Welcome

Harpers Ferry Visitor Center

Welcome to the Visitor Center

The Appalachian Trail Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry is one of the most legendary landmarks along the entire 2200-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It’s a fun stop and great resource whether you’re exploring historic Harpers Ferry, looking for a fantastic day-hike nearby, or interested in learning more about the world’s most famous footpath.

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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 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!

Hours: Open Daily from 9 am – 5 pm, Closed Major Holidays
Address: 799 Washington Street P.O. Box 807 Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807
Phone: 1-304-535-6331
Email: [email protected]

Photographs of the Visitor Center

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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. More than 30,000 photos of hikers from 1979 onward can be viewed in the hiker lounge.

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Gift Shop

A wide selection of Appalachian Trail merchandise and souvenirs including t-shirts, mugs, patches, and postcards is available to help you keep your connection with the Appalachian Trail 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.

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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

Hikers can relax and cool off with a cold drink after a hard day’s hike, as well as charge their phones. The lounge also hosts albums with more than 30,000 photos taken when hikers with the goal of hiking the entire A.T. reach the Harpers Ferry. More than two thousand photos are now taken annually and all photos taken since 1979 are viewable in albums.

Hiker Services

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

ATC also holds resupply packages for hikers mailed to: Hiker’s Name, c/o Appalachian Trail Conservancy, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (packages sent via UPS, FedEx and via other carriers should be sent to 799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425).  Hikers may pick up their packages seven days a week by presenting a photo ID.

Coleman fuel and denatured alcohol are available for a donation.

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 3 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

Two-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 at: 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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