Laws & Policies

 

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is regulated by federal law, regulations set forth by the National Park Service, and site-specific regulations designed to preserve the resources of the park while providing a positive and safe environment for visitors. These regulations are stated in the Superintendent's Compendium, which is available on this page. If you have questions or need clarification about the information provided, please email us.

 

Superintendent's Compendium

This 22-page document is the Superintendent's Compendium of designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority. The document goes into detail regarding the Code of Federal Regulations which pertain to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

 

Park Regulations In Brief

 

Frequently referenced park regulations

 

Records of Determination

Records of Determination (RODS) outline the reasons a restriction, condition, public use limitation or closure has been established, are available for public viewing. To meet Section 508 compliance, the RODs are the exact content from the signed/letterhead versions. The signed versions are filed in the Superintendent's Office.

 

Firearms

As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit the ATF's State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (34th Edition) page.

Maryland
Maryland State Law
See Maryland Code, Public Safety, Title 5
See also Maryland Code, Criminal Law, Title 4
See also the Maryland State Police Firearms Information page
Maryland Attorney General

West Virginia
West Virginia State Law
See sections 61-7-1 to 61-7-15 and 20-2-6a
See also the WV State Police Legal Division FAQs page
West Virginia Attorney General

Virginia
Virginia Law
See sections 18.2-279 through 18.2-312
See also the Virginia State Police Firearms/Concealed Weapons page
Virginia Attorney General

Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances.

 

White-tailed Deer Management

The National Park Service (NPS) developed a Deer Management Plan/Environmental Assessment to provide an effective deer management strategy that supports long-term protection, preservation, and restoration of native vegetation, wildlife and other natural and cultural resources in the park.

Last updated: July 5, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
National Park Service
PO Box 65

Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Phone:

304 535-6029

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