Last updated: November 5, 2026
Article
Weekend Trip to Harpers Ferry
NPS/Autumn Cook
Trip Snapshot
Take a trip to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and immerse yourself in a weekend of autumn exploration. If you’re looking for a weekend itinerary to explore the Chesapeake Bay watershed in the fall, here is an agenda that we suggest.
Day |
Activities |
|
Friday |
Dinner in town, lantern or ghost tour |
|
Saturday |
Hikes and exploration |
|
Sunday |
Morning wandering, quick hike or bike ride |
Friday: Adventures in the Dark
Fridays are for Fall! If your weekend is starting on Friday, the best way to begin your trip to Harpers Ferry is to explore the town.
Check into your hotel, grab some dinner, and then join the Harpers Ferry Park Association for one of their seasonal events, such as their Lantern Tour: Strange Stories of Harpers Ferry. The lantern tour follows an easy-rated hike covering the history of Harpers Ferry and John Brown’s raid. Register and pay for the event by visiting Harpers Ferry Park Association's website.
NPS/Autumn Cook
For those looking for a spookier side of Harpers Ferry, some of the oldest ghost tours in America sulk around town most nights. These tours can accommodate small gatherings or large groups and are a great way to become acclimated with the area on your first night. Visit their website for current reservation and ticket information.
Saturday: Explore the Town and Take a Hike
Visit the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center to start your day. There is a fee to enter the park; learn more on their fees page. Talk to a ranger if you need help assessing what trails are best for your ability and needs. From here, you can either take a shuttle to Lower Town and explore, or to a drop-off to do the iconic Maryland Heights hike, with options to take a 4.5- or 6.5-mile loop.
NPS/Volunteer Devin Taggart
For leaf lovers, there are many other hikes around the area to admire the change in the season. A hike to familiarize yourself with Harpers Ferry, the historic park, the rivers and the turning leaves is the 1.6-mile Visitor Center to Lower Town Trail. This trail starts at the Harpers Ferry Visitor Center, goes along the riverside, and ends in Lower Town. If you are looking for a more substantial hike to soak in the views, the trail connects to the 1.8-mile Camp Hill and Appalachian Trail, 2-mile Virginius Island and Hall's Island Trail, and 7.5-mile Loudoun Heights Trail.
Alternatively, if you are not wanting to hike, you can also choose to enjoy the day by relaxing and strolling through stores, local museums, and coffee shops in Lower Town. Harpers Ferry is known for its historic charm, which can be admired during tours, in museums, visitor centers, at events, or just wandering around town. The James Rumsey Monument overlook in nearby Shepherdstown is a hidden gem that offers a view without a hike.
Sunday Morning: Soak in the Scenery
Take advantage of the full autumnal change by taking the easy 1-mile Virginius Island Trail or the 2.8-mile Murphy-Chambers Farm Loop Trail. Soak in the scenic river overlooks with the brightly covered trees. You can also bring or rent bikes and ride along the C&O Canal Trail. Then, grab coffee or lunch and enjoy the drive out of majestic Harpers Ferry.
NPS/Autumn Cook
This is the perfect fall destination for a weekend trip! For more, visit the Jefferson County Welcome Center and see their guide for suggestions on food, drink, other activities, and accommodations.