West Virginia
Harpers Ferry
A historic town where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet: John Brown's 1859 raid, a national park lower town, Jefferson Rock, the Maryland Heights climb, the Appalachian Trail and the C&O Canal towpath.
Photo: Harpers Ferry, seen from Maryland Heights, Mark Fickett, CC BY 3.0
Harpers Ferry sits where the Potomac and the Shenandoah meet. In 1859, abolitionist John Brown raided its federal armory, and the building where he was captured is known as John Brown's Fort.
The lower town is part of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The Appalachian Trail passes through town, and the C&O Canal towpath runs across the river. Be adventurous and walk a stretch.
Outdoors and nature
Trails, lookouts, waterfalls, beaches and time on the water come first.
Sights and attractions
Museums, landmarks and the places people come here for.
Free
John Brown's Fort
The armory engine house where John Brown was captured.
Free
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor Center
The trail's headquarters, where hikers sign in.
Paid
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
The historic lower town and exhibits.
Paid
Antietam National Battlefield
The 1862 battlefield. About 30 minutes north.
Markets, shops and festivals
Main streets, markets and the dates worth planning around.
Free
Shepherdstown
A college town with a lively main street. About 20 minutes away.
Book a tour or activity
Cruises, tours and experiences people book here. Each one goes to the operator's official page, and you can still add it to your trip.
River Riders
Rafting, tubing and ziplining on the Potomac and Shenandoah.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Part of our West Virginia rivers guides.
Make it a weekend
Why stay the night
- Mornings in the lower town, before the day-trippers arrive.
- Antietam is 30 minutes north.
- River tubing in summer.
Nearby and worth the drive
Ready-made trips with Harpers Ferry
Good to know
- Park: Parking is at the visitor center with shuttle buses to the lower town: National Park Service.
- We list only places we can check against an official source. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.
Photos on this page
Photo: Harpers Ferry, seen from Maryland Heights, Mark Fickett, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Potomac River looking east from Shenandoah River confluence in Harpers Ferry WV, Dough4872, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jefferson Rock, Harpers Ferry, WV - looking east, Zeete, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Lock 33 on the C&O Canal at Harpers Ferry, Bonnachoven, CC0
Photo: John Brown's Fort in Harpers Ferry, Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: The observation tower at Antietam National Battlefield, Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: High Street in Harpers Ferry, Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0