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.
- Open for normal hours on June 19, and July 3 & 4.
Continue scrolling for information about our exhibits, hiker services (including resupply packages), parking, and more!
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
Offerings & Attractions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hiker Photo Collection
Getting your photo taken with the ATC’s iconic sign has long been a tradition for A.T. hikers. Starting in 1979, the ATC began cataloguing hiker “halfway” photos at the front of our building. We have all past hiker photos available upon request, and hope this year’s class of hikers will stop by to add theirs to the collection!
Thanks to a partnership with the ATC and the A.T. Museum, we have the photo collection online, too! Visit the Hiker Photo Archive to look up your hiker.
Hiker Lounge & Resupply Packages
Available in the Hiker Lounge, a place for A.T. hikers to rest and prepare to hit the Trail:
- A couch, computer, and outlets;
- Room to drop your pack while you explore town;
- Cold drinks available for sale;
- Info about the many services available to hikers in Harpers Ferry.
- Please note that we no longer offer denatured alcohol for sale.
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.
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 14 days) 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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