The Story
Harpers Ferry is where West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland meet. You can experience history and fantastic views. This is what I like to do.
On a holiday or weekend, I park at the Visitor Center. Otherwise, I park closer to town. At the Visitor Center, speakers share the area's history and there is a free shuttle to town.
Around town, many "fake" businesses are public restrooms and museums.
The best view is from the Maryland Heights. From town, there is a walking bridge across the Potomac. From there you take the C&O Canal Towpath to the Trailhead. It's classified as a moderately strenuous, 4.5-mile hike that takes around 3 hours. It's worth it and the primary reason I keep coming back.
When it's too hot, I swim in the Potomac River. It's pretty shallow in parts. The rocks can be slippery and the shoreline might have debris. I recommend wearing water shoes.
