Harpers Ferry in January: What to Expect

December 23, 2024

Looking for somewhere to retreat to once the holiday season is behind you? We know just the place. Just one hour away from Washington, DC, the town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is known for its natural beauty, charming downtown square, and rich American history.

The off-season is the perfect time to enjoy peace and quiet while still participating in the many activities that Harpers Ferry has to offer. From winter hikes with breathtaking views to cozying up in your Mountain Mama cabin rental, you’re in for a restful January getaway.

Below, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to enjoying Harpers Ferry in January!

January Weather in Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, where temperatures remain mild throughout the winter.

January is the coldest month in Harpers Ferry, bringing in high average temperatures in the 40’s and lows in the 20’s. It also brings the second highest chance of snow, with an average of 6.5” of snowfall in January. While the chances of snow are not overwhelming, we definitely get snow!

It’s the perfect weather to cozy up indoors, enjoy your cabin’s hot tub, or get out and explore the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Best Things to Do in January

1. Hit the Hiking Trails

Harpers Ferry is surrounded by incredible hiking opportunities, from the Appalachian Trail to short hikes starting in Harpers Ferry’s Downtown.

January might be chilly, but it is a great time to enjoy expansive mountain views from all directions. Loudoun Heights Trail, the Maryland Heights Trail, and Jefferson Rock are some of our favorite nearby hikes:

Jefferson Rock is a popular short hike that starts at Lower Town’s Visitor Center. Situated along the AT, this easy hike offers views of the Blue Ridge mountains and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
Maryland Heights Trail is a great option for people of all experience levels as it offers a range of routes from 4.5 to 6.5 miles. If you’re looking for a longer hike, head to Loudoun Heights, a moderate 6-mile hike with multiple overlooks.

Pro Tip: A visit to Harpers Ferry isn’t complete without stopping by the Appalachian Trail Conservatory Headquarters, also known as the halfway point of the AT. You’ll find hikers from all over at this famous landmark.

2. Tour Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry is a historic town full of Civil War battlefields and other important historic landmarks. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a National Park Service park that offers visitors a way to tour the many historic sites throughout Harpers Ferry.

Start at the Visitor Center in Lower Town, where you can walk to famous spots like John Brown’s Fort, honoring Abolitionist John Brown’s Raid, and St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. This is also where you can access hiking trails like Maryland Heights Trail and Loudoun Heights Trail.

Afterward, head to Jackson’s Bolivar Heights, the site of numerous battles in America’s history.

3. Go Snow Tubing in Harpers Ferry

The holidays might have passed, but that doesn’t mean the festive winter activities are over! There’s no better January outdoor activity than snow tubing.

Fortunately, you can snow tube right here in Harpers Ferry, no matter what the forecast says. River Riders is a local company offering snow tubing opportunities for people of all ages.

They offer 1.5 hours of unlimited snow tubing down their snow-covered hill, the size of three entire football fields. They also offer an onsite restaurant, perfect for warming up with delicious food after your snow tubing adventures.

4. Watch Sunset at “The Point”

Photo Credit: Chris Rycroft via Flickr CC 2.0

The town of Harpers Ferry sits at the confluence of the Potomac River and Shenandoah River. “The Point” is an incredible lookout spot located right where the rivers meet the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering the best view of Harpers Ferry in the wintertime. From here, you can see the town, the mountains, and the rivers. The Point is also known for offering a view of three different states at once: West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland.

We recommend heading here for sunset, enjoying the scenery and picture opportunities, and then heading back into town for a delicious dinner in Harpers Ferry.

5. Enjoy Downtown Harpers Ferry Restaurants

There’s nothing more enjoyable than a good meal on a cold day in January.

While people might travel to Harper’s Ferry for the history and outdoor activities, they are delighted when they realize there is a great restaurant scene, too!

From quaint cafes to fine dining, there are options for everyone:

Head to The Rabbit Hole Gastropub for the best burgers in town and a cozy atmosphere.
Country Cafe and Cannonball Deli both offer American comfort food.
Snallygaster’s Cafe and Wine Bar is a cozy little spot, perfect for getting a glass of wine with friends.
And if you’re looking for fine dining, we recommend heading to The Hillbrook Inn Restaurant for an elevated farm-to-table menu.
Bolivar Bread Bakery is a woman-owned, small batch artisan bakery famed for their open kitchen and amazing sourdough loaves.

January Events in Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry Brewing Concerts

Photo Credit: Chip Gallo via Flickr CC 2.0

Dates: Weekends throughout January
Address: 37412 Adventure Center Ln, Purcellville, VA

Looking for the perfect place to cozy up and enjoy live music? Harpers Ferry Brewing is the place for you. They offer live concerts every weekend throughout the year. They also host regularly scheduled events, including Paint Night, on the last Monday of the month.

There are a few local artists already lined up to play here in January. No ticket is required for concerts, but some events require an RSVP – check the website for details.

Packing for Your January Trip

January is one of the coldest months of the year in Harper’s Ferry, with a higher chance of snow than any other month except for February. However, it is still possible to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities on your trip with proper planning! Here’s our packing list for your January getaway:

Warm jacket
Thermal base layers
Gloves, scarves, and beanies
Warm socks and winter boots
Bathing suit for your cabin hot tub
Winter hiking gear
Snow gear for tubing

Book Your January Getaway to Harpers Ferry

While January might be off-season here in Harpers Ferry, there are endless activities to enjoy and places to explore during the wintertime. In fact, we love the fewer crowds and expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that this time of the year brings.

Bundle up and enjoy hiking, snow tubing, or touring the historic sites in town. Or if you prefer to stay indoors, head to one of the many nearby restaurants and shops in Downtown Harpers Ferry.

There’s nowhere better to enjoy the cold weather than inside your Mountain Mama Vacation Home. Light the fire, enjoy the hot tub, and cozy up for as long as you’d like – we can’t wait to host you!