Fall Experiences You Can't Miss in Harpers Ferry

Crisp autumn mornings. Fall foliage. Savor autumn in Harpers Ferry with these experiences that will prove why fall is one of the best times of the year.

Fall Foliage

As summer gives way to fall, the unmistakable smell of autumn on the breeze and a chill in the air signals the beginning of a season full of nature’s magic. When the end of October starts to draw near, the whole world changes color and you can surround yourself with the splendor of burnt orange, gold, and crimson leaves. Before the branches go bare this year, visit Harpers Ferry and witness as the landscape comes alive with these fiery reds, yellows, and oranges.

Find fall foliage updates on the WV Tourism website and plan your autumn getaway to view vivid colors ranging from rich shades of burgundy and red to amber and orange.

Hiking in Autumn
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The scenic vistas and winding trails in Harpers Ferry will leave you in awe throughout the year, but these unique hiking experiences, which range from peaceful strolls to challenging treks, transform as nature surrenders to the gorgeous hues of fall. There’s no better way to revel in the landscape awash with colors then by lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails.

Whether you choose to enjoy the solitude of hiking alone with the leaves crunching under your feet or wish to explore with others, there is an opportunity for anyone to appreciate autumn on the trails. Join a Natural Resources Specialist for a Fall Foliage Walk to view fall colors and identify the trees beneath the leaves or explore the park’s trails.

Guided Tours

So much of the town’s atmosphere is built around its history, and visiting the historically significant locations during autumn heightens the experience. Just like the confluence of the two rivers, many legends intersect at Harpers Ferry:  The first American presidents. Civil War battles. The struggle for freedom and equal rights. If you’re interested in the history of Harpers Ferry, the Harpers Ferry Park Association offers Certified Guide Tours that explore  the John Brown Raid, Civil War, Meriwether Lewis at Harpers Ferry, Civil Rights, and Harpers Ferry's role as a transportation and industry center. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park also offers daily tours and staffed exhibits where you can learn about local history, historic buildings, the natural environment, and much more. Book a Certified Guide Tour and find the story that speaks to you or visit the park’s website to see what tours you can attend during your visit to Harpers Ferry.

Restaurants in Town

There is no shortage of independently-owned dining options here in Harpers Ferry with tasty and creative menus. Warm up with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate and enjoy the warm flavors of seasonal dishes that offer a cozy respite from the crisp mountain air. Each restaurant has its own distinct personality and the menu options range from regional fare to dishes made with farm-fresh ingredients.

To find out more about the restaurants in town, visit the Historic Harpers Ferry website or visit the Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau website for their visitor’s guide.

Curl Up by the Fire


Before you finish your day in Harpers Ferry, consider browsing the shelves of the Bookshop, where you’ll find books about people and events spanning nearly three centuries.  After a long day exploring the vivid outdoors, crunching through the leaves, there’s nothing better than being wrapped in blankets by the fire and curling up with a good book. As you drift off to sleep with pleasant new memories, you can rest assured that you’ve enabled many future ones, as well: every purchase in the Bookshop supports the park!