THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Harpers Ferry - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Harpers Ferry

Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV - Harpers Ferry Attractions

Things to Do in Harpers Ferry

Tours near Harpers Ferry

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Top Attractions in Harpers Ferry

These rankings are informed by traveler reviewsโ€”we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

Historic town nestled at the confluence of two rivers, featuring scenic hiking trails, Civil War era landmarks, and a charming downtown with quaint shops.
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Historic park with scenic trails by the convergence of two rivers and striking rock formations. Features include a bridge stroll, dog-friendly paths, and panoramic mountain views.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Scenic overlook with a rewarding climb along the Appalachian Trail, offering panoramic views and trails for hiking and biking amidst historical ambiance.
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Historical experience spanning 2-3 hours, delving into the Civil War era with educational exhibits, including a museum dedicated to John Brown, scenic views, and engaging videos.
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Other Top Attractions around Harpers Ferry

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viatorโ€™s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • moodblu
    West Valley City, UT1,437 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Before going there, Iโ€™d never heard of a battle at Harpers Ferry, only about the John Brown Raid. I learned that Harperโ€™s Ferry was a critical and strategic location because: 1-Three state borders meet there; 2-The confluence of the Potomac and the Shenandoah Rivers is at the edge of the town; 3-It is a crucial place for the B&O Railroad and the C&O canal system; and 4-It was right on the border between the Union and the Confederacy. The nasty battle up the ridge from Harpers Ferry took place in Sept. of 1862. It is often overlooked because it was in close time to other significant battles, but what happened there had an effect on other battles, and directly contributed to the battle at Antietam.. The view from the ridge is beautiful over the valley below on the opposite side from where the town is. Our guide detailed the battle from the ridge, amidst the cannons set up there. We then went into the town, and heard history about the railroad and growth of the town, and how it was affected by the war. This was quite interesting and I would recommend.
    Written May 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Liz J
    Lancaster, PA104 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning views of the Confluence of Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Easy walk from John Browns Fort.
    Written September 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Angelo S
    Hilliard, OH4,884 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Appalachian trail through this are goes past historical Storer college, Jefferson's Rock, Harpers Cemetery, church ruins and across the Winchester and Potomac Railroad Bridge. The views from the bridge are my personal favorite in the area. It is the 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.
    Written August 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Podunkom
    Mountainhome, PA14 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a nice walk down the hill. What a gorgeous spot at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers! Disappointed that museum was closed during Black History Month but it was interesting learning about Storer College. Great vegan meal at Kelley Farm Kitchen.
    Written March 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amy K
    24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took our children to this place and now are taking our grandchildren. It is wonderful fun for all. Our grandchildren are 6,3, and 3 months and the 6- and 3-year old loved it. For $3 you get to ride a small diesel train, around a pretty large track area and you go around three times. There are also handcars for the kids to ride that will give "PawPaw" a workout pushing them up the gentle inclines. A short walk away is a train museum with a train layout. Great afternoon activity and well worth the little bit of money you pay.
    Written July 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Angelo S
    Hilliard, OH4,884 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are hiking the trail or just visiting Harpers Ferry, it is worth the climb and stop to admire the same view that Jefferson did. Great view of the river and the valley. I imagine in the fall it would be more spectacular. Nearby bench to sit a spell.
    Written August 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • moodblu
    West Valley City, UT1,437 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were able to go to John Brownโ€™s Fort in Harperโ€™s Ferry. It has been reconstructed, not far from where the original site was. We heard a narrative about what had happened there in 1859, when John Brown and his men attempted to start a slave revolt. Some say, this was a prelude to the Civil War, and one of the catalysts that led to the war.
    Written May 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ncstateva
    Roanoke, VA118 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a beautiful church. Unfortunately it was closed the day we visited. We were able to walk around the outside and the view from the church was great.
    Written March 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ncstateva
    Roanoke, VA118 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was an easy walk to this area. If you're lucky you will catch a train coming through the tunnel. Plenty of places to take photos.
    Written March 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles
    PROS
    * Scenic and historic trail
    * Remnants of previous home, factories, mills etc
    * Quiet shaded and peaceful

    CONS
    No dramatic mountain views

    "I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
    ... towards the late afternoon of my fantastic day of hiking visiting and touring here. It was quite and serene, as it was almost 1900H. This was part of my 23,754 steps of the day.

    ADVICES
    As stated- nice, quiet and serene (and green).
    Written July 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Randy and Denise
    PA17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We hiked 8 miles round trip directly from our room at the Quality Inn on a connector trail across and then left on Union Street.
    Written August 7, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Familia S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful place, delicious wine!
    Their Pinot noir and their Cabernet was stunning. We had the 2021 and 2018
    Written May 4, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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