Want to enjoy beautiful Fall foliage while hiking in history? Then head to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia! It’s a surprisingly short one hour and fifteen drive outside of Washington, DC. Harpers Ferry is uniquely positioned, located along the border of Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia. It is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Appalachian Mountain Range that spans from Canada to Alabama. Visitors flock to The Point, where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet and where you can gaze across to neighboring states Maryland and Virginia.
We decided to take advantage of a beautiful 70 degree Saturday in October to head to the mountains. Driving through quaint, small local towns, we meandered past numerous wineries until we reached Harpers Ferry.
Nature Lovers Flock to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Nature lovers as well as historians flock to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. You can visit Jefferson Rock. Be transported in time at John Brown’s Fort. Look over the fields of Schoolhouse Ridge where the Civil War’s Battle at Harpers Ferry took place in 1862. Or delve deeper into African American history and how struggles of freedom were shaped there.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find several challenging trails to hike along these Blue Ridge Mountains. We headed to the Maryland Heights Trail, the highest mountain overlooking the town of Harper’s Ferry. Maryland Heights was the location of the first battle in Maryland between Confederate and Union troops. We walked by John Brown’s Fort, past The Point and headed over the footbridge to the C&O Canal towards the Maryland Heights Trail.
Hiking in History Up Harpers Ferry Maryland Heights Trail
The Maryland Heights Trail is a somewhat challenging trail that is approximately 3 miles roundtrip. The steep walk up spans about half of the trail (remember you get to come back down on the return!). There are no bathrooms or water fountains, so be sure to bring water and a snack if needed. There are smaller trails that spin off the main trial if you wish to explore more. Be sure to have sturdy shoes as there are some rock scrambles along the way. Rest assured, if you stay the course and reach Maryland Heights Overlook, you will be rewarded with the most beautiful view of Harpers Ferry!
Transported in Time at Harpers Ferry
Once you finish your hikes, head back to the downtown area. You will see why you are hiking in history at Harpers Ferry! There, you will be transported in time at John Brown’s Fort, visit the old military armory or debate politics inside White Hall Tavern, a community meeting place back in the 1850s. There is so much history to discover. You can watch the Amtrak trains arrive into the historic Victorian style train station dating from 1889. Shoppers can stop by the General Store, which has been transformed into an outfitter store with wonderful souvenirs, shirts and other great finds.
Patio Mountain Views at Harpers Ferry
There are several quaint restaurants along Potomac Street with outdoor patios with beautiful mountain views. The Rabbit Hole is a popular gastropub with wooden interior furnishings and an expansive outdoor patio. You can try the more casual Almost Heaven Pub & Grill or Isabella’s Pizza & Sub housed in a makeshift caboose. We opted for a quick smoothie and sandwich at Battlegrounds Bakery & Coffee, where we had delicious, fresh smoothies and healthy sandwich wraps. On the way home, stop by Bolivar Bread Bakery and pick up some of their delicious breads baked daily and local jams!
Hiking with Luxury at Historic Harpers Ferry
There are some quaint bed and breakfast style lodging options for overnight stays. But there is buzz about an exciting, new luxury option coming soon in 2025 — the Hill Top House Hotel. This iconic historic hotel will be reimagined and rebuilt into a luxe hotel offering spa and wellness, a cooking school, outdoor activities, and gourmet food headed by none other than Jose Andres of Jose Andres Group! Sounds like a fabulous weekend getaway to me!
Indeed, a visit to Harpers Ferry can be an excellent respite from the daily hustle. Soak up nature, breathe in fresh air and get transported in time while hiking in Harpers Ferry!
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