Harpers Ferry is just an hour and a half northwest of Washington, DC, but it feels like a world away. This small town in easternmost West Virginia, where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers flow together, also stands at the confluence of American history. Harpers Ferry witnessed the first successful American railroad, John Brown's attempt to instigate a slave rebellion, the largest surrender of Federal troops during the Civil War, and the creation of one of the earliest integrated schools in the United States.¹

But history isn’t the only reason to visit Harpers Ferry! It’s stunningly beautiful, too, with rugged cliffs, river views, and picturesque buildings at every turn. Here’s the five-minute guide to the sights, activities, hotels, and restaurants in Harpers Ferry.

Five Things to Do in Harpers Ferry

1. Hike to the heights. More than 20 miles of trails trace the 4,000 acres of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. One of the most popular is the Maryland Heights Trail, a challenging hike that takes you across the Potomac on a footbridge, along the C&O Canal Towpath, up to the cliffs overlooking the town, and then to a Civil War stone fort.²
2. Go river tubing. Both the Potomac and the Shenandoah are among the best tubing rivers in the United States, according to USA Today’s Readers’ Choice poll.³ Which one should you try? That depends on your appetite for adventure. The Shenandoah is calmer, offering flatwater rides that are suitable for younger children. On the Potomac, there’s whitewater tubing (Class I-III, depending on water levels), which means thrills and maybe some spills.⁴
3. See John Brown’s famous fort. In 1859, after their raid, Brown and his followers retreated to a brick building called John Brown’s Fort. After the war, the building was moved to Chicago and then back to West Virginia, occupying four different locations before being placed in its current site.⁵
4. Browse the shops in Lower Town. Beyond Civil War tchotchkes, there are treasures to discover in Harpers Ferry’s shops: jewelry, crafts, candles and antiques. The Village Shop is known for homemade cookies, whoopie pies, shaved ice and other delights. More sweet treats can be found at Cool Confectionaries, which sells old-time candies like sugarplums and art candy.⁶
5. Seek some spirits. The Harpers Ferry ghost tour claims to be the oldest in the country. Meet at St. Peter's Catholic Church and hear stories of phantom appearances, as well as snippets of Harpers Ferry’s history. It’s popular with families, as the ghost stories are more spooky than outright scary.⁷

Four of the Best Harpers Ferry Hotels

The view from The Ledge House can’t be beat. True to its name, this bed-and-breakfast stands high above the rivers, overlooking the Harpers Ferry gap. Start your day of hiking or exploring with breakfast made from local produce, organic eggs and free-range pork.

One of the most luxurious Harpers Ferry hotels is the Light Horse Inn, which offers three spacious suites in a building that served as an inn in the 1780s. Back then, a night’s stay cost 7 cents; today, expect to pay a little more.⁸ Less fancy, but reasonably priced, is the Cantuta Inn, a homey B&B in upper Harpers Ferry.  

In nearby Shepherdstown is the Bavarian Inn, a luxurious country inn in grand Alpine style. Some rooms have gas fireplaces and whirlpool tubs; all guests can enjoy the infinity pool, the poolside bar, and fine German-American dining at the on-site restaurant.

Three Great Harpers Ferry Restaurants

You might not expect to find great Creole food in a small West Virginia town, but that’s exactly what Bisou Bistro serves. Savor specialties like wild boar hock with red beans and rabbit with dumplings in the 1790 Canal House.

The Guide Shack Café is a local favorite for two reasons: one, it’s owned by a veteran and also sources its food from veterans, and two, everything is delicious, from the cappuccinos to the cookies from Dog Tag Bakery. There’s a rock-climbing wall, too. And the Potomac Grille is a favorite of hungry hikers for its burgers and wraps. Sit on the outdoor terrace and enjoy the view.

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