We were originally going water tubing at Harpers Ferry that weekend. However, the water was still pretty dangerous because of all the rain that week, so we decided to hike to Maryland Heights. Unfortunately, we picked a very hot humid day to hike Harpers Ferry. It was miserable day, but thanks to great company it was an overall great hike. Thanks to Brad for a lot of comedy on the trail!
If you have never been to Harpers Ferry, it is a historic town in Jefferson County, West Virginia with a population of around 286 people at the 2010 census. It is situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers where the U.S. states of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia meet. It is the easternmost town in West Virginia. The town’s original, lower section is on a flood plain created by the two rivers and surrounded by higher ground. Historically, Harpers Ferry is best known for John Brown’s raid on the Armory in 1859 and its role in the American Civil War.
The lower part of Harpers Ferry is within Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Most of the remainder, which includes the more highly populated area, is included in the separate Harpers Ferry Historic District. Two other National Register of Historic Places properties adjoin the town: the B & O Railroad Potomac River Crossing and St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. Harpers Ferry and the adjoining town of Bolivar, though legally two distinct municipalities, together form one large town.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) headquarters is in Harpers Ferry. The Appalachian Trail passes directly through town, which some consider the psychological midpoint of the trail,although the physical midpoint is further north, in Pennsylvania. The towns of Harpers Ferry and Bolivar partnered with the ATC to be declared a united Appalachian Trail Community. Harpers Ferry is a very popular outdoor venue for white water rafting, fishing, mountain biking, tubing, canoeing, hiking, zip lining, and rock climbing.