News Release

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park announces seasonal closures to protect peregrine falcons

Date: February 10, 2023
Contact: Kristen Maxfield, 304-535-4050

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va.—After two consecutive years of successfully fledgling chicks at Harpers Ferry, a pair of peregrine falcons have again returned to nest on Maryland Heights in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. 

To provide the peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service (NPS) will again close portions of Maryland Heights from Feb. 15 to July 31, 2023. The closures include several rock outcroppings near the overlook and the following climbing areas:

• The Gully

• Sign Wall

• ABC Ramps

• Train Tunnel Wall

• Confederate Walls

All trails on Maryland Heights and the Union Walls climbing area will remain open. Closed areas will be clearly marked with signs and fencing. 

Peregrine falcons are a sensitive species and had not successfully hatched chicks at Maryland Heights in nearly 70 years prior to success 2021. In 2022, three of the four fledglings survived the vulnerable newborn phase and successfully fledged (developed feathers that enabled it to fly). Human interference, especially during the nesting phase, can drive off mature falcons, cause abandonment of the nest and result in the loss of eggs or death to fledglings. NPS staff asks that people respect closures to give the peregrine falcons a safe habitat to breed and nest. 

For more information about peregrine falcons at the park, visit go.nps.gov/HFfalcons.