Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
4.5
09:00 - 18:00
Monday
09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 18:00
Thursday
09:00 - 18:00
Friday
09:00 - 18:00
Saturday
09:00 - 18:00
Sunday
09:00 - 18:00
About
A visit to this quaint, historic community, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is like stepping into the past. Stroll the picturesque streets, visit exhibits and museums, or hike our trails and battlefields. Spend a day or a weekend. We have something for everyone, so come and discover Harpers Ferry! Hours: Park Open Daily from Sunrise to Sunset. Museums, Exhibits, and Visitor Center: Open 9:00am - 5:00pm Park Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Peas&CarrotsDundee, New York38 contributionsWalk through historyThis is a nice place to walk and enjoy the history. It does cost $20 to get in the park but this includes shuttles down into historic Harpers Falls and all the access to the hiking trails the park has to offer. The history of the Civil War in this area is humbling. There is multiple trails to chose from of different levels. It's a good place for families.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2023
- JillNew Jersey742 contributionsGreat park!Very unique National Park. There is the park, rivers and then an historic town, with restaurants and shops. Be sure to pay the $20 national park fee, even if just parking in town or along the river. They do come around and check. You can pay on your phone. The town is very cool, lots of history and then food/shopping. If you are able to climb the steep steps to Jefferson's Rock, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view of the mountains and rivers meeting.Visited April 2023Written 17 April 2023
- ChrisHFrederick, Maryland525 contributionsWonderful visitTwo Seniors visited Harpers Ferry National Historic Park on a Friday in late May 2023 and had a wonderful day. The Park Service has done an excellent job with this site from having a small Visitor Center with a huge parking lot just off Route 340 to running frequent shuttle buses down to the Lower Town to the exhibits hosted in many of the buildings. One entrance fee of $20 per car (valid for 3 consecutive days) covers all of the Park exhibits. There is an excellent short introductory film and many static exhibits ranging from the actual “John Brown’s Fort” to the detailed descriptions of the1862 battle for the town to multiple hiking trails. We have visited twice recently and participated in the 2pm Ranger walk and talks. Both were different and both were outstanding. There are restaurants available towards the upper town a short walk away from the Park and Jefferson Rock is a short and very steep climb up past the Catholic Church visible from all over the town. The Park is much more than just the story of John Brown’s raid in 1859 and well worth spending the day here.Visited May 2023Written 3 June 2023
- Melissa GMemphis, Tennessee46 contributionsRich HistoryWe are so glad we made an unplanned trip to Harpers Ferry. We absolutely loved it. From the history, hiking, shops that are still in tact and have been revamped to show what it would have looked like in the 1800s to the quaint and charming homes and buildings, this is a place you don't want to miss! Pay the $20 for the visitors center parking and shuttle. It's so worth it.Visited June 2023Written 14 June 2023
- Paradise LostBurnet, Texas170 contributionsGreat historical place to visit, careful about parking and look forward to LOTS of walkingGreat place to visit, with amazing information about John Brown. His raid had a great effect on the times leading up to the Civil War. His attempt at slave rebellion escalated tensions that led, a year later, to the South's long-threatened secession. Lots of historical markers and good info, a few nice shops in Lower Town, and beautiful scenery with the Potomac right there. Parking/getting started was atrocious, if you can handle the shuttle ride you should go for it. The parking at the train station is impossible to get a hold of, but the parking down along the canals really isn't too far of a walk.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 July 2023
- Douglas B75 contributionsNice historic town.Be sure to park at the visitor's center and take the bus downtown. $20 parking fee for weekday, July 6, 2023. Not real crowded. A couple of nice outdoor patio pubs to grab a cold drink and burger.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 July 2023
- Sarah MerlyPurcellville, Virginia139 contributionsA lovely view of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers!Harpers Ferry is such a huge—and beautiful—national park! So many wonderful picture stops, and you can collect stamps from several national sites in the general store here. It's $20 a vehicle, though, so be prepared to spend money, unless you have a national park pass. The plus side is that your payment allows you unlimited access to the park for three days!Visited June 2023Travelled soloWritten 14 July 2023
- Mary FFloral Park, New York198 contributionsGreat historic townBeautiful historic area. Lots of walking to do while you learn about the Civil War. So must history. The town is so cute with lots of little shops and eateries. I suggest you go in cooler weather if you plan and walking the entire area. We enjoyed ourselves even though they were having record heatwaves of 90+. Parking is hard in town. Can park at the National Park visitor center for $20 but it’s good for 3 days.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 July 2023
- SpanishteacherMD1,650 contributionsLiving history and a fantastic hike in Harpers FerryStill by far the best hike around. If you're willing to try this challenging trek leading to a phenomenal overlook, you absolutely won't be sorry for having done so. Awesome view at the top. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the breeze, the view, and your incredible accomplishment. Be careful on the ascent, as there are plenty of switchbacks, change in terrain and surface. Make sure to bring plenty of water as well; hot and humid days will dehydrate you quickly. Highly recommend! When you're done, return to the town across the river and explore some of the architectural gems preserved. Stop by for a bite to eat or a cool snack at one of the eateries in town. Parking in the lot by the rail terminal or elsewhere. $20 to park and explore. Very much worth the trip.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 August 2023
- Martin CarrollWinchester, Virginia669 contributionsBe Ready to Walk !We went to Harpers Ferry just because it was there with not a lot of research. The central area is along side the river. While we went on a hot day, it was hotter than I expected. I have to declare that I have some balance issues and use walking sticks to walk. You go to the parking area with $20.00 entrance fee and get on a park bus that will deliver you into central area of the town. Much of the town goes up from the main road. It is a little less than a one half mile walk from the bus delivery point to the area of the town. If you go up you will find a better view from a restaurant. The only close parking is in the "Railroad Station". However, the railroad Station is filled early with the staff of the many restaurants. There are still some open spots, but you have to arrive before 9:00AM to have any hope of parking @ The Train Station. The whole central area is relatively small and much of the area is up !! It is filled with restaurants & other shops. Because I would have trouble with the hill, we had lunch at one of the lower restaurants in the front area. We had lunch at The "Coachhouse Grill N Bar ( #160 High Street) I do not have any info about on the other walking available. The anger station in the bus arrival section of the park can address that issue. Come prepared to walk uphill !!! Interesting Place.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 August 2023
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4.5
2,145 reviews
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97
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Wayne B
Midlothian, VA199 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Beautiful small town full of history. So many places to visit within the town not to mention several trails and paths. We spent the night nearby then got up early Saturday to visit. The parking lot at the train station/visitor area fills fast! We were parked before 9 and the lot was nearly full, so get down there early if you want to park close.
Many of the buildings are well preserved and give a real hint to life at the time of the Civil War. Many things to see, so plan for a day. Make a trip across the foot bridge to the MD side and walk some of the trails, the riverside is beautiful. HF is certainly not for those with disabilities related to walking. Many stairs, uneven paths, and a bit rough terrain, likely not friendly to wheelchairs or strollers. The people were friendly and the NPS staff were helpful.
A bit put off by many flags in town but, HF is a place where freedom was fought for, I just chose not to spend money in places that didn't align w my values. HF is worth the trip!
Many of the buildings are well preserved and give a real hint to life at the time of the Civil War. Many things to see, so plan for a day. Make a trip across the foot bridge to the MD side and walk some of the trails, the riverside is beautiful. HF is certainly not for those with disabilities related to walking. Many stairs, uneven paths, and a bit rough terrain, likely not friendly to wheelchairs or strollers. The people were friendly and the NPS staff were helpful.
A bit put off by many flags in town but, HF is a place where freedom was fought for, I just chose not to spend money in places that didn't align w my values. HF is worth the trip!
Written 28 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emh43016
Memphis, TN212 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Great national park with battlefield locations and a downtown area with old buldings and shops, restaurants. There.are also hiking trails. Entrance fee for vehicles is $20. Parking down by the old buildings by the train station costs money and is limited. Shuttles take visitors to areas. This is a great park, but the fee to park and limited parking can be issues during busy times.
Written 16 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheri D
Yardville, NJ458 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
What a great National Park to visit with so much history. It really encompasses the town. Lots to do and explore. When you get to the Visitor's Center, there are regularly running shuttle buses that take you into the town since parking there is very tight and the streets are narrow. There are places to walk and hike that run along the canal and are part of the Appalachian Trail. There are several restuarants and shops to visit. There is a museum and various spots marked that are of historical importance, including the spot where John Brown was "hiding" and eventually caught.
Written 15 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas B
75 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
MUST SEE for any civil war buff or student of history. Great park just to enjoy the outdoors and natural beauty of West Virginia.
Written 9 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqueline L
Sykesville, MD64 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
My husband and I went here early on a Friday to take photographs of the town and fall colors. Parking was a nightmare. Forget parking in the town. The visitor center offers parking and a shuttle bus into town but costs $20.00! An Uber would be cheaper. For $20 admission there should at least be a movie, gift shop and a cafe like other places.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
italiabella9
Scranton, PA91 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Nice place to explore leisurely and walk the trails. Note to those who may be traveling with a stroller and a dog...the first time we went on a Friday morning and were lucky enough to get a parking spot at the river access lot. But the second time was a Sunday around 10 and we had to park at the visitors lot. We tried to take the lower town trail down but it is definitely NOT stroller friendly. There is a road (shoreline Dr?) That the visitor center buses take. You can walk the shoulder down to town. Dogs aren't allowed on the shuttle.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz J
Lancaster, PA109 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We spent the entire day exploring Harpers Ferry and can now say we hiked the Appalachian Trail in two states😊. Highly recommend sitting in on Park Ranger talk provided near John Browns Fort, very informative. It’s a stunning area with spectacular views. Town is quite hilly if you explore beyond the National Park area but well worth the walk.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brc1
New Jersey62 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Out of the way but worth visiting. Save time and park at the town rather than take the shuttle bus. Interesting exhibits - good hiking as well.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Safari30600687689
Emmaus, PA7 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
History has become important to us and seeing Harpers Ferry is intense! To see a town that changed hands between the North and the South 8 times during the war is just incredible.
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Brown
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a hidden gem for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike! Nestled at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, this place oozes history from every corner. The quaint town, with its charming 19th-century buildings, feels frozen in time. Exploring the historic streets, visiting the Civil War-era museums, and hiking the nearby trails that offer panoramic views is like stepping back into the past. However, it's important to know that it can get a bit crowded during peak tourist season. Finding parking and maneuvering through the narrow streets can be a bit of a hassle. Nevertheless, the historical significance and natural beauty of Harpers Ferry make it a must-visit destination for those eager to dive into America's past.
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My friends and I are going hiking up at Harpers Ferry National Park this weekend and wanted to know if the leaves have started to turn color yet?
Michele R
Columbiana, OH97 contributions
Not sure about Harper's Ferry. Driving through PA yesterday - the colors are GORGEOUS!!
Rachel G
37 contributions
Is the visitor center open? And is the gift shop open?
only1kirk
Salisbury, MD196 contributions
The busses were running so i believe it must be open. If we can we skip it we do and park in town as there is visitor info in one of the buildings. The gift shop went down hill in trinkets and kids stuff and uphill with books. Not my cup of tea sorry I cant help you there.
Donnie S
Elizabeth City, North Carolina, United States176 contributions
Can pets ride the shuttle
Jim P
West Virginia8 contributions
Only service animals are allowed on the bus. It is suggested that you drive down to Lower Town and drop your pet off with a person, then drive to the Visitors Center and take the shuttle bus down to Lower Town. Takes about 15-20 minutes.
Jenvak2018
Baltimore, MD2 contributions
Wandering if anyone’s been there recently who can tell me what the leaves are looking like? I love photography and was hoping to catch some colorful shots. I’ll be heading up that way later this week. Also, if I wanted to walk around the town and hit the state park, where would a good place to park be? Never been before. Thanks in advance!
Robin S
Fredericksburg, VA56 contributions
West Virginia Tourism bureau is not publishing a weekly and live fall color map.
You can park at the National Park and ride their bus into town. Unfortunately, it will cost you $15 unless you have a park pass.
Alice Henry
Cape May County, NJ29 contributions
Can autumn color be seen in eatly Oct? We are going to HarpersFerry Oct6
denisebaker176
Millsboro, DE32 contributions
I checked on this recently. October 16 is the target date for the height of the foliage. I forget which website I used, but there are several that track the foliage state by state.
Patrick K
1 contribution
Looking for Civil War History
Deborah F
Columbia, MD865 contributions
You will find traces of it everywhere around here :) There are placards by the buildings, museums, and certain times of year (such as now, around 4th of July) there will even be re-enactments! I enjoy the feeling of hiking where the soldiers went, too - if you're up to a steep-ish hike, go to the Stone Fort, which is off of the Maryland Heights Trail just across the river from lower town. The Fort is not well preserved but again, there are placards everwhere as to what used to be there. Lincoln even walked part of those trails, it is said.
CA2TXmom
Texas85 contributions
I want to see the Appalachian Trail (sign), the AT conservation center, and Bolivar Heights. Any idea of a good time frame to see all three?
Teresa F
Charles Town, WV10 contributions
Goodness, what an easy answer...….go any nice weather day starting, say, in early spring. Allow yourself from say 10a till 3p, more or less. Probably more. Bring each a bottle of water and put on some bug spray.
Driving? My thought would be to start at Harper's Ferry National Park Visitor's Center's nice large parking lot. See the orientation information, read all the signs, get your pamphlets, talk to the park rangers at the desk. Ride the Park Service shuttle bus across Highway #340 to Bolivar Heights. There's not a lot to view, just cannons, military position signs, fields, but it's a great view and very stirring. Stay for a while, maybe half hour.
Then, catch the Park Service shuttle bus down into Harper's Ferry National Park. Go to the Park Service orientation movie, view all the exhibits. walk up the stone stairs to the Catholic Church building (I think it's locked except for rare services) and learn how it withstood the war. Technically, right there, standing next to the church, you're on the Appalachian Trail. Retrace your steps north down from the church, down those stone steps, then following the white blaze markings, walk across the pedestrian section of the railroad bridge over the Potomac River over to the C&O Canal. That spot is Appalachian Trail, too. You can say you did it, two National Parks & The Appalachian Trail at one stride! Now, walk back across the bridge, back to Harper's Ferry town. Now, this part will be a bit of a strain. Walk westerly UP High Street It's not called High Street for nothing! The Appalachian Trail Headquarters is about a mile up that street. Look around about a half hour.
Now, after you look around the little headquarters, remember you still have to retrace your walk back down High Street, back into Harper's Ferry, and over to the bus depot to get a shuttle bus over to the parking lot to get your car. You're legs will tell you that you've done enough.
There are two motels in the Harper's Ferry area, lovely B&Bs, Airbnb's. Read the information on-line so you'll have the fullest adventure. (This posting won't let me post the photo of High Street, but it goes at a steep grade along the Potomac River, a view not to be missed.
Just take your time, people walk on the sidewalks all the time.)
AN ALTERNATE: Drive your car to Bolivar Heights. Drive your car to the Appalachian Trail Center. Drive your car to a small Park Service Parking lot near the Shenandoah River Bridge. The Appalachian Trail comes from the south and goes across the Shenandoah River Bridge and over to a set of steps with the traditional white blaze markings near the Quality Inn, 25 Union St., Harper's Ferry. Take your photos and prove you were there!!!
CA2TXmom
Texas85 contributions
I want to see the Appalachian Trail (sign), the AT conservation center, and Bolivar Heights. Any idea of a good time frame to see all three?
Bhutan Tourer
Thimphu, Bhutan95 contributions
Good time frame would be about 5 - 6 hours if you wish to do hiking.
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Claim your listingHARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:00 - 18:00
- Hotels near Harpers Ferry National Historical Park:
- (0.47 km) Harpers Ferry Apartment w/ Private Pool & Hot Tub!
- (0.84 km) Clarion Inn Harpers Ferry - Charles Town
- (1.63 km) The Angler's Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (1.04 km) Quality Inn
- (0.64 km) Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
- Restaurants near Harpers Ferry National Historical Park:
- (0.59 km) Country Cafe
- (0.81 km) White Horse Tavern
- (0.65 km) 7-Eleven
- (1.41 km) Kelley Farm Kitchen
- (2.29 km) The Rabbit Hole Gastropub
- Attractions near Harpers Ferry National Historical Park:
- (0.39 km) Murphy-Chambers Farm Loop Trail
- (0.46 km) Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau
- (1.03 km) River Riders
- (1.70 km) Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters
- (2.31 km) Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry