Hikes - Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (2024)

• 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:

• As the psychological mid-point of the 2,178-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT), Harpers Ferry is home to the non-profit Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) headquarters.

• Visitors can walk along the 184.5-mile-long towpath of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park by crossing the footbridge over the Potomac River below mile 61 on the towpath.

• The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail overlays the C&O Canal and continues north all the way to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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

• Maryland Heights Trail

  Difficult (steep and rocky in some places), 4.5 or 6.5 miles roundtrip, 3 to 4 hours.

• Virginius Island and Hall’s Island Trail

  Easy, approximately 2 miles, 1 hour. Features wayside exhibits.

• Schoolhouse Ridge South

  Moderate (both trails), 2.5 miles roundtrip (both trails) or 1.2 miles (one trail). 30 minutes to 1 ½ hours.

• Loudoun Heights Trail

  Difficult (steep and rocky in some places), 7.5 miles roundtrip, 4 to 5 hours.

• Murphy-Chambers Farm Trail

  Easy to moderate, 1-3 miles roundtrip (with side trails), 30 minutes to 2 hours. Features wayside exhibits.

• Bolivar Heights

  Easy to moderate, 0.3 miles to 2.4 miles (with side trails), 15 minutes to 1 hour.

• Visitor Center to Lower Town

  Moderate due to one steep section, 1.6 miles one-way, 45 minutes.

• Camp Hill and Appalachian Trail

  Moderate, 2 to 3 miles (including side trails), 1 to 2 hours.

• Schoolhouse Ridge North

  Moderate, 2.1 miles roundtrip, 1 hour.