Trails in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

1810 Stone Steps

about 20 ft of climbing · 284 ft–308 ft · paver surface · hiking

Exhibits

Along the way A. Burton Fine Watch Repair Black Voices Dry Goods Store Frankel's Clothing Store Harpers Ferry Wetlands Provost Marshal Office Roeder’s Confectionery

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Access Trail

30 ft of descent · 484 ft–518 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Allstadt Farm Trail

2.6 mi one way · about 250 ft of climbing · 364 ft–484 ft · native surface · hiking

Views

Along the way Schoolhouse Ridge South Viewpoint

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Appalachian Trail

2.8 mi one way · about 1,000 ft of climbing · 260 ft–1,146 ft · asphalt, gravel, metal, native surface · hiking

ViewsHistoryExhibits

Along the way A. Burton Fine Watch Repair Arsenal Square Black Voices Dry Goods Store Frankel's Clothing Store Harpers Ferry Wetlands John Brown's Fort John Brown's Fort (Original Site) Provost Marshal Office Roeder’s Confectionery Gravesite of Robert Harper Jefferson Rock

Hike Civil War Skirmish Lines at Harpers Ferry the Park Service's write-up

1-8 Hours · dogs allowed · entrance fee applies

Start Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Surrounding the Shenandoah Valley

Did you know the park has over 20 miles of hiking trails? The trails vary from easy, riverside strolls to four-mile hikes across Civil War battlefields to eight-mile adventures on the tops of mountains.

During the Confederacy's first invasion of the North, on September 15, 1862, Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson surrounded and captured the 12,700-man Union garrison stationed here. When the Federals returned to Harpers Ferry after the Battle of Antietam, they began transforming the surrounding heights into fortified encampments to protect both the town and the railroad. In 1864, Union Gen. Philip H. Sheridan used Harpers Ferry as his base of operations against Confederate troops in the Shenandoah Valley. Learn more about the 1862 Battle of Harpers Ferry or the park's various trails .

Accessibility General Information Harpers Ferry is a park consisting of historic buildings, Civil War battlefields, hiking trails, and much more. Within this complex park there is something for everyone to connect with and enjoy. Please be aware that due to the uniqueness of the park - its historic setting - some locations may be more difficult to access than others. This page offers you a glance at the park's amenities and features so that you may better prepare for your visit to Harpers Ferry. Physical Mobility Accessibility Visitor Center (located at 171 Shoreline Drive) Parking: There are accessible parking spaces at the Visitor Center complex. Entrance: The Visitor Center doors only open manually. Restrooms: The restroom building's exterior doors open manually. Wheelchairs: The park has two wheelchairs available that may be borrowed by visitors upon request. Shuttle Bus: The park's shuttle buses are equipped for those with physical limitations. The buses kneel and have lifts to accommodate those who are unable to utilize the stairs. Lower Town Restrooms: An accessible restroom is located in the Bookshop building on Shenandoah Street. Restrooms are also located on the second flood of the John Brown Museum. Exhibits and Museums: Most exhibits and museums in Lower Town have accessible entrances. These entrances are not always visible from the sidewalk. An accessible entrance map of Lower Town is available at the park's Visitor Center or Information Center. Sidewalks and Trails: The sidewalks in Lower Town are made of various materials including brick, slate, and cobblestone. Trails in Lower Town are mostly compacted dirt. The walkway between the John Brown Fort and The Point is gravel. Shuttle Bus: The park's shuttle buses are equipped for those with physical limitations. The buses kneel and have lifts to accommodate those who are unable to utilize the stairs. Programs and Tours Ranger-guided programs vary in topic and tour stops. Please feel free to contact the park ahead of time to ask about program routes and accessibility. Deaf / Hearing Loss Accessibility Exhibits and Museums: Video presentations within the park's museums are open captioned. Printed copies of video transcripts are available upon request. Programs and Tours: The park has assisted listening devices available, which may be borrowed by visitors upon request. Online audio / video presentations: All videos on the park's website are closed captioned. All audio presentations on the park website are accompanied by downloadable text transcript files. Blind / Low Vision Accessibility Braille: The park's brochure is available in braille. It is available at the park's Visitor Center. Exhibits and Museums: Some exhibits, museums, and outdoor waysides have tactile components and audio descriptions. Service Animals Service animals are allowed in National Parks. For a definition of a service animal, please go to www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm . For more information regarding visiting Harpers Ferry with an animal, please see our Pets page.

This hike on nps.gov

Step Back in Time at Jefferson Rock the Park Service's write-up

1-2 Hours · dogs allowed · entrance fee applies

Start Jefferson Rock

Several large masses of Harpers shale, piled one upon the other, comprise Jefferson Rock. The name of this landmark derives from Thomas Jefferson, who stood here on October 25, 1783.

The uppermost slab of Jefferson Rock originally rested on a natural stone foundation so narrow that one was able to sway the rock back and forth with a gentle push. Because this natural foundation had "dwindled to very unsafe dimensions by the action of the weather, and still more, by the devastations of tourists and curiosity-hunters," four stone pillars were placed under each corner of the uppermost slab sometime between 1855 and 1860.

Accessibility The National Park Service welcomes people with disabilities. The links below provide information about specific facilities, programs, and services that may help you better plan your visit. If a particular service is not mentioned below, such as alternate formats for print materials, audio description, assistive listening, captions, or physical access to particular facilities, programs or services, please contact the park at 304-535-6029 or via email . You may wish to learn about the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass -- or simply, the Access Pass -- which provides a wide range of discounts on activities and services when you visit federal lands. General Information Harpers Ferry is a park consisting of historic buildings, Civil War battlefields, hiking trails, and much more. Within this complex park there is something for everyone to connect with and enjoy. Please be aware that due to the uniqueness of the park - its historic setting - some locations may be more difficult to access than others. This page offers you a glance at the park's amenities and features so that you may better prepare for your visit to Harpers Ferry. Physical / Mobility Accessibility Visitor Center (located at 171 Shoreline Drive) Parking: There are accessible parking spaces at the Visitor Center complex. Entrance: The Visitor Center doors only open manually. Restrooms: The restroom building's exterior doors open manually. Wheelchairs: The park has two wheelchairs available that may be borrowed by visitors upon request. Shuttle Bus: The park's shuttle buses are equipped for those with physical limitations. The buses kneel and have lifts to accommodate those who are unable to utilize the stairs. Lower Town Restrooms: An accessible restroom is located in the Bookshop building on Shenandoah Street. Restrooms are also located on the second flood of the John Brown Museum. Exhibits and Museums: Most exhibits and museums in Lower Town have accessible entrances. These entrances are not always visible from the sidewalk. An accessible entrance map of Lower Town is available at the park's Visitor Center or Information Center. Sidewalks and Trails: The sidewalks in Lower Town are made of various materials including brick, slate, and cobblestone. Trails in Lower Town are mostly compacted dirt. The walkway between the John Brown Fort and The Point is gravel. Shuttle Bus: The park's shuttle buses are equipped for those with physical limitations. The buses kneel and have lifts to accommodate those who are unable to utilize the stairs. Programs and Tours Ranger-guided programs vary in topic and tour stops. Please feel free to contact the park ahead of time to ask about program routes and accessibility. Deaf / Hearing Loss Accessibility Exhibits and Museums: Video presentations within the park's museums are open captioned. Printed copies of video transcripts are available upon request. Programs and Tours: The park has assisted listening devices available, which may be borrowed by visitors upon request. Online audio / video presentations: All videos on the park's website are closed captioned. All audio presentations on the park website are accompanied by downloadable text transcript files. Blind / Low Vision Accessibility Braille: The park's brochure is available in braille. It is available at the park's Visitor Center. Exhibits and Museums: Some exhibits, museums, and outdoor waysides have tactile components and audio descriptions. Service Animals Service animals are allowed in National Parks. For a definition of a service animal, please go to www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm . For more information regarding visiting Harpers Ferry with an animal, please see our Pets page.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Appalachian Trail Spur to AT Visitor Center

0.2 mi one way · about 30 ft of climbing · 100 ft of descent · 427 ft–535 ft · concrete, native surface · hiking

Visitor centers

Along the way Appalachian National Scenic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Bolivar Heights Overlook Trail

0.3 mi one way · 623 ft–628 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Bolivar Heights Upper Loop

0.9 mi one way · about 90 ft of climbing · 373 ft–467 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Boliver Heights Lower Loop

1.2 mi one way · about 150 ft of climbing · 437 ft–628 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Byron Pedestrian Bridge

0.2 mi one way · 20 ft of descent · 255 ft–271 ft · wood surface · hiking

Views

Along the way The Point

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Camp Hill Trail

521 ft–530 ft · native, paver surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Cavalier Heights

0.1 mi one way · 489 ft–494 ft · native surface · hiking

Picnic areas

Along the way Cavalier Heights Picnic Area

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Cliff Trail

0.1 mi one way · 150 ft of descent · 275 ft–415 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Courtney's Battery Trail

0.7 mi one way · about 70 ft of climbing · 388 ft–462 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Halls Island Trail

0.3 mi one way · 271 ft–287 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Hamilton Street Trail

1.1 mi one way · 262 ft–272 ft · gravel, native surface · hiking

ViewsExhibits

Along the way Arsenal Square Dry Goods Store Frankel's Clothing Store Hamiliton Street Provost Marshal Office The Point

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Harper Cemetery Trail

0.2 mi one way · about 60 ft of climbing · 474 ft–529 ft · native surface · hiking

ViewsHistory

Along the way Gravesite of Robert Harper Jefferson Rock

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Harper Gravesite Spur

about 20 ft of climbing · 448 ft–466 ft · native surface · hiking

ViewsHistory

Along the way Gravesite of Robert Harper Jefferson Rock

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Harpers Ferry Center Sidewalks and Paths

0.4 mi one way · 10 ft of descent · 515 ft–541 ft · concrete surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Jefferson Rock Spur

20 ft of descent · 424 ft–440 ft · stone surface · hiking

ViewsHistory

Along the way Gravesite of Robert Harper Jefferson Rock

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Loudoun Heights Trail

3.1 mi one way · about 350 ft of climbing · 1,000 ft of descent · 623 ft–1,060 ft · native surface · hiking

Views

Along the way Split Rock Viewpoint

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Lower Town Armory Trail

0.1 mi one way · 275 ft–286 ft · concrete, gravel, wood chips surface · hiking

Exhibits

Along the way A. Burton Fine Watch Repair Arsenal Square Harpers Ferry Wetlands John Brown's Fort John Brown's Fort (Original Site) Roeder’s Confectionery

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Lower Town Armory Trail | Lewis and Clark Trail

0.1 mi one way · 271 ft–278 ft · wood chips surface · hiking

Exhibits

Along the way John Brown's Fort (Original Site)

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Lower Town Street Sidewalk

271 ft–281 ft · brick, paver surface · hiking

Exhibits

Along the way A. Burton Fine Watch Repair Arsenal Square Black Voices Dry Goods Store Frankel's Clothing Store Harpers Ferry Wetlands John Brown's Fort John Brown's Fort (Original Site) Roeder’s Confectionery

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Lower Town Trail

0.2 mi one way · 100 ft of descent · 275 ft–440 ft · asphalt, gravel, paver, stone surface · hiking

ViewsHistoryExhibits

Along the way A. Burton Fine Watch Repair Arsenal Square Black Voices Dry Goods Store Frankel's Clothing Store Harpers Ferry Wetlands John Brown's Fort John Brown's Fort (Original Site) Provost Marshal Office Roeder’s Confectionery Gravesite of Robert Harper Jefferson Rock and 1 more

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

LT TR Lower Town Street Sidewalks

0.2 mi one way · 267 ft–290 ft · brick, paver, stone surface · hiking

Exhibits

Along the way A. Burton Fine Watch Repair Arsenal Square Black Voices Dry Goods Store Frankel's Clothing Store Hamiliton Street Harpers Ferry Wetlands John Brown's Fort John Brown's Fort (Original Site) Provost Marshal Office Roeder’s Confectionery

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

LT TR Shenandoah Street Sidewalk

0.1 mi one way · 270 ft–276 ft · paver surface · hiking

Exhibits

Along the way A. Burton Fine Watch Repair Arsenal Square Black Voices Dry Goods Store Frankel's Clothing Store Hamiliton Street Harpers Ferry Wetlands John Brown's Fort John Brown's Fort (Original Site) Provost Marshal Office

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

LT TR Trails & Walks (Paved & Unpaved to Jefferson Rock)

0.2 mi one way · about 10 ft of climbing · 267 ft–279 ft · gravel, native surface · hiking

ViewsExhibits

Along the way A. Burton Fine Watch Repair Arsenal Square Black Voices Dry Goods Store Frankel's Clothing Store Hamiliton Street Harpers Ferry Wetlands John Brown's Fort John Brown's Fort (Original Site) Provost Marshal Office The Point

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Maintenance Yard Sidewalk

0.1 mi one way · 20 ft of descent · 474 ft–496 ft · concrete surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Murphy-Chambers Farm Trail

2.4 mi one way · about 100 ft of climbing · 250 ft of descent · 362 ft–507 ft · native surface · hiking

ViewsVisitor centers

Along the way Murphy-Chambers Farm Viewpoint River Vista Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Naval Battery Trail

0.2 mi one way · 100 ft of descent · 625 ft–741 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Overlook Cliff Trail (green blaze)

0.8 mi one way · about 500 ft of climbing · 277 ft–792 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Overlook Cliff Trail (red blaze)

0.7 mi one way · about 150 ft of climbing · 300 ft of descent · 664 ft–979 ft · native surface · hiking

Views

Along the way Overlook Cliff

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Path to Blacksmith Shop

271 ft–272 ft · gravel surface · hiking

Exhibits

Along the way Blacksmith Shop

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Path to Hamilton Street Trail

265 ft–268 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Potoma Wayside Trail

0.1 mi one way · about 50 ft of climbing · 245 ft–293 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Railroad Parking Path

285 ft–287 ft · concrete surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Railroad Parking to Armory Trail

0.1 mi one way · 282 ft–285 ft · gravel surface · hiking

Exhibits

Along the way John Brown's Fort (Original Site)

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Randolph Island Bridge

269 ft–269 ft · wood surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Schoolhouse Ridge North Trail

1.0 mi one way · about 40 ft of climbing · 100 ft of descent · 367 ft–479 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Shenandoah River Bridge (U.S. 340)

0.3 mi one way · about 40 ft of climbing · 264 ft–299 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Stone Fort Trail (blue blaze)

2.3 mi one way · about 650 ft of climbing · 810 ft–1,453 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Union Skirmish Line

473 ft–473 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Virginius Island Trail

1.0 mi one way · 259 ft–275 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Virginius Island Trail Bridge

258 ft–259 ft · wood surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Visitor Center Trail

1.5 mi one way · about 200 ft of climbing · 266 ft–492 ft · concrete, gravel, native surface · hiking

Exhibits

Along the way Blacksmith Shop

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end