How to spend the day at Harpers Ferry with kids

Harpers Ferry is a quaint little town in West Virginia, situated where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet. 

There’s so much history to explore here, and it was the key site during the 1859 abolitionist raid led by John Brown that propelled the Nation towards civil war.

We spent the day here exploring the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and was surprised at how much there is to do in this NP.

There’s so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, and history to learn up close and personal. 

On the blog, I will share how to spend the day at Harpers Ferry with kids. I share some kid friendly hiking trails, and more. 

A visit to Harpers Ferry is an easy day trip from Washington DC, located just about an hour away. 

READ NEXT: Guide to Shenandoah National Park with kids

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Where to stay

When planning a visit to Harpers Ferry, make sure to book your stay ahead of time. There are a few hotels close by, and a few Inns and B&B’s located there as well. These lodgings tend to book up quickly so reserve them in advance.

BOOK A HOTEL HERE:

• Clarion Inn and Conference Center
• Quality Inn Harpers Ferry
• Ledge House Bed and Breakfast
• Light Horse Inn
• Boundary Cottage
• Cantuta Inn

Harpers Ferry With kids

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry is a historic community located along where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet.

A visit here feels like stepping back in time. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a history buff or not.

Harpers Ferry NHP encompasses more than just the town, but the surrounding area as well in parts of Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia.

• Your first stop on your visit to Harpers Ferry with kids is the Visitors Center. Get more information on the history and activities offered at Harpers Ferry. (still closed temporarily, you can get NP stamps at the bookshop in the lower town).

• Park hours are from 9am-5pm daily

• Park entrance costs $20/vehicle ($10 on foot). If you are an active duty military family, a veteran, or those with permanent disabilities, you are eligible to get a free one year pass to National Parks.

• Additionally families with kids in the 4th grade get a one year free pass as well with the every kid outdoors initiative.

• Free parking is located at the Visitors Center with a FREE shuttle to take you to the town.

• The Shuttle bus ride takes about 5 minutes to get to town, with the last bus from the town to the Visitors Center at 5:45 pm.

• Parking can also be found along the streets of town, and at the Train Station, but it’s very limited! Best place is the Visitors Center.

•  Restrooms are located at the Visitors Center and in town next to the Bookshop. Many of the restaurants also have restrooms.

• Make sure to pick up a Junior Ranger Book for the kids to complete and earn their badge. You can also download coloring pages and take part in the Photo and History Scavenger Hunt. 

Explore the town of Harpers Ferry 

On your visit to Harpers Ferry with kids, make sure to take a stroll around and explore the historic buildings.

 Harpers Ferry was a strategic location for both the Union and confederate soldiers during the Civil War.

It was also the site for a new United States armory and arsenal, and produced most of the small arms for the U.S. Army.

Many historical events happened at Harpers Ferry. This was the site of John Brown’s abolitionist raid of 1859, and where Merriwether Lewis procured most of the weaponry and hardwares needed for his expedition.

Several historical museums occupy some of the restored 19th century buildings, one in particular is the John Brown Fort.

This building was built in 1848 as the Armory’s Fire Engine and Guard House, and was the site where John Brown and several of his followers barricaded themselves during the raid of 1859.

St. John’s Episcopal Church Ruins is another interesting building to explore.

Built in 1851, these ruins are all that remains of St. John’s Protestant Episcopal Church, which was one of Harpers Ferry’s five earliest churches. It was a pretty interesting site to see as you make your way up to Jefferson’s Rock.

St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church is one of the only churches at Harpers Ferry that escaped destruction. It’s one of the prettiest church and has the most amazing views over the town and River valley. You can reach the church over the stone steps that lead to Jefferson Rock, and is part of the Applachian trail. You can usually attend mass at 9:30 am on Sundays, but is temporarily closed.

Visit the Shops at Harpers Ferry

On your sightseeing stroll of Harpers Ferry, make sure to visit the Shops along High Street. There are lots of souvenir shops and cute little boutique stores to peruse.

Don’t miss the Book Shop located at the entrance to the town, and check out their collection of Civil War books, and more. There’s even some books for the kids, as well as some souvenirs you can purchase.

Don’t forget to let the kids get their Junior Ranger Passport stamped here. There are 8 different National Park stamps to collect!

Admire the views from The Point 

One of the best vantage points at Harpers Ferry is at The Point. 

From this location, you get to see where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet, and where you can look upon three states – Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia in one place!

The views here are amazing, plus you can watch the trains go by as they make there way along the tracks. 

Admire the views from Jefferson Rock

Another place to admire the River and Mountains views is from Jefferson Rock. The area consists of several large masses of shale rock, piled on top of each other. 

Thomas Jefferson called the site “perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature”, and he was right.

From here you get the most amazing Shenandoah River and mountain views, just make sure the kiddos don’t climb the rocks!

You can access Jefferson Rock by ascending the stone steps that go up to the Church. This area is not accessible, and goes up some steep steps. 

Go for a hike 

One of the best things to do at Harpers Ferry is hiking. There are over 20 miles of hiking trails at Harpers Ferry, plus a chance for more along the Appalachian Scenic National trail, the C&O Canal, and along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

The trails at Harpers Ferry are open during daylight hours and closed from sunset to sunrise, while the other National trails are always open. 

 Here are a few of our favorite hikes that we think are kid friendly.

• Visitors Center to Lower Town trail takes you from the Visitors Center to the Lower town, and goes for 1.6 miles. This is a great alternative if you want to skip the free shuttle busses. The trail starts towards the back of the parking lot with some steep stone steps to descend and vice versa, but it’s a very scenic walk. Once you make it down the steps the trail parallels the road, passing through wetlands where you can admire the wildlife, which includes turtles, herons, ducks and more. 

• Camp Hill and Appalachian Trail is a Moderate 2-3 miles round trip hike, with optional side trails. The trail starts at the Information Center in Lower Town, then up 62 historic stone steps up to Jefferson Rock, where you can stop and take in the views. As you continue on the trail, it forks either to the left to continue onto the Appalachian trail, or the right which leads you the Harpers Cemetery and Lockwood House. 

• Appalachian Scenic National Trail goes for over 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine, and passes through Harpers Ferry, making it the midpoint location of the trail. If you’ve always wanted to hike the AT, you can start your journey at Harpers Ferry, or hike part of the trail, which connects with other trails at Harpers Ferry NHP. 

• The Virginius Island and Hall’s Island trails is an easy 2 mile hike that winds through the forest, and the site of John Hall’s Rifle Works and more. The trail starts out at the shuttle stop at the Lower town, then make your way under the railroad trestle and turn right along the Shenandoah River. Trails are compacted earth, sand and gravel, which makes them more accessible than other trails in the park. 
  

• Maryland Heights Trail is one of the more moderate hikes at Harpers Ferry and is better for bigger kids, although it’s really up to how you feel about your kids abilities. This trail goes up a steady incline along a rocky trail for most of the way, and then descends down some rocks as you make your way to the Overlook. You can choose either the 4.5 mile trail or add an extra 2.1 miles on the Stone Fort trail, which connects into the Overlook. 

• The trails starts out at the town where you cross the footbridge and go down the spiral staircase to the C&O Canal Towpath. Turn left and follow the C&O Canal Towpath for 0.3 miles, then cross a small wooden footbridge to Harpers Ferry Road. The trail is located  across the road. This trail is not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs because of the rocky trails. 

Tips 

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes 
• Bring lots of water and snacks 
• Check website for alerts and closures
• Bring a bug spray and check for ticks after.
• Follow No Trace principles-bring your trash with you
• Pets are allowed on trails as long as they are leashed 

Go for a bike ride 

Another popular acitivity to do along the Harpers Ferry NP is biking. The C&O Canal Towpath is located across Harpers Ferry and is the perfect trail for cycling.

The Canal goes for about 184.5 miles from Washington DC to Cumberland Maryland.

You can shuttle your bicycle from the Visitors center to town and ride your bike along the streets.

Park shuttles are equipped with bike racks, just be aware that cycling is only allowed on the streets (not on sidewalks or trails).

Since the Canal is located across Harpers Ferry, you would need to walk your bike across the footbridge and down some spiral steps.

There are other places to park outside of Harpers Ferry to allow easy access to the C&O Canal.

Explore the Rivers

Another fun activity for families at Harpers Ferry is some water recreational activities. Explore both Rivers on a Kayak, tubing, or a white water adventures.

You can either bring your own kayaks, or you can rent some at the River Trail & Outfitters located in Brunswick, MD, and from the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, which also offers whitewater rafting trips and more.

Where to eat 

There are a few restaurants at Harpers Ferry that offer indoor and outdoor seating, along with a few ice cream and coffee shops. Most restaurants serve typical American fare.

You can also pack a picnic lunch and eat at one of the picnic areas around Harpers Ferry. There’s also lots of benches and green spaces to lounge and take breaks. Remember there are no trash bins here, so make sure to bring your trash with you!

• Coach House Bar & Grill– Located across the train station, serves sandwiches, burgers, salads and more with outdoor seating available
• The Rabbit Hole– Serves traditional American fare with Vegetarian and Vegan options
• The Coffee Mill– Coffeehouse, bakery, and Ice cream shop, also serves some traditional American fare like burgers and sandwiches as well.
• Harpers Ferry Ice Cream Shoppe– Ice cream shop, milk shakes, cookies, sundaes and more

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