Things To Do in Harpers Ferry

Things to Do in Harpers Ferry

This past year my brother and I teamed up with Visit Tucson and ventured out to Saguaro once more (this time in the more temperate fall) to create a beautiful short film on the park.

Why Trust Us About Things to Do in Harpers Ferry?

I’m Jim Pattiz and along with my brother Will, we make up the film-making duo known as the Pattiz Brothers.

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

WATCH: A visually-stunning journey through Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues.

Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

Things to Know Before You Visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Entrance Fees

$20 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months we suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.

Sunscreen

For many of us visiting national parks means lots of sun. Seriously, some of these parks can zap you if you don’t wear sunscreen. We happen to like this one because it works AND it’s not full of a bunch of chemicals.

Waterproof map with hikes

This one from National Geographic is the best one out there.

Leave No Trace

We’re big fans of Leave No Trace, here at MTJP. Want to learn more? Read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.

Hiking Apps

If you’re into the latest apps and hiking technology you should check out these best 20 hiking apps as ranked by us for your next journey on the trails.

Pets

Pets are allowed on leashes in Harpers Ferry. Please make sure to follow all signs in the park regarding rules for leashed pets.

Top 5 Best Things to Do in Harpers Ferry

1. Walk the Historic Downtown

Step into a bygone era and immerse yourself in the quaint charm of historic downtown Harpers Ferry. Strolling along its cobblestone streets, lined with rustic 19th-century frontier buildings, it’s easy to get lost in the timeless allure of this National Historical Park and realize why it’s number one on our list of things to do in Harpers Ferry.

There are a number of museums, including the John Brown Museum and the Meriwether Lewis Museum, that house a range of interesting artifacts and help tell the story of Harpers Ferry and its pivotal role in shaping the nation.

Beyond the museums, the historic downtown area offers an array of shops, galleries, and restaurants that cater to curious visitors of all ages. We enjoyed the local restaurants and found them incredibly convenient for a nice lunch break as you explore the park.

2. Hike The Appalachian Trail

Who wouldn’t want to add the AT to their list of things to do in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park? The Appalachian Trail actually goes directly through Harpers Ferry’s historic downtown and offers thru-hikers a nice respite as they make their grand trek. It also offers visitors to the park the opportunity to step onto America’s grandfather trail and follow it for a short ways.

The trail cuts through the park and follows the Potomac River through a fabulously scenic gorge with high walls on either side before ascending further in to the Appalachian Mountains.

The trail exits the historic downtown and crosses the Potomac River via the Winchester & Potomac Railroad Bridge, a historic bridge with a pedestrian path affording hikers excellent views of the convergence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.

3. Explore Bolivar Heights

One of my favorite things to do in Harpers Ferry is tucked away outside of the main historical town. Perched atop the rolling hills of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Bolivar Heights offers an extraordinary journey through time and nature. As you ascend to the heights, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas that paint a picture of the region’s strategic importance during the Civil War.

As you amble along the Bolivar Heights Trail you can learn about all about the area’s strategic importance while tracing the footsteps of the soldiers who assembled on the heights during the war.

Today, though the cannons still line the heights, the area is serene and quiet with stately oak trees, songbirds, and beautiful views of the surrounding area.

4. Visit John Brown’s Fort

No visit to Harpers Ferry is complete without seeing John Brown’s Fort. It was here, in 1859, that John Brown and his followers barricaded themselves at the end of their unsuccessful raid. Today you can actually step inside the small historic structure and imagine the historic events that took place there more than 150 years ago.

The National Park Service offers guided tours of the fort and surrounding area which I highly recommend. It’s one thing to walk by and another to learn from an expert who can help transport you back to the harrowing events of 1859.

John Brown’s Fort | Things To Do in Harpers Ferry

This simple yet powerful structure stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of abolitionist John Brown and the pivotal events that unfolded here.

5. Raft The Potomac River

Perhaps the most exciting thing to do at Harpers Ferry is rafting. For a truly immersive experience why not hop in a raft and navigate the rapids of the Potamac or the Shenandoah? Yes, there’s much more than history at this historical park. You can join a guided tour and splash through the rapids, taking in the stunning river views and feeling the rush of the mighty rivers that shape Harpers Ferry.

There are a number of guide services in the area that offer rafting adventures for visitors of nearly all ages and abilities. Depending on the time you have and who’s in your party this can be a great way to add a dose of adreline to your trip!

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6. Visit The John Brown Museum

Step inside the John Brown Museum and delve into the gripping story of the 1859 raid led by the ardent abolitionist himself. Through a range of interesting exhibits and artifacts, you’ll gain insight into the pivotal events that unfolded in Harpers Ferry and their lasting impact on American history.

The John Brown Museum is a must on your list of things to do if you’re interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the man, his ideals, and the enduring legacy of his fight for freedom.

7. Hike to Maryland Heights

Trail Length: 4.5 miles

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 3-3.5 hours

One of the best things to do in Harpers Ferry, Maryland Heights offers the iconic view of Harpers Ferry and plenty of history along the way. Though the hike can be a bit challenging if you’re not into any inclines, the incredible view of Harpers Ferry below is well worth any trouble you might encounter making your way up.

Along the way up you’ll encounter remnants of Civil War fortifications and interpretive signs offering a glimpse into the mountainous area’s past. Once at the top you’ll see why it was such an advantageous military position as it commands dramatic views of the town nestled between the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers below.

8. Explore the Murphy Farm Area

Tucked away from the main area of the park is this picturesque farm set near a bend in the Shenandoah River. Visitors looking for things to do can view the farm structures and walk the Murphy Chambers Farm Trail to River Vista. This is a nice spot away from the bustle of the historic downtown where you can unwind and enjoy a leisurely walk amidst rolling hills and forest scenery.

At the end of the easy hike you’ll reach River Vista where you’re afforded a beautiful glimpse of the Shenandoah snaking its way through the valley in the distance.

9. Meriwether Lewis at Harpers Ferry

Clocking in at #9 on our list of things to do in Harpers Ferry is this great museum and exhibit. Many people visiting the park are surprised to learn the pivotal role it played in the Lewis & Clark Expedition. In March of 1803 Meriwether Lewis came to Harpers Ferry, which at that time was the national armory, to get outfitted for his grand adventure across the United States.

Today you can visit a small museum in the historic downtown dedicated to telling the story of Lewis’ time in Harpers Ferry and the role the armory played in the Lewis & Clark Expedition. I highly recommend stopping in and learning about this fascinating bit of history.

10. Hike To Jefferson Rock

Take a leisurely stroll along the Appalachian Trail (in the heart of town) until you reach this iconic landmark, where Thomas Jefferson himself once stood in awe of the breathtaking scenery. Here you can look out at the convergence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers as they wind their way through the picturesque valley below.

It’s an easy 1 mile hike to the rock with a mild incline as you make your way up to the vantage point. Once there you can try to step into Thomas Jefferson’s shoes for a moment as you contemplate the view he saw of the unspoiled frontier of the United States way back in 1783.

Watch Our Harpers Ferry Video

WATCH: A visually-stunning journey through Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Map of Things to Do in Harpers Ferry WV

Summary of Things to Do in Harpers Ferry

Walk the Historic Downtown
Hike the Appalachian Trail
Explore Bolivar Heights
Visit John Brown’s Fort
Raft the Patomac River
Visit the John Brown Museum
Hike to Maryland Heights
Explore the Murphy Farm Area
Meriwether Lewis at Harpers Ferry
Hike to Jefferson Rock

About Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a must visit destination for anyone looking to explore America’s past in a picturesque natural setting.

From hiking the Appalachian Trail to exploring the historic town, Harpers Ferry offers an array of exciting opportunities for adventure seekers and history buffs alike.

Visiting Harpers Ferry: Directions & Location

Thankfully getting to Harpers Ferry is easy. The park is located less than 1.5 hours from 3 major airports with plenty of rental car and transit options.

Dulles International Airport: 1 hour from the park
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: 1.5 hours from the park
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport: 1 hour from the park

With so many options you really don’t have much of an excuse to cross this one off your bucket list! But wait, there’s more! In addition to 3 nearby major airports, Harpers Ferry can also be reached by rail via Amtrak.

things to do in harpers ferry — Harpers Ferry Train Station | Things to Do in Harpers Ferry

Getting to Harpers Ferry by Rail

Amtrak offers service from Washington DC to Harpers Ferry on its Capitol Limited line for as low as $26! The trip takes just over an hour and makes visiting Harpers Ferry truly a breeze. Amtrak visits Harpers Ferry 7 days a week so you’ll have no trouble getting to and from the park.

From the train you’ll arrive in the midst of the park’s historic downtown, steps away from museums, restaurants, and historic sites. As if that weren’t enough, the very train station you arrive in is historic and part of the park with interpretive signs and interesting history all its own.

Get your train tickets here.

Pin Things to Do in Harpers Ferry

Why Trust Us About the Best Things to Do in Harpers Ferry?

We’re Will Pattiz and Jim Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

We set out to create a stunning film on the absolute best things to do in New River Gorge National Park and along the way learned a great deal that we’re sharing here.

If you’d like to follow along our journey we’d be delighted to have you!

pattiz brothers new river gorge national park — Pattiz Brothers at New River Gorge National Park (left: Jim, right: Will)

Tips for Visiting a National Park Responsibly

Permit Systems and Reservations

Check to see if the national park you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.

Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.

Want Less Crowds? Try a National Forest!

Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.

For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.

Practice Safety, Seriously

National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:

Sticking to trails
Checking the weather before going out on a hike
Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
Avoid ledges with steep drop offs

Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park: 20 EPIC Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park

West Virginia NPS Sites: 8 West Virginia National Park Sites Worth Visiting

West Virginia Historic Sites: 10 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In West Virginia

Virginia Historic Sites: 15 Amazing Historic Sites In Virginia

Maryland Historic Sites: 15 Incredible Historic Sites in Maryland

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