The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
The entrance fee at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is $10-$20 per person or $20 per vehicle for a 3-day pass. An annual pass is $35, valid for one year. Children under 16 enter free. Interagency passes are also accepted.
From Frederick, MD, take US Route 340 southwest, crossing into West Virginia. After 20 miles, arrive at the historic gateway to a town steeped in American heritage.
Park at the main lot at 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV, which accommodates hundreds of vehicles, including RVs and motorcycles. Overnight parking is allowed for Appalachian Trail hikers and C&O Canal bikers. A $10 entrance fee includes parking and shuttle service to Lower Town. No pets on shuttles or in park buildings. Limited street parking in town requires separate fees.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is a place where history and natural beauty converge in a dramatic tapestry. The park spans nearly 3,745 acres across West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia, with the historic center of Harpers Ferry forming the heart of this peninsula.
Here, the rivers carve a stunning gap through the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a landscape that Thomas Jefferson once described as one of the most stupendous scenes in nature. The park’s terrain is dotted with museums, battlefields, and iconic landmarks, each telling a chapter in the area’s rich history. Hikers can explore trails such as the Appalachian Trail and the Maryland Heights Trail, which offer breathtaking views of the rivers and surrounding mountains.
In the spring, the park comes alive with blooming wildflowers and the songs of migratory birds. Summer brings warmth and the sounds of ranger-led programs and historical reenactments. Autumn paints the landscape with vibrant hues as the leaves change, while winter blankets the area in a serene silence.
Visitors can explore the historic armory recommended by George Washington, and delve into the legacy of John Brown’s 1859 raid. The town itself is filled with charming shops and restaurants, and nearby, the artisan town of Charles Town offers additional cultural delights.
During the summer, the park hosts various events, including living history demonstrations and concerts. Local outfitters provide opportunities for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Potomac River. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, taking a stroll through the historic Lower Town or visiting the Harpers Ferry Museum is a must.
- Area (mi²)
- 5.8
- Annual visitors
- 427 000
- Established year
- 1944
Top 3 Facts about Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
The C&O Canal Towpath, a 184-mile-long historic canal route, passes through the area, featuring locks and houses from the industrial age and offering an easy, crushed-gravel path for bicyclists along the Potomac River.
In this verdant oasis, over 174 bird species flit through the skies, including Green Herons, Bald Eagles, and Osprey. The waters of the Shenandoah River are home to Wood Ducks and various waterfowl, while Great Blue Herons wade in the quiet canals. On land, American mink and southern flying squirrels roam, and the forest floors support a diverse array of flora. With 14 amphibian and 18 reptile species, this ecosystem is a vibrant tapestry of life, inviting you to explore its rich natural heritage.
At the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, a water gap carved 360 million years ago reveals a dramatic geological landscape. Here, the rivers flow through a narrow pass in the Appalachian Mountains, creating rapids and vistas against a backdrop of chevron-folded rocks and ancient phyllite formations. The Blue Ridge-South Mountain anticlinorium looms, its high-grade paragneisses and granitic gneisses a testament to the region’s complex geological history.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Living History & Cultural Demos
- Scavenger Hunts
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Visit in early spring or autumn to avoid crowds. Start at the visitor center, park in the large lot, and use the shuttle bus. Pack water, bug spray, and plan for meals off-site. Allow a few days to explore trails and historic sites. Catch the Appalachian Trail at the Catholic Church.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for variable weather, sturdy hiking shoes, and essentials like hydration, navigation tools, and a first-aid kit. For overnight stays, include a tent, sleeping bag, and water filter. Check the season for specific needs like insect repellent or a rain jacket.
Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from wildlife, at least 25 yards, to avoid stressing animals. Never feed them, and dispose of trash properly to preserve natural habitats. Stay on designated trails to minimize impact. Respect the environment as you would your own backyard.
Stay Informed
Stay on marked trails, avoid ledges and fast water, and check weather conditions. Follow signs, respect fire restrictions, and carry a first-aid kit. For emergencies, call 911 or park authorities at 304-535-6298. Stay informed, stay safe.
Seasons
Spring awakens with mild temperatures (60s-70s°F) and vibrant wildflowers. Enjoy the Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival in April, featuring over 70 local artists. Hike scenic trails, go whitewater rafting, and soak in historic vistas amidst blooming landscapes. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Summer brings warm temperatures (80s-90s°F) and vibrant events. Enjoy RiverPalooza in July, fireworks at Sam Michaels Park, and the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of historical sites and river activities amidst humid but sunny weather.
Experience autumn’s vibrant hues from mid-October to early November, with mild temperatures (50s-70s°F) and fewer crowds. Join the O’ Be Joyfull ghost tour, and enjoy leaf peeping, scenic hikes, and historical reenactments amidst the crisp fall air. Ideal for a tranquil and immersive getaway.
Experience winter’s serene beauty from December to February, with temperatures ranging from 23°F to 41°F. Enjoy crisp, crowd-free days and powdery snow, ideal for a tranquil retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Harpers Ferry National Historical Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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You can stay in Martinsburg, West Virginia, which is about a 20-minute drive from Harpers Ferry. Other nearby options include Frederick, Maryland, and Hagerstown, Maryland, both within a 30-40 minute drive. These cities offer various amenities and are close enough for easy day trips to the park.
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The Confederate Battlefield Trail is a family-friendly option, featuring a 1.4-mile loop with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This trail is part of the TRACK Trail and is suitable for kids, offering a relatively easy and scenic hike. It is also accessible and navigable for families with younger children.
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Dogs must be kept on a six-foot leash at all times. They cannot be left unattended or tied to an object. Leashes help prevent encounters between dogs and wildlife.
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Park at the main parking lot located at 171 Shoreline Drive, which has space for several hundred vehicles and offers a free shuttle bus to Lower Town. This lot is near the Visitor Center and is recommended to avoid congestion and ensure pedestrian safety. Limited parking is also available in town, but it is often full, and additional parking spots can be found off-street on the Maryland side of the river, though these are very limited.
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Harpers Ferry was the site of John Brown’s abolitionist raid on October 16-18, 1859, where he and his followers seized the federal armory to spark a slave revolt. During the American Civil War, the town was a key battlefield, with significant events including the burning of Hall’s Rifle Works and the Shenandoah Bridge by Confederate raiders on June 28, 1861. The area also served as a supply point for Meriwether Lewis’s Corps of Discovery and was home to Storer College, one of the first integrated schools in the United States.