Situated at the junction of three states – West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet – Harpers Ferry offers one of the most spectacular landscapes for active recreation: bike rides, water slides, hiking tours, and workshops for children from the National Park Rangers. You will find 20-mile hiking trails with beautiful views and lookouts: Maryland Heights, Loudoun Heights, Lower Town Loop, Murphy Chambers, and others.
River & Trail Outfitters is one of the oldest providers of water adventures in the region, operating since 1972. It offers a variety of water adventures in the Harpers Ferry area, from quiet family tubing to exciting multi-day canoe tours. Its branches are scattered across four locations in the area: Harpers Ferry & Millville (WV), Knoxville & Brunswick (MD). Convenient locations provide comfort and flexibility, and a variety of routes allows you to choose an activity for any taste and skill level.
The first thing that pleases is the loyal pricing policy. We can use an hourly rate or choose a more optimal option: half-day, full-day, or multi-day tours.
By choosing a descent along quiet routes for 2-3 hours, you can find a picturesque beach and make a short stop for swimming or rest. Such a trip will cost you about $45 – $59.
For those who prefer a more extreme family vacation, as well as traveling with teenagers, you can choose the tour “Sunset Paddle: Wildlife & Waves”, which includes a small number of rapids.
If you plan to explore Harpers Ferry State Park by bike, the best way is to come in person and check out the brochures of local companies that offer bike and gear rentals. This region is a vast area for cycling, with many different routes through beautiful forests, along rivers and historic trails. Please note that the availability of routes may vary depending on weather conditions.
Six companies currently offer bike and gear rentals in the National Park area: River & Trail Outfitters, Harpers Ferry River Riders, Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle, KOA Campground, The Outfitter, and Brunswick Family Campground.
Depending on the route you choose, you can also rent a child bike trailer or use a special shuttle for cyclists, which will take you to the start of the route in one of the park’s picturesque corners.
Riding along Harpers Ferry, you can enjoy a leisurely rest in nature, stop at viewpoints with stunning views of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, have a picnic in the shade of trees, or explore historical sites along the route. It is an ideal place for an active holiday that combines physical activity and visual pleasure from nature.
One of the most popular places for cycling is the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C&O Canal Towpath), which offers scenic trails and pleasant conditions for cycling. To get to the trail, you need to cross the Potomac on a pedestrian bridge and then rush your bike down two flights of stairs. This is not a pleasant test, but it will open you up to unforgettable emotions and magnificent beauty that will pay off all your efforts. Below you will find untouched nature, a picturesque path along the canal, and the feeling of discovering a hidden gem. This is a real adventure that will be remembered for a long time.
