Overview
Harpers Ferry is a historic town of 285 people (2020) in the northern corner of the Shenandoah Valley just inside West Virginia. It is a natural transportation hub: the Shenandoah River empties into the Potomac there. Three states meet there. East from Harpers Ferry, over the Shenandoah, is Virginia. North, across the Potomac, is Maryland.
2 sights · 4 things to do · 3 places to eat · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters
Accepts hiker packages for a suggested $5 donation. Most thru-hikers stop here anyway for the traditional photo.
River Riders
Rafting, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, and fishing adventures on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers (class I-III), plus a zip line/canopy tour: various-length zips through the trees above the Potomac, geare…
Harpers Ferry Marina -boat ramp /river access
A beautiful deep water section of the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County is available for your boating pleasure. A four-mile section of deep water runs from our campground to above the Dargan Bend Boat …
River & Trail Outfitters
Outdoor adventure outfitter with whitewater rafting tours on both the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Other outdoor activities include kayaking, canoeing, hiking, climbing and camping. Canoes, kayaks, and rafting equipmen…
Tubing Down the Shenandoah River
Sit in a one-person inner tube and spend an hour or two slowly drifting down the picturesque Shenandoah River. There are several outfitters to choose from, such as River & Trail Outfitters, which provides the tube, a…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Washington, D.C.)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HGR Hagerstown Regional Richard A Henson Field, Hagerstown — 27 mi away. Directions
- IAD Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles — 30 mi away (major hub). Directions
Harpers Ferry sits at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, where the states of West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia meet. To reach it, take Interstate 70 to Frederick Maryland, and exit on US 340 west for about 15 miles.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $30–$125 a night (typical $85), from 5 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$70, mid-range ~$160, comfortable ~$290.
Options are grouped as Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, Harpers Ferry Marina -boat ramp /river access
- Lunch Cannonball Deli
- Afternoon Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters, River & Trail Outfitters
- Dinner The Anvil Restaurant
Day 2
- Morning River Riders
- Lunch The Country Cafe
- Afternoon Tubing Down the Shenandoah River
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Harpers Ferry is, for its size, as full of history as any town in the United States, with the possible exception of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. A lot happened in Harper's Ferry (as it was spelled until the 20th century). Nearly half a million people visit the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park each year. In 1859 Harper's Ferry was the location of the largest episode of guerrilla warfare in American history up to that point. A group of abolitionists led by John Brown attacked an armory in the town, hoping to get weapons for a slave revolt. There was a battle with Brown and his followers on the one side, and federal troops commanded by Robert E. Lee on the other side. While the attack failed and Brown was hanged shortly thereafter, it is said to have contributed greatly to the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861.
Visitors to Harpers Ferry should be aware that the topic of John Brown is a sensitive one. He was not seen as a hero to the pro-slavery white population.
A comic historical novel about Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry is Flashman and the Angel of the Lord.
Visitor information
- Historic Harpers Ferry website
Get in
By car
Harpers Ferry sits at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, where the states of West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia meet. To reach it, take Interstate 70 to Frederick Maryland, and exit on US 340 west for about 15 miles.
- The center offers paid parking, walking trails, and is near the KOA campground; busses served:
- Runs between Lower Town and the visitor center.
By train
- Routes stopping at Harpers Ferry:
- Floridian operates daily between Chicago and Tampa or Miami including stops in South Bend, Elkhart, Waterloo, Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, Cleveland, Alliance, Pittsburgh, Connellsville, Cumberland, Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry, and Rockville.
- Maryland Transit Administration MARC commuter trains from Washington D.C., operating several times per weekday
By bus
- Route 20 from Harpers Ferry to Charles Town with limited service to Martinsburg. The bus route serves Walmart, Martins, Charles Towers, and the Court House.
Walk
Harpers Ferry is on the Appalachian Trail and the C & O Canal trail. Since it is at the crossroads of these two trails, it is an extremely popular starting or ending point for backpackers.
See
Do
Do River Riders
Rafting, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, and fishing adventures on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers (class I-III), plus a zip line/canopy tour: various-length zips through the trees above the Potomac, geared toward those roughly age 10+ and 70-250 lb (2-2½ hour tour, ~$75/person). Also has a retail shop selling canoes, kayaks, rafting and river equipment.
- River activities White water rafting, canoeing, inner tubing.
- Backpacking The Appalachian Trail passes through Harpers Ferry.
Do Harpers Ferry Marina -boat ramp /river access
A beautiful deep water section of the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County is available for your boating pleasure. A four-mile section of deep water runs from our campground to above the Dargan Bend Boat Ramp in Maryland. Pontoon boats, fishing boats, water skiing, wake boarding, and jet skis are welcome. Pitch your tent and tie your boat up out front. Bring your RV as well. There are no hook-ups, but for those willing to rough-it, it is a beautiful unique location
Do River & Trail Outfitters
Outdoor adventure outfitter with whitewater rafting tours on both the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Other outdoor activities include kayaking, canoeing, hiking, climbing and camping. Canoes, kayaks, and rafting equipment available for rent and sale; guided trips offered.
Buy
Shop The Outfitter at Harpers Ferry
Outdoor gear and bike shop with hiking/outdoors equipment, Harpers Ferry memorabilia and gifts, snacks, and knives. Accepts hiker packages via UPS/FedEx or USPS (PO Box 1231) — send well ahead of arrival.
Eat
Eat Cannonball Deli
A hole in the wall with delicious and varied choices, including gyros, subs, hamburgers, and pasta. Popular with National Park Rangers on lunch breaks.
Eat The Anvil Restaurant
Washington Street. Rustic casual dining and cocktails.
Eat The Country Cafe
Casual cafe serving breakfast and lunch since 1989.
Sleep
Camping
Go next
- Antietam National Battlefield, minutes away, it is one of the most significant battlefields of the Civil War.
- Shepherdstown is a quaint small town with upscale dining and bed and breakfast inns.
Nearby
Brunswick
City / town · 10 listings · 6 mi away
Charles Town
City / town · 19 listings · 7 mi away
Shepherdstown
City / town · 13 listings · 8 mi away
Sharpsburg
City / town · 11 listings · 9 mi away
Middletown
City / town · 3 listings · 13 mi away
Boonsboro
City / town · 6 listings · 13 mi away
Martinsburg
City / town · 26 listings · 15 mi away
Bluemont
City / town · 4 listings · 16 mi away
My experience
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