Harper's Ferry

Harper's Ferry is a quaint town that sits on the borders of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. This little inlet is a historical constitution and battle site for the Revolutionary War, with many historical buildings still standing to this day. Also a particular note are the Shenandoah and Potomac River, which converge here at this town. This small Port Town also happens to lie between two mountain ranges with excellent hiking, Maryland Heights on one side and Loudon Heights on the other. With the total population being right around 300, this small town thrives on its history and tourism, visitations of one of the most famous Roman Catholic churches in the states, parts of the B&O Railroad, several gift shops, Old damaged sewage canals, military buildings and bases, and an awesome little park overlooking the two converging rivers.

At the mouth of the river.

Although there wasn't too much to the town, it was nice to be able to stop here to recharge our batteries, get souvenirs, learn about history, and eat a small lunch before heading home from a day full of hiking. We were in the Shenandoah mountain range that day, with a good part of the Appalachian trail running parallel to Harpers Ferry. They are so proud of their part of the trail, they actually have an Appalachian Trail Conservancy building station in the center of town. It is one of the most highly trafficked parts of the trail, especially due to proximity to town and the overall toughness of this part of the trail.

Even though we didn't spend a whole lot of time here, I would definitely have been more impressed if we got there earlier in the day when all the historic buildings were open. We wandered in and around the sewage canals, The Boarding House, and the signing house, but as far as the barracks and other important military buildings, we didn't get to see a whole lot. I definitely recommend starting here earlier in the day and then moving on from there if you want to actually see all the cool things in the town.

The main road in and out of town.

If you are planning a hike in the Shenandoah or the Appalachian Trail the next day, this can be a perfect place to stop, grab and All American bite to eat, unwind, and get up nice and early the next day. There's a couple of AirB&B spots nearby, as well as rather cheap hotels and lodging. Even if you're just passing through the area or coming close to it, it is absolutely worth a detour if you can afford to do so. It is also worth stopping to learn about John Brown's military seizure and the abolitionist regiment's attempt to end slavery back in 1859. And, if all else fails and you're not the biggest history buff, it's got incredibly scenic views for breathtaking photo opportunities, and is the Midway point between three different states.