News Release

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

News Release Date: February 14, 2020

Contact: Autumn Cook, 304-702-5684

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — A pair of the fastest birds in the world are eyeing Maryland Heights in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NHP) as their nesting site. 

Peregrine falcons have historically nested in the cliffs of Maryland Heights in the spring. To provide the peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service (NPS) will close portions of Maryland Heights from Feb. 15 to July 31, 2020. The closure includes 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 have not successfully hatched chicks at Maryland Heights since 1950. 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 Harpers Ferry NHP, visit go.nps.gov/HFfalcons.
 

-NPS-

About Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.  Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is one of more than 400 national parks cared for by the National Park Service. The 3,500-acre park preserves, protects and interprets the nationally significant history of Harpers Ferry which includes the topics of natural heritage, industry, transportation, John Brown’s Raid, the Civil War and African American history. Located in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, the park features over 20 miles of hiking trails. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/hafe.