HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in the states of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, 65 miles northwest of Washington, DC, and 20 miles southwest of Frederick, MD, via U.S. Route 340. [View a regional map of Harpers Ferry].

Start your visit at the Visitor Center, located on Cavalier Heights about one mile west of the Shenandoah River bridge just off U.S. Route 340. The Visitor Center is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. [Retrieve Park Entrance Fee information].

Park Service shuttle buses transport visitors to the Lower Town Historic District. [View a Park Map].

THE LOWER TOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT sits on the point of land where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers converge. It was here that George Washington convinced the Federal Government to build an Armory & Arsenal, and it was here that John Brown led his ill-fated raid of October 16, 17, and 18, 1859. Several park exhibits and museums occupy restored 19th century buildings in the Lower Town today. [View a Lower Town Map & Guide].

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, which towers 1,448 feet above the rivers, is the area's most strenuous – and rewarding – hike. In addition to furnishing breathtaking views of Harpers Ferry and the Potomac River, the mountain hides the ruins of many Civil War fortifications. Infantry trenches, artillery redoubts, ammunition pits, and military camps once extended across the heights. [View a Maryland Heights Map & Guide].

VIRGINIUS ISLAND, which lies along the banks of the Shenandoah River, was a bustling 19th century waterpowered industrial community. Here mills and factories operated until the devastation of civil war and record floods in 1870 and 1889 reduced the island to ruins. [View a Virginius Island Map & Guide].

WALKING & DRIVING GUIDES to scenic views of Harpers Ferry, Civil War sites of Harpers Ferry, the civil rights story of Harpers Ferry, and the ruins of Harpers Ferry. [Walking & Driving Guides].

Travel & Tourism Information

OBTAIN DRIVING DIRECTIONS, TRAIN SCHEDULES, AND INFORMATION about nearby hotels, motels, bed & breakfast establishments, camping, river outfitters, and other local tourism services. [View our Travel & Tourism Directory].