The 28 best things to do with kids in Harpers Ferry

Good hiking. Love the place. You can pay an anual fee of $30 to Park in the town. From there is one mile and half hike to the magnificent place. Don't forget to dispositivo your parking ticket

Such a beautiful view of the mountains. A great little place to stop and catch your breath along the Appalachian Trail.

Great view of the Potomac River from an elevated place. A little slice of history, while taking in an incredible view of the mountains. Near by is also Harper Cemetery, St Peters Catholic Church and the ruins of St. Johns Episcopal Church.

An interesting story and a nice view above Harper’s Ferry Jefferson Rock is one of the highlights of Harpers Ferry. It gives a good mix of history, scenery, and a bit of historic adventure that personifies the town. The hike to the rock takes you up the hillside, passing by the iconic St. Peter’s Catholic Church along the way. The path itself is fairly manageable, and most sections have railings, but once you reach the rock the protection stops. Because of this, I would recommend the visit only for those who are sure-footed and comfortable with uneven ground, as the drop-offs can be intimidating without barriers. The payoff, however, is worth the effort. From a position next to the rock you get a sweeping view of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, as well as the historic town of Harpers Ferry nestled below. The vantage point is both dramatic and peaceful, giving you a sense of why, according to the stories, Thomas Jefferson, during his travels, found this very spot so moving that it now bears his name. For those who wish to explore more, you can continue on the trail past Jefferson Rock and make your way to the Appalachian trail, which adds another layer of history to the walk. The informational sign could use a little care but, overall, this is a scenic and meaningful stop, best enjoyed with good shoes and sure footing. Enjoy.

This is a fantastic climb with spectacular views from a higher vantage point than from scenic streets at ground level, both at Jefferson Rock itself and along the way up to the rock exhibit. You can climb onto Jefferson Rock and sit to enjoy the views further. Visitor Parking: Street parking in town is extremely limited and only available on a short-term basis for the businesses nearby. Harpers Ferry National Park parking lot offers daily parking at affordable rates. It is situated along Shoreline Dr., where you can park for $10-$15, depending on if you have a motorcycle or private vehicle. A guided shuttle bus will take you to the bus stop along Shenandoah St., where you can begin the scenic walk of Old Town Harpers Ferry into the modern town.

Amazing views of the Shenandoah River, and the town of Harpers Ferry. Beautiful history in regard to the nature overlook. It’s not a short hike up, about 0.1 miles. You will know you are headed in the right direction when you are heading up the stairway to the old Catholic Church. Well worth the walk!

Nice historical spot and beautiful views. If you go on a weekday, especially later in the afternoon, no one is usually there! You can walk up the stairs from town but there is a bit of an incline; not a terrible hike, but may be difficult for some! If you’d rather get there without the climb, you can go through the cemetery above it for a fast walk down.

Harpers Ferry is one of those places that offers a little bit of everything—stunning views, rich history, and great outdoor recreation. Whether you’re looking to hike scenic trails, walk through America’s past, or simply enjoy a peaceful day by the river, this park delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended for families, history buffs, and nature lovers alike. Nestled at the meeting point of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a stunning destination that blends natural beauty, American history, and outdoor adventure. Our visit last Saturday was a refreshing and rewarding experience filled with scenic views, rich heritage, and plenty of time outdoors. For those who love the outdoors, Harpers Ferry is a dream. The park boasts numerous trails for hiking and trekking, ranging from short scenic walks to more intense climbs. A few favorites: • Maryland Heights Trail – Challenging but offers the best view over the town and rivers. • Jefferson Rock Trail – A short hike to a historic spot where Thomas Jefferson once stood. • Appalachian Trail – Yes, a section of this iconic trail runs right through the park! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want a light nature walk, there’s something for every level of adventure. Be ready for a lot of walking, especially up hills and along uneven paths. The historic charm comes with some elevation, but the views and the ambiance more than make up for the effort.

It was my first time visiting and it was absolutely gorgeous. We did the Maryland heights hike, its been on my bucket list and im so glad to have gotten it done! The weather was beautiful, the leaves are turning, and it was quite busy bit it was also a Saturday morning!

Great experience. Arrived with our RV and had ample parking. Hopped on a shuttle leaving you at the base of town. Cute little taverns and shops. Adorable town. Visited on a Sunday afternoon and sad that the church was locked up. Why not leave it open for those of us wanting to spend some time inside praying? Cute town.

Just go! If you haven't been yet, you need to get there. So beautiful. Easy trails. So scenic and peaceful. Plenty of parking. And there's a free shuttle to the village. Loved it.

This parks is a must in this area plus visiting the little downtown. There is so much history and amazing views that you can spend a day easily. We just want to return and do hiking and keep exploring the park. Thanks so much to the employees that even without receiving a paycheck are willing to keep working and are keeping the park in an outstanding shape. You are real heros!

Found this park by accident while driving along Rt 340 checking out the fall foliage. There was no entrance fee due to the shutdown, but the visitor center was still open. Plenty of parking in the park. Free shuttles to Harpers Ferry town were running every 15mins. Staff were helpful and friendly. We took a short trail of about 2 miles starting right outside from the visitor center. Beautiful grounds with overlooks down to the Shenandoah river.

Lower town is an amazing little spot for history and cool people and places! The shuttle to lower town gets busy on the weekends but it’s about a 30-40 minutes walk if you’re able to take the trail!

Probably the most scenic spot in Harpers Ferry, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Stop by for pictures and enjoy the breathtaking scenery while exploring the historic town.

The Point at Harpers Ferry. Such a magical little town, and especially so at dusk!

Easy walk for a memorable view where you can stand in WV, and see Maryland and Virginia plus the Shenandoah joining the Potomac River!

Nice place to sit and reflect on creation.

Great location for a weekend getaway.

John Brown's fort and Harper's Ferry are in the same place. This is a national park so if you have one of those America the Beautiful passes it is free. Otherwise you have to pay per car to get in. We have a pass so I didn't check the prices. This place has tons of great hiking. The Potomac and Shenandoah rivers border it. We went in April and there were tons of gnats and tiny bugs that tried to fly in all your exposed holes. Ugh. Bring a fan or get a pamphlet to fan the bugs away! There is A LOT of walking involved. You need to go to the visitor center and then catch a bus to the city center. They run every 15 mins. Even after you get to the city there is a lot of walking up an incline to see all the small museums, stores, and restaurants. You can drive to the city but there is extremely limited street parking. At 2pm there was a park ranger that gave an hour long educational speech about John Brown. Pretty interesting.

John Brown’s Fort-firehouse, is a historic landmark tied to the famous 1859 raid led by abolitionist John Brown. Although the fort has been moved a few times, the structure has been well-preserved and offers visitors a glimpse into the past. During my visit, the staff was super friendly, knowledgeable, and I was allowed to take a photo of my Dalmatians in front of the firehouse, which added a memorable touch to my experience. For history buffs and anyone visiting Harpers Ferry, John Brown’s Fort is a must-see. Despite not standing in its original spot, it remains an enduring symbol of American history and the struggle for freedom.

Beautiful town. Loved the entire set up. Each store front was turned into a museum. Beautiful scenery

It’s one of my favorite places to visit. The city is cozy and the exhibits are well curated.

There's nothing like knowing the most important parts of our history. This site is a little bit difficult to traverse so, plan ahead. The National Park Service has done a great job of making it accessible but be careful on steps.

Very cool historical location and the views of the rivers are amazing

Several key historic events have taken place in Harpers Ferry. One of them being John Brown’s Raid. The farthest downtown portion is a national park. Great visitor center. Lots of things to do and see including the Appalachian Trail.

Went here for the 1st time Sunday open mic night for our friends birthday. We had a really good time - the bartender, sound guys, and other staff were super welcoming & kind. The sound was great. We even jammed outside on the patio with new friends after. They had non alcoholic options & N/a beer which was appreciated, since a few of us don't drink. Thank you so much for facilitating a wonderful night! Will definitely be back.

Exploding Harper’s Ferry area, actually went to Devil’s Due and some folks there recommended The Barn / really good they did we weren’t sure what to do for the evening. Very cool vibe, good blue grass music. We will definitely we back! Highly recommend. Lots of parking.

Fun place to be! Mike Kuster was playing that Sat night and what a show they put on!! Friendly Doorman and Bartenders! Thank you for making me feel so welcome! I'll be back!!

We were on town for a couple of days. We walked over to The Barn after several recommendations. We enjoyed the decor, atmosphere, vibe, service, live music and especially the beverages! We did not have any food Loved the blackberry mojito!

Really enjoyed the band, Shorty Slim. The atmosphere is very friendly. When the dogs were allowed to run around inside the bar off the leash, we felt uncomfortable. When the dogs got aggressive with each other under our feet, we were out. Dog friendly on a leash is different than dogs run amok. I wouldn’t let my children run all over the barn causing a distraction for patrons or distracting the band like these dogs disturbed us. Would not go back.

Great drinks, fun atmosphere, fantastic bartender and wonderful music meant we had a fantastic Friday night here. There was a cover but the music was worth it!

Went to an amazing Halloween themed open-mic with unbelievable talent. Great venue. Good drinks too.

Beautiful church with such history! Came for the 9:30 mass and loved the community and reverence. Visitors definitely need to plan to park off site and walk over.

This is a very beautiful church, and at first I thought it was just a piece of history, but turns out the hold mass every Sunday. A masterpiece of craftsmanship indeed. Went here on a 4h trip and everyone was talking about how beautiful it was even if they weren't Catholic. I'm Catholic and this is a church I would go to. If you ever find yourself in Harper's ferry, come to church here and admire the beauty and the mass.

Beautiful church with a commanding view of both rivers. Wonderful stone front, intricate stained glass and very solid doors. Be aware that services seem to only be on Sundays. As others have noted, there is no local parking, you will need to park at the bottom of the hill in one of the lots and walk up.

Beautiful church that is still active and holds services. Stunning inside! Everything was very well kept. The church is also listed as a historic site. No matter your religion it’s worth going in and seeing this beautiful piece of art!

If you keep walking up the trail you'll find the ruins of the old church

One of the most beautiful landmark in the history and glad to see it in person. Stone works so perfectly done. And from the parking lot. Can get there from an other beautiful stone stairs. Exercise for the day.

Unfortunately it wasn't open because of the pandemic but it's still stunning from the outside. Also beautiful views to the water. Keep going up the steps to see the ruins of the old church. Worth the hike.

We love this store. We visited on a weekday evening. They have candies from all over the country. If you can imagine it, they have it. From I love you lollipops to chocolate covered Twinkies on a stick. We bought candied almonds, a mixed bag of candies and a large stick of bubblegum.

I was excited to visit after reading reviews and even drove over 4 hours to get here, but my experience was extremely disappointing. My husband and I were not greeted at all, though other customers who came in after us were warmly welcomed. When I asked about Turkish taffy, staff were dismissive- one woman stomped off, silently pointed and walked away. At checkout, my items were tossed into a bag with no friendliness whatsoever. The whole time, I felt ignored and unwanted, like my business didn’t matter. Employees often forget that it’s paying customers who make their salaries possible. Many candies here can be found at the dollar store or Five below, just repackaged and overpriced, though some items are unique. In the end, my visit was anything but a true treat-it left a bitter taste, like the nastiest candy you’d never want to try again!

Worth a stop if you have a sweet tooth! They have a wide variety of treats, teas, fudge and even a little cinema in the back playing three stooges the day we visited. The customer service was great and the young lady was very helpful to all the other patrons. Small seating area, dog friendly, and a map on the wall to pin where you are visiting from.

We absolutely loved this candy shop. There is a good mix of their own homemade historic candy as well as favorites from larger brands that you don’t see as often anymore.

This was such a fun stop. Just to browse, or to get something you forgot they used to sell. It was a trip down memory lane seeing the historic candy and novelties that go back many years. And seeing candies that previous generations enjoyed.

This place is amazing! A variety of vintage candies and homemade stuff, all delicious! You have to see it to believe it! I was in heaven. I'm embarrassed to say that I spent $80 in a candy shop! So worth it, though! Gets a little crowded, but the checkout line moved quickly. Can't wait to visit again sometime!

First time in that area, was a bit overwhelming with the amount of people going through the historic sites, Legendary John Brown location. The store was packed with people as well. Lots of old fashion candy as well. Looks like only the cashier at the register. I purchase candy cigarettes for my grand daughter that requested them. Total $8.50 and I told her to keep the $1.50 . Will go back, just watch your head coming off the street and walking to the basement stairs entrance. Lots of walking, no parking in the area, my wife drive around until I came out. Cell phone was dead (VerizOn)

The store has a lot of character and a fascinating history, which makes it quite interesting to visit. However, there’s a musty smell that might be off-putting to some. Also, be aware that they charge an extra fee for credit card payments, so it's definitely a good idea to bring cash if you want to avoid that extra charge. Despite these quirks, it’s worth checking out if you appreciate unique shops with a bit of old-world charm. Overall, this is a very cool town with rich history.

What an amazing little town with an amazing history. I wish we could have stayed longer, but we had a long trip back to PA. The little shops, museums, vistas and cafe's make this town a great place to visit. I've always wanted to go here. My family almost gave up because of the limited parking. I think we drove around for 30 or more min. before we found a spot. My advice is park up on the hill near the Storer College Campus and walk down Fillmore Street. The Harper Cemetery is amazing along with St. Peter's Catholic Church. We had lunch at The Rabbit Hole. They had a great beer selection, and they were very accommodating to our dog Stella. Give yourself the entire day to walk around. There's a lot to see.

Chris C., our tour guide, was so knowledgeable and informative. My family and I learned so much about the Harpers Ferry history. Great experience and gorgeous scenery. Highly recommend!

Great walking and exploring area. Lots of fun facts and history. Parking can get crazy on the weekends. But neat spot to take the kids, especially in autumn.

STEP IN THIS DOOR... and buy a lot of cool Harper's Ferry stuff! It's a nice souvenir shop; I was surprised! You didn't know you needed a Harper's Ferry t-shirt, until now!

i’ve gone multiple times and i love the hike, the small town is so beautiful and historic

The gift shop was very nice. Liked the selection, it was well organized and a variety of things to look at, browse, and shop for. I was not happy when I looked at my receipt that there was a credit card surcharge. If you’re going to charge for credit card purchases an extra amount, please notify the purchaser before hand. Thank you.

Looking for a place for lunch during a day trip to Harpers Ferry, we somewhat stumbled upon Cannonball Deli but were glad we did. They have both indoor seating (off the High St. entrance) and outdoor seating (off the Potomac St. entrance). Our server was very friendly and attentive. The food was excellent. We especially recommend the Chapli Kebab Wrap and the Gyro Salad, the latter coming with a very generous portion of gyro meat.

Enjoyed a tasty kebab wrap at this quaint eatery in Harper's Ferry. They were super busy, so food did take a little while, but the small staff was attentive and tried to keep me informed. Generous portions and good value!

My wife and I went here and ordered a gyro and a chapli kabob wrap. Both were amazing! Then we each had some ice cream which we also enjoyed. We went to the Cannonball deli because of their unique offering for the area. Most places were way crowded, loud, and were serving expensive hamburgers and beer. If that is your thing great. It’s not ours. This place was quiet, the service friendly and attentive, and the food delicious. If you like some variety of food in a place where you can really enjoy a quiet conversation with your company then give this place a try. It is tucked away like a hidden gem, but when you find it enjoy its sparkle.

Delicious gyro. Came with a nice fresh Greek salad and plenty of potato chips. They did not skimp on anything. The son is a very friendly young man.

Best food, best service, best prices! They have both indoor seating and an outdoor patio, which, unfortunately, we did not notice.. We ordered a Philly cheesesteak sub - it came with chips and a very fresh salad. The roll was warm and perfectly crispy! I even came back later for ice cream because they have the best prices around!🍦🥙 Thank you!!:)

Our group ate a burger, lamb gyro and chicken gyro. Burger looked like it was a frozen patty, but the lamb and chicken were cooked perfectly. The gyro itself was missing flavor from some of the things I typically enjoy such as cucumber, onion and tomato. I ended up putting the side salad on the gyro filling and it was excellent together. Service was good/fine. All in, good deal for price to food ratio but will probably try somewhere else next time.

Food is fresh and tasty. My daughter and I stopped for a quick lunch after beautiful hike. The place is so cozy we ended up having long lunch. We both ordered falafel wrap. The side salad is tasty, just take it easy on the dressing. Dressing is tasty, but bit sour to our liking. The tortilla used for the wrap is thick and grilled with cheese on top, going perfectly with the filling.

Carrot cake was good, but can't recommend the latte nor 'mango smoothie', which hadn't seen real fruit. Worst of all, the amount of single-use cups, plates and cutlery this place provides/uses is absolutely horrible. And they don't even bother to recycle the tons of waste they produce.

Nice. A la mode desert & such. Good selection and tasty. Pista flavor wasn't nice.

Would not recommend this place. We came in for custard and coffee. When we asked for some they rudely told us they don’t sell custard despite the sign on the building that states they do. They could have simple said sorry we don’t. We also got a coffee and asked for oat milk and the cashier again was rude in stating they didn’t have it. The entire time we were greeted with mean looks for what reason I have no clue. The coffee was burnt and watery as well. You can find better coffee and people who are not unnecessarily nasty else where.

Stopped here to grab some ice cream, ended up leaving with ice cream and a hat! Super friendly staff, were allowing people a small sample of 1 flavor since they had some more strange ones like midnight caramel which is what I got! Would recommend for their ice cream at least, didn't try the food or coffee.

Absolutely do not recommend this place. It is an unapologetic tourist trap. This place is insanely overpriced for what they serve. Mango smoothie tasted like a mango jell-o slushie. The ice chunks were so big I was chewing on them. The fact that it was $8.99 is crazy. We also got an iced tea that was filled all the way to the top with ice. Also very expensive for tea. We asked for at least a partial refill of the tea and staff ignored us until we left. We were very kind and respectful and also tipped so the experience was very disappointing.

Small unassuming cafe that we stumbled uponin Harper's Ferry. The service was amazing, coffee was excellent, and food was sensational. The double stack burger was delicious, the chicken tenders were tender, and the fries were perfect. Next time we will come back to try some of their desserts!

They refused to fill up our water bottle after we brought tea and cake. They directed us to Battle Grounds Cafe who are were nice enough to spare some tap water. Take their own advice and go to Battle Grounds instead.

an odd little place to stop on your trip to harper’s ferry. entry is $5/person, but you can buy items in their small gift shop which count towards your ticket price. the worker told me the building is for sale, so go see it while you still can!

It was a fun time at this museum. While walking through the historical park there are plenty of informational plaques, but this took it to a new level. This was an immersive experience where you could visualize the events of John Brown's life, instead of just reading about them. My group loved this museum and we were so glad that we were able to go to it.

Not the highest quality wax figures, but the displays are very well done. The history lesson is also very interesting and is something most people likely don't know about American anti-slavery history. Very informative. Harper's Ferry is home to a lot of historical attractions and this is just one of them. $7 for adults, $6 for seniors/veterans. Six floors of displays depicting the life of John Brown and his anti-slavery raid on Harper's Ferry.

Amazing place! Kitsch in the best way. Friendly staff. JB Wax Museum>All the Smithsonians combined. $5 admission is deal of a lifetime. I would've paid my life savings to see Waxie JB.

A good history lesson, and still just as creepy as I remember it being when I was in the fourth grade. My kids (10, 12, & 14) all enjoyed it. The upkeep of the building left much to be desired. There was an strong mildew odor throughout, despite obvious attempts to cover it with air fresheners. Lots of peeling wall paper and floors in need of cleaning or repair.

The displays are in disrepair, the lighting is very bad such that you can hardly read the plaques on the wall, and and worst of all it's just kind of shabby. To boot, the displays aren't even that interesting. Several of the things on the wall seem just copied from the internet and printed with an inkjet printer. The best wax figure, John Brown with crazy eyes thrusting a bayonet, is visible from the street. You won't learn anything or get a good perspective on anything that you can't get from one of the many free museums around. If you like creepy wax dolls though you're in for a treat.

The owner was really nice. Very welcoming! This was a really great attraction!

Such an awesome spot!! If I lived in the area I would be a regular customer here. The staff were so kind and welcoming, dining here felt more like eating with family than being served at a restaurant. The food had a very homemade charm and was absolutely delicious. Great gluten-free and vegan options. I'm seriously going to miss this place. You guys rock!

Perfect place to grab a meal after a long hike or bike ride. Everything I’ve had here has been really good and the staff is very friendly and quick. They have a wide variety of options on the menu from junk food vegan to whole food plant based. Lots of gluten free options as well. Wish I lived closer I’d come more often

After a bit of a bummer of a day in Harper’s Ferry (lots of rain), this place saved the day. The rain was finally letting up so we sat outside on the covered porch. Service was quick and casual so great for dining with a toddler. We got a sub sandwich (simple but good), coco ramen (YUM), and a nugget kids meal. The nacho appetizer was really good and one of those “you’d never know it was vegan” types of thing. We are so grateful for a restaurant that is not only delicious but has something we aren’t used to as vegetarians - OPTIONS and a solid kids meal!

One of the best vegetarian restaurants I have been to and pleased omnivores as well! Extensive menu with seasonal offerings. You could eat there every day for a month and still not tried everything great yet! Excellent food and staff. Very helpful and pleasant! Inside seating is limited to about 10 people but there is plenty of outdoor space and the food comes quickly. Definitely give it a try!

This establishment is absolutely AMAZING! The staff are incredibly friendly, the chef’s are rays of sunshine who visit their patrons to ensure the quality of their food, and even the atmosphere is filled with happiness! As far as the FOOD, oh my LORD. This food is beyond delicious! It’s more a dance of flavors that tantalize your mouth with each bite. I’m so impressed that I’ve taken many friends (even non-vegan friends) to dine here and every single one of them returned! There is nothing better than food that’s created with love except HEALTHY FOOD that you wouldn’t know is healthy. It’s guilt free MOUTH WATERING, belly smiling AMAZING! Now that’s fine dining ! Highly recommend to everyone!

I love that there’s a vegan restaurant in my favorite little town. The food and atmosphere are lovely. The pinto beans were also so delicious!

Amazing, highly recommend! We stayed at a nearby Air B&B while visiting the area just to be close to Kelley Farm Kitchen after our veggie friends recommended it. The food was delicious & the staff were friendly. We ate there twice in one week. Husband had the Sourdough Patty Melt & I had the Chick'n Avocado sandwich. Highly recommend even if you aren't a veggie. Do yourself a favor & eat healthy and try Kelley's. Thanks for a great meal!

Maryland Heights Trailhead is a great trail to hike it's well maintained and great landmarks to see and the view of Harpers Ferry from the lookout just splendid, on this trail it's a bit difficult to find a parking lot near the town and the climb up to the mountain has a hard steep bring enough water and rest ones in a while. Seeing the train pass by was amazing stay safe and look out on the trails.

Maryland Heights is a must-do hike! We parked at the Harpers Ferry Visitor Center and took the free shuttle down to the trailhead, which made parking super convenient. The hike took us about 4 hours round trip and was medium intensity with a good amount of elevation — an excellent cardio workout. The view from the top is stunning, overlooking Harpers Ferry and the rivers. We carried food and had a picnic at the summit, which made the experience even more special. Many nice restaurants with the river view at Harper’s Ferry after the hike. Overall, a fantastic hike with convenient access, great exercise, and a very rewarding finish.

incredible views. all up hill on the way up, but all down on the way back. can be short or long depending on if you do the loop with multiple vistas. we ate 1st so we didnt feel like hiking more than we needed. great place for photos. the view honestly doesn't even feel real its so dang picturesque

It was a bit confusing to find the walking path. We'd been here once before, and the bridge was closed. There was no sign when we walked across the bridge, so I was confused and didn't know which way to go. So, we came back again today, ready to hike! The stairs were open for us to pass through the pathways. So now I'm telling you! 1. Set your map to the "railroad parking path." It's in the old town, behind The Rabbit Hole restaurant. 2. Then, walk across the bridge, and you'll see the stairs going down; turn left. 3. Keep walking until you see the sign. Cross that small bridge (I have a picture). 4. Then you can enjoy your walk. Going up took me 95 minutes, and walking down took about 30 minutes. 5. It's quite steep, so grab a stick on the way up. Prepare yourself! I wanted to challenge myself, so I walked, and woah! I made it! Today it's very windy, 40 km/hr. Okay, enjoy! I went on Halloween day 2025.

~40 mins hike. Not too strenuous; steep climb but you can take rests on the way. Follow the sign that says “Maryland heights” from Harpers ferry. Parking available at the visitor center or Train station. 20$ for the parking that is valid for 3 consecutive days. Some street parkings are available too but are always occupied. After returning back, there are cute places where you can visit, relax and amazing places where you can eat in the town. The town looks like one from the 80s.

Beautiful landscape view from the top and the uphill elevation hike is worth..This place have many options for accomodation and eateries around.

There is no parking at the trail head. Be sure to park in Harpers Ferry National Park across the river in West Virginia and walk the pedestrian bridge to begin your hike. The National Park Service manages the 3 most significant sized parking lots in the area. Maryland Heights is the most popular mountain-like hike in the area and part of Harpers Ferry National Park with great views of the rivers and the historic town of Harper's Ferry WV from the Overlook. It is always recommended to park at the largest lot at 171 Shoreline Drive to avoid the often times full or highly congested Lower Town area of Harper Ferry (especially on the weekends) and simply take the shuttle to town. Speak with Park Staff at the contact station for other hikes in the area and the different options/routes one can take while hiking Maryland Heights. Plan for around a 4.5-5 mile round trip hike to see the Overlook or closer to a 6.5-7 mile round trip hike if hiking to the Overlook and adding the Stone Fort (blue blaze hike) to your hike.

Started my Appalachian Trail flip-flop hike here in May of 2025. Very friendly staff and volunteers here, definitely worth a stop if you are hiking the trail or are at all interested in it.

I loved this place. The people were knowledgeable and helpful. They are making a nice little walkway and garden that is paved with memorial bricks with different names and messages on them from past hikers. It really gives you a sense of walking through history.

The Appalachian Trail changed my life. The ATC does amazing work to support thousands of hikers each year!!

Worth a visit, parking around back and bathrooms. The volunteers here were very welcoming and knowledgeable. Me and my pup took our picture for their Appalachian hikers book and website.

We stopped in to check out this visitor center while walking around Harper’s Ferry. Clean restroom available, a small but well-stocked store with AT gear and memorabilia, and lots of information to learn about the trail. The folks staffing it are super friendly and clearly love sharing about the trail and the hikers they’ve met.

Must visit in the fall. Beautiful scenic

Great stories, space to stop and take a break, and learn more about conserving the trail.

Must visit this hidden gem! Lovely collection - creating social change! Icing on the cake - Excellent customer service from Martha and team. Martha knows how to delight her customers! I can't wait to visit again!

I got a felted cactus that was perfect for my southwestern themed bedroom! The girl working was so nice and friendly as well!

What a great shop - love a fair trade shop. So many unique items. Noel was excellent. Helpful, and absolutely went the extra mile to help a customer. Highly recommend!

The best, kindest, professional, and nicest shop owner I’ve come across in HF, W.VA. Hand crafted artisans pieces, upcycled crafts, and unique, wonderful gifts for anyone special in your life. Amazing shopping experience.

What an amazing find. From a modest and unassuming storefront you enter a bazaar of fair trade, with clothes, jewelry, trinkets, and more, from all over the world. It's a wonderful place to browse for gifts and goodies, especially if you want to support small and fair trade business.

Amazing I wanted to buy everything in the store, the vibe was amazing, it is a little pricy but it is Harper's ferry.

I bought 3 octopi on a stick toys that my cats are currently losing their minds about. Great purchase and good service!

A good view of the river and one of the few railroad bridges open to walk across. This is one of the more interesting spots in Harpers Ferry. The bridge is old and rusty, but it is still in use by trains, and it has a safe walkway along the side that people can use. It’s one of the few places that I have visited or know of where you can actually walk across a river on the side of an active railroad track. The views of the Potomac River and the surrounding mountains are very good, especially looking back toward the historic town. Looking at the river you can often see kayakers, innertubers travelling downstream on their whitewater travels. The bridge connects directly to the Appalachian Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath on the far side, so it is an important crossing for hikers and bikers. Many people use it to link the town of Harpers Ferry to the trails without having to drive. Both the bridge path and the trail can get busy with visitors, but it is worth the short walk for the scenery and the unique experience of sharing space with a working rail line. Overall, this is a short but memorable walk that is worth the effort to see a part of Harpers Ferry and get great views of both the river and the city.

A nice walk. It was slippery since we walked the bridge during January with snow/ice on the walkway.

Beautiful bridge to cross the Potomac and get access via stairs to the Chesapeke and Ohio Canal Trail. All steel bridge with a grated walking surface can be a little warm on a summer day, but the trip is worth it. Great views of the river and the other railway bridge. If you're lucky, there will be a train crossing the B&BO bridge not too far away.

Beautiful bridge! If you’re coming from the C&O Canal Towpath, you will have to carry your bike up the stairs on the Maryland side of the bridge. There is a ramp on the West Virginia side. If you’re just stopping in Harpers Ferry for lunch or a quick stop, they have bike racks on the MD side that you can lock up at as well.

Beautiful bridge turned from Rails to trails. They day we went it was a bit windy, not sure if it’s always like that. It wasn’t windy in the town so it was interesting how windy it was on the bridge. Definitely worth the walk over.

Great pedestrian walkway to cross the river. Redone with trex makes for a stable and even surface to walk across. Part of the Appalachian trail!

There is a trail so you can walk safely, wait for a train pass I would be fun ..

Biking the C&O Towpath. Had a place to stay in Harpers Ferry. Had to carry our bikes up a steep and spiral staircase to get across the Potomac River. Then we had to go up hill to our AirBNB. What a cute place once we were all settled! Whew! That was an adventure!

My only complaint is the lack of parking. Be prepared to circle quite a few times to find a legal parking spot. Other than that, the town was full of history and views.

Stopped into the visitor center today for a quick visit. They gave us a free pair of eclipse glasses. We were so grateful!! Thank you, we were able to enjoy the eclipse safely!!

We loooove this hike! Especially the “difficult” blue trail. What a relaxing day we had with Marley ❤️🐾

Love it here ... 3 states at 1 time ...

Great place full of history

They provide a map and great local information

Lots of walking, not much cell service which makes it hard to pay for parking. Many shops closed, we were in off season. Beautiful shops, scenery and history to take in. Worth stopping and plan to visit in season to take on the full experience.

Visit rabbit hole, and have the crabless crabcake ! Charming town, not handicap accessible at all. Wonderful shops, and restaurants.

As only part of the entire town, the Lower Town district of Harpers Ferry has plenty to offer. From rich history found in museums, exhibits, and natural attractions to the warm welcoming of local businesses, Lower Town certainly excels in providing visitors quality experiences. Little vehicle traffic is present which allows for foot traffic to be plentiful. Along every street on both sides, wide sidewalks are also available.

Interesting but as with such places, it was busy.

Such a magical little town. We visited during Christmas and it felt like a Hallmark movie :) there is a little coffee place there that has a very creative coffee menu.

This area is rich with history and is a large museum. It has a lot of information on the part preserved and on display. There are a few shops and restaurants around. It is very nice to walk around and learn about the areas past.

This town is pretty but they charge $20 just to park and that doesn’t include buying a meal at a restaurant. And the town closes at 6:00. They had some cool places to eat and shops to visit but the parking is awful!

Love the history. Great view

Beautiful campus and walkable. We did see a few benches. Parking on the street. Very well maintained and signage with historical information.

Very pretty and informative

Beautiful 😍

(Translated by Google) It seems to be a very beautiful place, I don't know it, I watched a movie (Hero of Freedom) I was curious and found the place, it really exists. I think the movie was based on real facts. (Original) Parece ser um lugar muito bonito,não conheço,assistir a um filme ,(Herói da Liberdade)fiquei curiosa e encontrei o lugar,realmente existe.Acho que o filme fui fatos reais

A beautiful campus to visit for civil right history Storer College campus is located about ½ mile away from the lower town of Harpers Ferry. There is a lot of history here. It was founded in 1867 to educate freed slaves and later hosted the 1906 Niagara Movement meeting that helped lead to the NAACP. The college closed in 1955, but the old campus buildings remain and are now used by the National Park Service. The campus sits up on Camp Hill, above the lower town of Harpers Ferry. It’s just a few minutes’ drive from the shops and museums below, and there is parking by the buildings. It is much easier parking here than trying to squeeze into the lower town lots. I think the entire campus is one of those places that feels quiet but full of meaning. Walking around the grounds, we enjoyed the views as the buildings still look to be in good condition. If you’re visiting Harpers Ferry, it’s worth the short trip up the hill just to stand where so much of the struggle for education and civil rights once happened but be aware that if you want more information you may be better served to go to the museum in the lower town or research on your phone as there are not a lot of informational displays around the campus and the museum seems to have a lot more data on the site.

Excellent walking self guide tour of the locks and canals that made up this area prior to harness the power of water for industry. And there is the town of Hapers Ferry as well - where abolitionist John Brown attempted to create an armed insurrection to end slavery by storming the federal armory in the town.

Wonderful Sunset on the River.

I usually park here when hiking Loudoun Heights. I never have a problem with parking because I typically show up before 8am. Once back from the hike, people are usually waiting for spots to open up.

Just a beautiful place to be......... The fresh air and sounds of the river just makes you want to stay all day. Love all the shells on the shoreline.

Beautiful

Not one of the more interesting things to see in Harper's Ferry. Underwhelming

Nice walk along the train tracks and water side with access at some spots. Lots of seashells and beautiful colors this Fall. You can access the trail by crossing the street from the parking lot. Get there early it does fill up. I was here on a weekday around 10am and was lucky to get a spot as someone was pulling out.

Rick and his wife are wonderful. You'd be hard pressed to find someone who knows more than they do about the Harpers Ferry area. Engaging and fun!

Rick is an awesome tour guide! I highly recommend taking his tour. He knows his history and presents it in an entertaining fashion. Taking hia tour will give you tremendous insight into Harper's Ferry history.

My brother and I really enjoyed both the historical tour and the ghost tour given by Rick. He knows his history and he made our experience very welcoming and enjoyable.

He was very nice and professional he gave us a 4 hour history tour and gave us facts we didn’t even know, to answer his questions just say money and don’t fall he hates blood he will faint. Pls go on his tour it’s amazing and hit up his GhOsT Tour 👻.

Very good food, very good prices & very good service = a very good eating experience.

Curated spooktacular, and fun for the family too!

Good quality

Charming and relatively small national park with historic buildings, exhibits and walking trails. Great place for historic architecture and history buffs.

Short and scenic drive with incomparable views.

Quaint historic town with a beautiful view.

If you enjoy history, this place is for you. Very rich in history and learning.

Super cool to see. Worth the day trip

I really enjoyed my walk through downtown. History everywhere and signage to give you some information. You can also ask some knowledgeable locals. Lots of small shops, Inns and places to get food. The two streets were tight with traffic. Everyone wanted a close spot to park. There are buses from the visitor center. And a lot by the there if you get there early enough to find a spot. I do not recommend driving an RV through (someone had a 24ft driving through) as the roads are small. The side walk with many people are just a step away.

Fantastic sites

a division of Aztec(nevajo) and the Cherokee Nation RIP narro./s-wamp.^_^ ^_^ (^^)

Very cute. My 3-year-old and 5 year old enjoyed it. Very simple and easy.. it's also not expensive..

Was on my list to do. The museum up top was crazy impressive with all the stuff they have. Kudos to Dad for collecting it all. I have a mild interest in trains, but anyone who does will get excited. The train rides and push carts were really cute, especially for young kids. Price for each was 3 bucks which is beyond a good deal. These area nice people and hoping they do well with this as I regard having both a public service. Both husband and wife couldn't be nicer and better hosts, and representatives for their community.

Wow, this took me from 25 years old back to 6. Shame on me and my parents for not knowing about this amazing place. 2 bucks for the awesome museum, 2 bucks for the train ride for 3 laps, and 2 bucks for kids to ride the pedal cars. Although this isn't "live steam" the engine and cars were beautiful. The woman in the museum was very friendly and told us the collection was her father's or grandfather's, and what a collection it was! The gentlemen driving the train and running the small station house was also very friendly. He let us roam around to get a couple pictures of the engine, check out the yard shed, and even walk around the inside of the tracks and over to the tunnel/shed the train runs thru. Great place for kids! I really hope this sticks around for many years to come, will be coming back everytime we visit Harper's Ferry from now on!

If you know a little one that likes trains, this is the place to be!! Little one and I went today and it’s such a cute family owned establishment. Everyone there are so beyond nice and helpful. 100/10 please go for a cheap and fun time!

An outing for the train enthusiast of any age. Bring your cash. $3.00 for a train ride--all ages (infants free). For kids up to 52", $3 will get them a ride on a handcar--rail seat propelled by hand pedaling. $3 to go through the museum of toy train memorabilia and artifacts from local rail lines. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the shade and wave to the train riders. This local highlight has been around for 55+ years--the current proprietor helped lay the rails for the train ride when he was a teenager.

The dear and little Toy Train museum was a hit with my 9 year and 2 year old boys. You get to ride a small train around the property and go on a hand pumped train. The museum was closed when we went but we still had a great time. The owner is really nice and very knowledgeable about trains.

This mom and pop attraction began in 1970 and remains a throwback to those days. The small scale railroad ride is so much fun - even goes over a bridge and through a tunnel. The favorite for the kids were the small scale hand cars they work themselves. The extensive standard gauge model railroad in the museum building is fantastic. Small, simple, wholesome family fun. They have a clean porta-potty, and a couple of picnic tables in a nice, shady area with trees. The couple who runs it are delightful.