A Solo Weekend Trip to Harpers Ferry, WV
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Updated March 20, 2024.
One of my favorite things about living in Washington, D.C. is the proximity to so many other great places, all within a few hours of the Capital. This makes for some perfect weekend trips, which I love doing solo. Probably my favorite place for a solo weekend trip is Harpers Ferry, WV.
I have visited Harpers Ferry in all seasons for solo weekend trips, and the town is the perfect size for 2-3 full days of activities. Below is my suggested itinerary for a great trip.
Getting to Harpers Ferry
Only about an hour and a half from D.C. by car, Harpers Ferry is located at the point of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, as well as the intersection of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. If you don’t have a car, no worries, as the Amtrak has a stop here as well.
Where to Stay: Rockhaven B&B
There are tons of quaint and charming places to stay in Harpers Ferry, but I recommend Rockhaven B&B. Choose from a cozy cottage atmosphere or a luxurious spa-like retreat at this B&B. Plus they have a tiny cabin on the property too. I like this B&B so much that I wrote a more detailed post about it here!
Day 1: Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
Morning: Jefferson Rock, Appalachian Trail and John Brown’s Fort
On my first full day at any destination, I try to pack as much in as possible. My first stop was to Bolivar Bread Bakery for some of the best scones, cinnamon buns, and other baked goods. This is a staple for all of any solo weekend trip to Harpers Ferry. They even have vegan options for those who need them. My next stop was to the town proper, which is about a 10-15 minute walk downhill from the B&B. The town itself is the National Historic Park, so it’s the perfect place to start.
One cool thing about Harpers Ferry is that the Appalachian Trail cuts right through it and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is located here. I am so impressed by people who hike the whole trail. That will definitely not be me, but I can say that I’ve hiked one end of the A.T. (in Georgia) and some of the middle now too.
After hiking a bit of the A.T., I moved on to the historical sites, markers, and recreations. Two spots in particular were at the top of my list.
History Lesson #1: Jefferson Rock
This rock formation found on the Appalachian Trail in Harpers Ferry is named for, you guessed it, Thomas Jefferson. In 1783, Jefferson stood on the this location and surveyed the city. He later wrote about his experience, saying “On your right comes up the Shenandoah, having ranged along the foot of the mountain a hundred miles to seek a vent. On your left approaches the Patowmac in quest of a passage also. In the moment of their junction they rush together against the mountain, rend it asunder and pass off to the sea. This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic.”
Jefferson Rock is located on the A.T. so was an easy stop while I hiked a bit of the trail. Plus, Harper Cemetery and parts of historic Storer College, founded for freed slaves to get an education after the Civil War, are nearby.
History Lesson #2: John Brown’s Fort
There are so many other historical events that occurred here, that just one trip to Harpers Ferry is not enough to learn about all of them. I love mixing history into my trips, so I really enjoyed how much of that is available to soak up in Harpers Ferry.
Afternoon: Virginius Island
After walking around the town and getting lunch, I decided to explore Virginius Island. I chose the island during my Fall trip since it has a short easy trail and more historical landmarks, like remains of a gristmill and canal. It was a beautiful walk through fall foliage with gorgeous views of the Shenandoah River. I thoroughly enjoyed this trail, until I ran into a snake and of course, turned back around (this is the only acceptable behavior when seeing a snake). I will definitely finish the trail on my next visit.
Since my morning was so packed, I decided to take it easy in the afternoon and went back early to the B&B to relax a bit. Plus, I needed to save my energy for the rest of the trip.
Day 2: Kayaking, Harpers Ferry Nightlife
When visiting in the summer, there are tons of water activities you can add to your trip. When I visited in the summer, I rented a kayak for a few hours with River and Trail Outfitters. They also offer rafting, tubing, and other boat rentals. This is a fun option if you aren’t into hiking, and is a perfect activity for a solo weekend trip to Harpers Ferry.
Nightlife: The Barn and Harpers Ferry Brewing
Although Harpers Ferry is pretty sleepy and quiet, there is some nightlife if that’s your thing. This is also great for a visit with a group or significant other.
The Barn of Harpers Ferry: if you want to go where the locals are, this is your spot. Friendly bartenders, strong drinks and live music make this a chill option to grab a drink.
Harpers Ferry Brewing: for a classic brewery feel with some great views, food trucks, and tons of space to spread out.
Day 3: Maryland Heights Overlook Trail
No weekend trip surrounded by so much outdoors and nature activities can end until I set my feet on a trail. And Harpers Ferry has one of my all-time favorite hiking trails just across the river. The Maryland Heights Overlook is a must-see when staying in the area, as it has stunning views of Harpers Ferry itself, as well as both the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.
Tip: Come prepared for limited parking options. There is no longer any parking at the trail start, so you have to park in Harpers Ferry and walk across the pedestrian bridge to access the trail.
There are 2 trails to make it to the overlook, the Overlook Trail and Stone Fort Trail. I have only tried the Overlook Trail, since it’s 4.5 miles and marked as moderate. I’d say this is on the harder side of moderate due to the ascent and rock scrambling. I definitely get my workout in when doing this trail. The Stone Fort Trail adds about 2 more miles to the Overlook trail.
Although the trail is steep and rocky, it is worth it for the views alone. I have spent more time sitting at the overlook enjoying the view than actually hiking the trail, which is a good thing in my book. *Insider Tip: There are actually 2 overlooks. The second one is to the left of the main overlook. The path is hard to find, but just follow the edge around and you’ll get to the other area.
If the Maryland Heights Trail seems too difficult, there are tons of other hiking options, based on your comfort level.
Alternative hikes:
–Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal trail: take the pedestrian bridge across the Potomac River and you’ll be on the trail.
–School House Ridge trails: drive 2 miles west of Harpers Ferry National Historic site to either the North or South trails
–Loudoun Heights Overlook Trail: walk across the Shenandoah River bridge to find this trail with another beautiful overlook
The Maryland Heights Trail is usually the perfect way to end my solo weekend trip to Harpers Ferry. I always leave with a good workout, new history lessons, and the good vibes that come from a small town and being in nature. For another weekend trip close to D.C., check out my post on Baltimore.
35 Comments
Amelia
What are your tips on staying safe while traveling alone?
Jordan
Hi Amelia,
Great question! Here are just a few I practice:
1. Carry pepper spray with me when out.
2. Don’t go out much at night. This is easy for me, as I’m not a big partier, and would rather do daytime activities.
3. Always keep my cell phone charged, or have a portable charger with me.
4. Be aware of my surroundings and turn around/go towards people if need be.
5. If I really want to do something while solo, I’ll sign up for a group tour or something where there are others nearby.
I hope this helps!
Gary Jay Hoffman
Hi Jordan,
I just wanted to say HI. I enjoyed your blog about our area – I live near Harpers Ferry. I enjoyed your pics and info about your trip. I should (and maybe somewhere in my memory) already know about Jefferson Rock but if I had forgotten I remember now LOL. 😉 Getting older sucks hahaha..
I was looking for a pic of Harpers Ferry and used one in a NON-public video for some friends that are moving away. No one else will see it, so I didn’t use it publically (and will even credit you in the NON-public video). I hope that is okay? Pretty please 😉 If you are ever in the DMV area where I am playing some music come say hi and get a FREE CD. 🙂 Laying on the buttering up purdy pleases 😉 OR can send FREE download to your email address? More buttering LOL. Asking for forgiveness through butter…
You can check my show schedule on my site. I have a big show coming up on 1/15/22, opening for Whey Jennings at THE GROOVE inside DOMINION RACEWAY near Thornburg VA. I have tickets tickets avail at my site.
Best regards, -Gary Jay
Country*Grassroots Singer-Songwriter
Jordan
Hi Gary,
Thank you so much! I love Harpers Ferry and am so glad a local liked what I wrote. And thank you for checking with me about using my photo. I appreciate you giving me credit in the non-public video. I hope your friends liked the video.
Congrats on the opening gig too! I will look up your show schedule.
Best,
Jordan
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