Plan Your Visit

Harpers Ferry Visitor Center

 

Welcome to the ATC Harpers Ferry Visitor Center

The Appalachian Trail Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry is one of the most well-known landmarks along all 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It’s a fun stop and a great resource whether you’re exploring historic Harpers Ferry, looking for a fantastic day hike nearby, or are interested in learning more about the world’s most famous footpath.

Hours of Operation

  • Open Thursday – Monday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Open Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Closed December 23rd through January 1st for the holidays. The center will reopen on January 2nd for regular hours.
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The front of the building provides an iconic photo-op for anyone stopping by. Those walking the entire A.T. have their photo taken on the front porch of the Trail’s “psychological midpoint” to be recorded for posterity.

The visitor center is also the perfect place to learn about and launch your 14 State Challenge (visiting a piece of the A.T. in each of the Trail’s states). Start your own Appalachian Trail journey here at the Trail’s Headquarters!

Address:

799 Washington Street
P.O. Box 807
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807

Phone: 1-304-535-6331

Offerings & Attractions

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Exhibits

Unique and inspiring exhibits include a ten-foot, 3-D map of the Appalachian Trail and the famous sign from atop the mile-high Katahdin at the Trail’s northern terminus in Maine. You won’t want to miss the story wall of some of the most notable hikers who have walked the A.T., such as Earl Shaffer, a World War II veteran, the beloved “Grandma Gatewood,” and “2-Mile Marcy,” the first African American woman to hike the entire A.T. in sections. The Hiker Lounge will be closed until further notice.

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Gift Shop

Official ATC maps, guides, and other publications can be purchased through our partners at Mountaineers Books.

A selection of Appalachian Trail merchandise is available to help you keep your connection with the A.T. alive after you return home. Maps and guidebooks can help inspire your next trip! You can preview the items here www.atctrailstore.org. Proceeds support the Trail.

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Visitor Services

Friendly staff and volunteers can help you plan a day hike around Harpers Ferry and a visit to the historic town, and answer your questions about the Appalachian Trail. Schools, scouts, and adult groups of up to 25 are welcome to request a brief interpretive talk. Workshops teaching hiking and backpacking essentials are offered periodically.

The Passport to Your National Parks stamp for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, as are two stamps for the Appalachian Trail Passport. The center offers a restroom and free wifi access.

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For Kids

A Junior Ranger/Adventure Guide booklet for the A.T. in Harpers Ferry can be downloaded and printed out ahead of time. Kids who complete the guide can earn a junior ranger badge. A miniature A.T. shelter, built into the back of the 3-D map, is a big hit with kids.

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Hiker Lounge and Hiker Photo Collection

A place for A.T. hikers to rest and prepare to hit the Trail. The hiker lounge has a couch, room to drop your pack, and cold drinks available for sale. The hiker lounge also holds this year’s hiker photo albums. Previous years of ATC’s collection of hiker photo albums, dating back to 1979, when we first started taking the now iconic “halfway” hiker photos by our sign on the front of our building are available by request.

Hiker Services

A brochure outlining the many services available to hikers in Harpers Ferry is updated frequently.

The ATC accepts hiker packages for a small donation (suggested amount: $5).

Hiker packages should be sent to:

Appalachian Trail Conservancy
799 Washington Street
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Attn: Hiker [insert hiker’s name]

Hikers can also send packages to the Harpers Ferry Post Office.

Please note that the ATC no longer offers denatured alcohol for camping stoves or other uses.

 

Explore the Town

The visitor center is located near the highest point of historic Harpers Ferry and adjacent to the town of Bolivar, which together offer a wealth of attractions and unique restaurants, places of lodging, and quaint shops.  Learn what’s special about these Appalachian Trail communities here, and all the exciting things to do and see within Jefferson County and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which encircles the town of Harpers Ferry and through which about 1.2 miles of the Appalachian Trail passes, is home to some of the nation’s most significant historic events including John Brown’s Raid and Civil War battles. It is also home to Storer College, which was  one of the first colleges in the country open to men and women and people of all races. The main buildings of the former campus are just a block from the visitor center.

Take note of of the park’s excellent Hikes page, which has options ranging from gentle Virginius Island walk along the Shenandoah River to battlefield walks to more challenging hikes to overlooks.

Check out The ATC HQ Visitor Center on Trip Advisor here!

VISIT THE HARPERS FERRY & BOLIVAR A.T. COMMUNITY™ PAGE

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Parking

One-hour visitor parking is available in the small lot directly behind our building, accessible from Storer College Place. Metered street parking is available below the visitor center along Washington Street.

Long-term hiker parking (up to ~2 weeks) is available with Harpers Ferry National Historical Park at their visitor center located at 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (304) 535-6298.

Directions
Directions to the ATC Headquarters and Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry can be found here: Directions to the ATC Headquarters

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Travel Sites

You can check out The ATC HQ Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry on Trip Advisor here.

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