Getting Around

Visitors can ride the park shuttle bus from the main parking lot at the Visitor Center to historic Lower Town, Harpers Ferry.

NPS / Amy Dozier

More Information

• Parking
• Maps
• Hiking Trails
• Accessibility

Navigating the Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is spread out over a variety of distinct areas that you can reach by shuttle bus, car, or on foot. Most visitors use the park shuttle bus to visit Lower Town and the nearby hiking trails, but there are other beautiful and historic areas of the park that you can drive to by car.

Take a look at the map to help orient yourself as you plan your visit.

 

The park shuttle bus provides a convenient way to get to Lower Town from the main parking lot at the Visitor Center.

NPS / Amy Dozier

Visitor Center to Lower Town Shuttle Bus

The park's Visitor Center and main parking lot are located at 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV—just a short shuttle bus ride from historic Lower Town. Shuttles move between the Visitor Center and Lower Town every 10-15 minutes, every day that the park is open. Riding the bus is included in the park entrance fee. The buses have ramps or lifts for visitors using wheelchairs or mobility devices. Learn more about physical / mobility accessibility in the park.

Operating Times

During Eastern Standard Time (November 2, 2026 - March 14, 2027), service starts at 9 a.m. The last bus departs Lower Town at 5:30 p.m.

During Daylight Savings Time (March 9, 2026 - November 1, 2026): Service starts at 9 a.m. The last bus departs Lower Town at 7 p.m.

Shuttle Bus Rules

• Pets are not permitted on the park shuttle buses. Service animals are permitted on park shuttles and in buildings while functioning in their work capacity. For more information, please visit our pets page.
• Bicycles: There is limited capacity for bicycles on park shuttles. Please inquire with the driver.
• There are only two stops. Pickups are not available along the way.
• Please refrain from bringing wet clothes, coolers, or open food/drink on board.
• Strollers must be folded before boarding.

Alternative Routes

If you prefer to walk to Lower Town, follow the Visitor Center to Lower Town Trail. The Visitor Center also provides walking access to Murphy-Chambers Farm, an area with walking trails, scenic viewpoints, and Civil War earthworks.

 

Lower Town and the Surrounding Area

Lower Town is a historic landscape lined with museums and exhibits. From here, you can access other scenic and historic areas of the park by foot. Parking is extremely limited in Lower Town, so we recommend taking the park shuttle bus from the main parking lot at the Visitor Center.

Areas accessible from Lower Town include:

• Camp Hill and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail
• Loudoun Heights
• Maryland Heights
• Virginius Island and Hall's Island
• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

 

Schoolhouse Ridge North offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

NPS / Amy Dozier

Beyond Lower Town

Other areas of the park are accessible by vehicle via the GPS coordinates below, which you can enter into any navigation app. Learn more about parking in these areas.

• Bolivar Heights: end of Whitman Avenue, Bolivar, WV 25425 (39.3237730722, -77.7611942522)
• Lower Bolivar Heights: Bakerton Road, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (39.3236923704, -77.7660769308)
• Murphy-Chambers Farm: 123 Murphy Road, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (39.3125542486, -77.7601992141)
• Schoolhouse Ridge North: 874 Bakerton Road, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (39.3257166662, -77.7668580155)
• Schoolhouse Ridge South: 2083 Millville Road, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (39.3085720173, -77.7808193443)
• River Access: junction of Shenandoah Street and Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (39.3216956806, -77.7432835354). Provides access to the Shenandoah River for fishing and personal watercraft (canoes, kayaks).