Hikes

 

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NHP) has 22 miles of hiking trails. This web page provides the information needed to plan your perfect hike.

 

Trails

Trail Map Download

Distance

Elevation Gain

Difficulty

Time Estimate

Virginius Island and Hall's Islands Trails Virginius Island and Hall's Islands Trails up to 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip 45 feet Easy 15 min - 1 hour
Murphy-Chambers Farm Trails Murphy-Chambers Farm 1 - 3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) round trip 187 feet Easy to Moderate 1 - 2 hours
Bolivar Heights Trails Bolivar Heights-Schoolhouse Ridge North 0.3 - 2.4 miles (0.5 - 3.9 km) round trip 4 to 263 feet Easy to Moderate 10 min - 1.6 hours
Visitor Center to Lower Town Visitor Center to Lower Town 1.6 miles (2.6 km), one way 150 feet downhill from Visitor Center to Lower Town Easy with one strenuous section 30 min - 1 hour
Camp Hill and Appalachian Trail Camp Hill and Appalachian Trail up to 1.8 miles (2.9 km) round trip up to 216 feet Moderate 45 min - 1.1 hours
Schoolhouse Ridge North Schoolhouse Ridge North 1.7 miles (2.7 km) round trip 110 feet Easy to Moderate 0.6 - 1 hours
Schoolhouse Ridge South Schoolhouse Ridge South up to 3.7 miles (6.3 km) round trip up to 265 feet Moderate 1.4 - 2.1 hours
Maryland Heights Maryland Heights 4.5 - 6.5 miles (7.2 - 10.5 km) round trip 990 - 1788 feet Moderately strenuous to Strenuous 3 - 4 hours
Loudoun Heights Loudoun Heights up to 7.5 miles (12.1 km) 1377 feet Moderately Strenuous 4 - 5.5 hours
 
  • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park trails are open during daylight hours and closed from sunset to sunrise. The only exception is the Appalachian Trail which is always open.
  • Dogs are allowed on all trails in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. They must be kept on a six-foot or shorter leash and owners must bag and remove pet waste from the park. Learn about bringing your pet to the park and our trash free park program.
  • Horses, bicycles, and motorized vehicles are not allowed on any of the trails in Harpers Ferry NHP.
  • Stay on the trail and off fragile earthworks and historic stone walls. Harpers Ferry NHP cares for natural and historical resources saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. Many of these resources border trails and are more fragile than they look. Help us keep these resources intact for all generations by staying on the trail. Staying on the trail also reduces your risk of running into trail hazards.
  • Trail Hazards: Depending on the season, you may encounter: poison ivy, poison sumac, ticks, bees and other stinging/biting insects, gnats, chiggers, copperhead snakes, rattlesnakes, slippery rocks, windy conditions, falling trees, dehydration, and other trail hazards. Use caution, stay away from cliff edges, and stop by the park’s visitor center or information center for more information on staying safe during your hike.
  • Road and Rail Crossings: Some trails and connectors require visitors to cross roads and active railroad tracks. Please use signed crosswalks where available and always look out for cars and trains. The railroads in Harpers Ferry are active, trains come through town many times each day.
  • Drinking water is not available on the trails. Bring enough water for yourself, children, and pets whenever you hike. Water fountains can be found at the Visitor Center and in Lower Town. During winter the outdoor fountains are turned off to prevent damage due to freezing.
  • Trash receptacles are not available on trails or at trailheads. Be prepared to pack out all trash while visiting Harpers Ferry NHP, including cigarette butts and pet waste.
  • Review tips to recreate responsibly on our Safety page.
 

Several units of the national park system intersect here:

You can purchase regional hiking guides from the non-profit Harpers Ferry Park Association Bookshop and through the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC).

 

Last updated: December 6, 2023

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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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