Directions to the ATC Headquarters

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.

BY CAR

The Harpers Ferry A.T. Visitor Center/ATC Headquarters is located about 60 miles and 1.5 hours driving time from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland.

Parking is very limited near the ATC building, especially during weekday business hours. We recommend parking on Washington Street, in front of the old brick school just downhill from the ATC building. On weekends, parking is usually available in the small lot directly behind our building, accessible from Storer College Place.

From the Baltimore/Washington area via Frederick, Maryland: Take I-70 or I-270 west to Frederick. Exit onto US 340 west towards Harpers Ferry, and proceed about 20 miles. Cross Potomac River, pass through Virginia briefly before crossing into West Virginia, then cross Shenandoah River. Less than 100 yards after crossing the Shenandoah River, make right turn onto Union Street (Econo​Lodge on corner). Proceed 0.25 mile on Union Street to stop sign, then make right turn onto Washington Street. Proceed 0.25 mile up the hill to reach ATC, on the corner of Washington Street and Storer College Place.

From I-81 via Martinsburg, West Virginia: Just south of Martinsburg, take Exit 5 east onto WV 51. Proceed for about 10 miles to reach Charles Town, West Virginia. Pass through the center of Charles Town, and continue to the intersection where WV 51 feeds into US 340 north. Follow US 340 north 5 miles to a stoplight at the intersection with Washington Street, just west of Harpers Ferry. The entrance to Harpers Ferry National Historic Park Visitor Center and parking lot is on the right. At the stoplight, turn left onto Washington Street and proceed 1.3 miles through the town of Bolivar and into the town of Harpers Ferry. ATC is on the corner Washington Street and Storer College Place.

From the southeast via Leesburg, Virginia (near Dulles Airport): From Leesburg, take US 7 west. About 3 miles west of Leesburg, take the exit for VA 9 west. Proceed about 7 miles on VA 9, through the town of Hillsboro, Virginia. About 2 miles past Hillsboro, at a fork with a stoplight, bear right onto VA 671 (Harpers Ferry Road). Proceed on VA 671 for about 8 miles to a stoplight at the intersection with US 340. Turn left to follow US 340 west, and proceed for about 2 miles to cross Shenandoah River. Less than 100 yards after crossing the Shenandoah River, make right turn onto Union Street (​EconoLodge on corner). Proceed 0.25 mile on Union Street to stop sign, then make right turn onto Washington Street. Proceed 0.25 mile up the hill to reach ATC, on the corner of Washington Street and Storer College Place.

BY TRAIN

Harpers Ferry is served by two passenger rail lines:

Amtrak Daily service to and from Washington, D.C., Union Station, with westbound trains continuing to Chicago. Eastbound trains to D.C. often run two or more hours late. Reservations required.

Maryland Commuter Rail (MARC) service’s Brunswick Line. Two trains each weekday leave Harpers Ferry bound for Washington, D.C., in the morning and return in the evening.

The Harpers Ferry train station is located in the “lower town” near the Potomac River footbridge, 0.6 mile walking distance from ATC.

BY PLANE

Three major airports serve the D.C. metropolitan area:Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Dulles is the closest airport to Harpers Ferry; driving time is about 50 minutes (40 miles).  Public transportation between Harpers Ferry and Dulles is limited, requiring a trip into Union Station in downtown D.C., then back out to Harpers Ferry (effectively doubling the distance traveled).

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Reagan National is located just outside D.C. in Virginia; driving time is about 1.5 hours to Harpers Ferry (70 miles).  Public transportation is an option: Take Metrorail subway train from Reagan National to Union Station, then MARC train’s Brunswick line from Union Station to Harpers Ferry.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). BWI is also located about 70 miles and 1.5 hours driving time from Harpers Ferry.  Public transportation is available by MARC train’s Penn Line to Union Station, then MARC train’s Brunswick Line to Harpers Ferry.

BY THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

The A.T. passes close by the Visitor Center, and is connected via a 0.25-mile blue-blazed side trail.  This side trail junction is located 0.5 mile south of the Potomac River Footbridge, and 0.3 mile north of the bridge over the Shenandoah River (US 340).  Look for the wooden blaze post (with blue blazes) and the stone steps climbing a steep hillside.