 |
 |
 |
|
  |
African-American History Museums |
| During the Civil War, Harpers Ferry became one of many Union garrison towns where runaway slaves sought refuge. Within the Harpers Ferry National Park are several museums highlighting the area's struggle for black freedom. Also see our Self-guided Tours page. For information about Harpers Ferry National Park: www.nps.gov/hafe/storer.htm |
|
 |
Appalachian Trail / Loudoun Heights |
| Site of an important Civil War skirmish resulting in the Confederate occupation of Harpers Ferry in 1862, Loudoun Heights today is part of the Appalachian Trail, offering panoramic views of Harpers Ferry and the Shenandoah Valley. Tel: 304-535-6298 or 304-535-6029 For information: www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/trail/wv.html |
|
 |
Appalachian Trail Conference Headquarters |
| The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a continuous footpath that runs for more than 2,100 miles between Maine and Georgia, and is administered by the Appalachian Trail Conference. ATC Headquarters, located at 799 Washington Street, includes a store offering books, trail maps, and information for hikers. Tel: (304) 535-6331 For information: www.appalachiantrail.org/about/atc/contact.html#sub3 |
|
| |
Appalachian Trail Footbridge |
 |
Built in 1987, this footbridge carries Appalachian Trail hikers high above the magnificent confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. |
| |
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park |
| In this picturesque, carefully restored town that dates from around 1747, several themes in the American story converge: Native Americans, industry and transportation (including firearms and weaponry for the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Civil War), African-Americans, John Brown's raid, the Civil War, and the natural environment. The National Park Service provides interpretive programs that address these significant issues. For information: www.nps.gov/hafe |
|
| |
Jefferson County Visitor Center |
| Travel, tourist and lodging information for Jefferson County and the state of West Virginia. Located at the intersection of Rt. 340 and Washington Street. Tel: (304) 535-2627 or 1-800-848-8687 For information: www.hello-wv.com |
|
 |
Jefferson's Rock |
|
In 1783, Thomas Jefferson viewed the breathtaking vista that unfolds at this site and later wrote in his journal, "The passage of the Patowmac through the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature…. This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic." For information: www.nps.gov/hafe |
 |
John Brown's Fort |
| The structure called John Brown's Fort was erected in 1848 as the Federal Armory’s fire enginehouse. It was here that John Brown and 21 of his followers barricaded themselves during the final hours of their ill-fated raid on Harpers Ferry, in 1859. For information: www.nps.gov/hafe/jbfort.htm |
|
 |
Nearby Attractions - Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Park |
| George Washington’s dream of making the Potomac River navigable sowed the seed for what became the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Begun in 1828, the 185-mile canal was completed from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland, and operated until 1924. Today the canal's towpath provides a continuous trail through the spectacular scenery of the Potomac River Valley, making it a great attraction for biking and hiking. For maps and information: www.nps.gov/choh |
|
 |
River Sports |
|
Rafting, tubing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing trips are available along the Shenendoah and Potomac Rivers. For information: www.hello-wv.com |
| |
Virginius Island |
| Located in the Harpers Ferry National Park, hiking trails of various lengths meander among the ruins of a once thriving 19th-century industrial town along the Shenandoah River. A self-guided tour map of the ruins of factories and mills is available from the Harpers Ferry National Park Visitor Center, or online. For information: www.nps.gov/hafe/virginius.htm |