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

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.

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.

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.