Find historic sites, quaint downtown shops, and miles of hiking paths.
incisively midway down the nearly 3,000 - sea mile Appalachian Trail , trekker will run into the idyllic town of Harpers Ferry , West Virginia . Located in the Eastern Panhandle Region , this picturesque village is way more than a rest point in one of theleast popular statesalong the route from Maine to Georgia . It ’s a golden chance to bask natural beaut with family , booster , and pets in towage .
Harpers Ferrytakes traveler centuries back in time to experience an country rich in early American history . This storied town offers seemingly endless on - land site moral in colonial and Civil War - era history . Add on wholesale views of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers flanked by the environ forest and you ’ve gota beautiful landscapefor adventures with your furry friend .
With positron emission tomography - friendly tramp , boating , and eveneducational experiences , Harper ’s Ferry is asmall townthat ’s ideal for an adventurous weekend getaway . Here ’s everything you need to know to project a trip for you and Fido to Harpers Ferry , West Virginia .
Photo by Brown W Cannon III
Travel Time:
1 hour and 15 minutes from Washington , DC1 hour from Baltimore , Maryland
If you can only do one thing: Hike the Appalachian Trail
Even if you’re able to only explore a short portion of the Appalachian Trail , make a point to do so while you ’re in Harpers Ferry to experience this iconic pathway . TheAppalachian Trail Visitor Centerprovides update about the day-to-day weather and proffer personalise penetration into various approachable , local day hikes . The visitor center also serve up as a home base forthru - tramp , who can use the building ’s shared electric refrigerator , devoid WiFi , and other facilities . Plus , attendees can peruse yearly client book bound with 100 of pic of folks who ’ve discontinue along their journey on the trail while choke through Ithiel Town .
One of the most popular Clarence Shepard Day Jr. tramp is theMaryland Heights via Harpers Ferry hike , a extortionate 4.5 - mile trek with a little more than 1,000 substructure in tiptop . A bedazzle reward look those who make it to the top : arresting views of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers , and the smattering of scenic,1800s - era buildings below . bounder are welcome on Maryland Heights , as long as they are leashed for the length of your cost increase .
Jefferson Rockis a notable turning point accessible via a forgetful hike along the Appalachian Trail . This is experience to be a spot where Thomas Jefferson himself stick out 100 of years ago ( which is n’t a surprisal because the views this perch provides of the Shenandoah River and the mess are awe - inspiring ) . Just be certain not to climb on the rock itself because it ’s not all unchanging . And though it may be tempting to snap a cute photo of your dog abide by in Jefferson ’s footsteps , pets must be leashed at all times . Unfortunately , they ’re not allowed on the rock either .
Fill the weekend with
Outdoor activities in Harpers Ferry
Another popular tramp path in Harpers Ferry is the 185 - mileChesapeake and Ohio Canal(abbreviated to the C&O Canal Towpath ) , which was ab initio built so mules could walk beside the canal as they towed items like timber , ember , and agriculture trade good via this essential waterway connecting Washington , DC , to Cumberland , Maryland . Today , it has been preserved and transformed into a popular unpaid trail paralleling the Potomac . This well - care - for , flat grime and stone lead go along the water — and out-of-door enthusiasts can use the course to take the air , escape , or bike while enjoying the outside space . Amajority of the canal is open to pets , just check that to avoid Billy Goat Trail Section A and the overlook trail to Great Falls if you ’re accompanied by a furred supporter .
Pet-friendly historic sites in Harpers Ferry
In Lower Town , folks can look up to hit river views and enjoy access to the open - tune exhibits of theHarpers Ferry National Historical Park , which are subject yr - round . frump are welcomed in all outside areas of the park but can not ride on the park shuttle or enter park buildings .
chronicle buff ca n’t miss the incredibly well - bear on historic turning point , John Brown ’s Fort . Built in 1848 as theArmory’sfire engine and guard house , the fortress was the site of the renowned raid by abolitionist John Brown during an attempted , ultimately unsuccessful slave insurrection in 1859 . During the Civil War , this well - keep construction was used as a prison and building to store weapons like ammunition and explosive . Take a tour of the building to learn about this moment in American history ; just be cognisant that while our four legged - acquaintance are allowed on the property , they may not enter the edifice itself .
alfresco of the Lower Town historic expanse , add your pet on a driving force up toBolivar Heights — a scenic spot to see the entire Shenandoah Valley from above , and become educate on one of the most impactful battles of the Civil War ( it was the site of the largest surrender of Union troops ) .
Photo courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism
There ’s also theMurphy - Chambers Farm Trail — a two-dimensional , well walkable nerve pathway and another smirch where visitors can hear about the Civil War conflict . The path meanders through a lush field , leading to a beautiful overlook of the Shenandoah River with sign along the way provide intel on the Civil War conflict that took berth here . It ’s the staring spot for an easy hike with our senior four - legged admirer .
Shopping in Harpers Ferry
Those who assay a more mellowed action can simply saunter down the impulsive cobblestone - lined “ Lower Town ” street and dowse in the picturesque Victorian - vogue buildings housing shops that deal fallal . Do n’t missThe time of origin Ladyif you ’re into dress shop goody like jewelry , literature , and manus - blown glass goods . And those with a seraphic tooth must delay outTrue Treats — a “ research - base ” candy depot that ’s home to more than 500 helping hand - picked retro teas , confect , and sweet .
Pet-Friendly restaurants and bars in Harpers Ferry
For beer and burgers : With a summercater saloon , orotund beer excerpt , unrecorded medicine , and a video recording drawing , White Horse Tavernhas it all . halt by during their daily happy 60 minutes , sip on a drink special , and ordering burgers for you and your dog to eat on theirpet - well-disposed patio .
For industrial plant - based fuel : If you ’re expend most of your trip in tramp boots but prefer caring for beast to use up them , you ’ll need stack of veg - favorable chance to dine and relax too . That ’s whereKelley Farm Kitchencomes in . The Upper Town establishment offer a compass of vegan and gluten - free option that are impertinent and filling for you and accommodate of your favourite .
For a bite business district : Only a few years old , The Rabbit Hole Gastropuboffers one of the large beer survival in the area , an talkative food for thought menu with highlights including a keto - well-disposed CBD - infused salad and a vegetarian crabless “ pubic louse cake ” sandwich , and views of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers . Their pet - friendly patio is an ideal spot to rust oysters and take in glary views of the beautiful surrounding landscape .
Photo courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism
Where to stay with your pet
For some window pane : The romanticHillbrook Inn and Spain Charles Town is a charming bed and breakfast with 19 node rooms across five construction . Indulge in some much - needed , post - hike R&R with a facial or massage at the resort hotel before venture on a steer vino hitch with a Hillbrook chauffeur . Four of the inn ’s rooms and both of its ponds welcome pets . Plus , best-loved - friendly pace include a “ Doggy Bag ” of disposable wastefulness bags , an surplus towel , and a particular surprise treat .
For a prime location : The Town ’s Innis a cozy and welcoming place to stay put . This property consists of two pre - Civil War stone residences that welcome client worn out from long motorcycle drive and daytime - farsighted shopping excursion . But quaint does n’t have in mind cookie - cutlery : Each building contains Edgar Guest rooms with individually unique designs and piece of furniture , like the moody blue sky - hued Potomac suite and the 1840 — a preservationist ’s pipe dream blending cottagecore and homesteading aesthetics . date back to 1820 , the Mountain House sits next door to its younger sibling from 1840 , the Heritage House . The Inn is build into the side of a hill right on in the tenderness of Lower Town , Harpers Ferry ’s historical market territorial dominion , making local store and dining options , the river , and National Historic Park exhibits easily accessible on foot . Pets are welcome to stay in two of the inn ’s eight room ; however , they are not grant on the furniture .
Photo by Molly Wolff Photography
Photo courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism
