Harpers Ferry in May: What to Expect
Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is the perfect destination for your May getaway.
Just one hour away from Washington DC and Baltimore, Harpers Ferry is a quaint historic town full of natural beauty, rich American history, and family-friendly activities. May is the perfect time of year to take advantage of the great outdoors surrounding Harpers Ferry, with activities like hiking, kayaking, and white water rafting at your fingertips.
Here’s everything you need to know about a May adventure to Harpers Ferry!
May Weather in Harpers Ferry
May brings ideal mild weather to the small town of Harpers Ferry. The average temperatures have increased significantly since April, with average highs in the mid-70s and lows in the 50s.
While the wettest month in Harpers Ferry is April, May offers slightly lower precipitation with a 39% chance of rain on an average day. Expect a mix of sunny and cloudy days as well.
Best Things to Do in May in Harpers Ferry
1. Go Whitewater Rafting
Harpers Ferry is located at the confluence of the Potomac River and the Shenandoah River, making it the perfect destination for whitewater rafting – and May is the ideal time to raft!
The portion of the rivers around Harpers Ferry offers a mix of Class I to Class III rapids, ensuring that rafters of all levels can participate. It’s best to take advantage of guided trips offered by local companies in the area. They ensure that you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable rafting trip.
River Riders
River Riders is a local company that offers whitewater rafting trips. Their guided trips are 2-3 hours long and take you down the whitewater sections of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers with Class I to Class III rapids.
Perfect for beginners, this is a great way to get out there and experience the rapids. The guided trips are suitable for those 50 pounds and above. Rafts can hold 4-6 people, making this the perfect group activity.
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center also offers guided whitewater rafting trips, which last approximately 2.5 hours and are suitable for those 50 pounds and up. Starting mid-May, they open up multiple spots each day to enjoy whitewater rafting.
2. Visit “The Point”
Looking for a great view of the natural beauty around you? We know just the place.
Head on over to “The Point”, a lookout spot overlooking the confluence of the rivers and the whole town of Harpers Ferry. It’s a great destination to pack a meal, enjoy a picnic, and take in the incredible views around you.
The Point is also famous for its view of three states: Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Enjoy a truly panoramic view of Harpers Ferry and beyond.
3. Hit the Hiking Trails
May is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the nearby hiking trails. From the Appalachian Trail to Jefferson Rock, there’s something for everyone.
Jefferson Rock
Jefferson Rock is a must-visit for people of all ages. This easy, short hike starts in Lower Town, taking you past historic sites. Once you reach Jefferson Rock, named after Thomas Jefferson himself, you’ll find rewarding views of the Blue Ridge mountains, both rivers, and the town of Harpers Ferry.
Maryland Heights Trail
If you’re looking for a longer hike, we recommend the Maryland Heights Trail. This well-loved trail is moderately challenging, offering a few different routes ranging from 4.5 miles to 6.5 miles. It takes you past incredible scenery, Civil War sites, and more.
Appalachian Trail
Most famous, of course, is the Appalachian Trail. Harpers Ferry sits at the “Halfway Point” of the AT, making it a popular destination for hikers to visit. Check out our full guide on Appalachian Trail hiking.
4. Go on a Brewery Tour
If you are a craft beer enthusiast, you have come to the right place. Harpers Ferry and the surrounding mountain towns are full of breweries offering a range of unique craft beers. Many of them offer outdoor seating, perfect for sipping a cold beer on a warm May day.
Head to downtown’s Harpers Ferry Brewing for an afternoon on their outdoor patio. Take in breathtaking views of the Potomac River while sipping on delicious craft beer. They have a wide range of hops on tap to choose from, from blonde ale to stouts, and they have food trucks as well. They are pet-friendly, too!
Some of our favorite nearby breweries also include Hillsborough Winery, Brewery, and Vineyard and Abolitionist Ale Works.
5. Tour the Civil War Battlefields
Harpers Ferry is a historic town full of American Civil War battlefields.
If you’re a history buff, we recommend taking a walking tour through Harpers Ferry National Historic Park to get the full experience of the many historic sites in town.
Start your tour at the Harper’s Ferry Visitor Center before making your way to St. Peter’s Church, one of the highest buildings in town with a great view of Harpers Ferry. Head next to John Brown’s Fort in Lower Town, a famous historic site that honors one of the most important events in Harpers Ferry history, John Brown’s raid in 1859.
If you prefer a guided tour, Harpers Ferry Visitor Center offers a 2.5 hour walking guided tour of the historic sites. It expands on the history and geography of the area, including the waterpower, industrial, and transportation history of Harpers Ferry.
6. Go Ziplining
The trees are green, and the flowers are in bloom – so what better way to experience the beauty of Harpers Ferry than a ziplining canopy tour?
One of the most popular summer activities nearby, River Riders offers a Zipline Canopy Tour that boasts incredible views of Harpers Ferry and the natural beauty surrounding it. The canopy tour is not your average ziplining experience. It features a whopping seven ziplines, two sky bridges, and a 50-foot free fall jump. The tour takes 2-3 hours and requires riders to be 40 pounds or above.
This is the ultimate activity for the thrill-seeking family! After ziplining, head to River Rider’s Harpers Ferry Aerial Adventure Park, a challenging ropes course for people of all ages to enjoy.
2025 May Events in Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry Half Marathon & 5K
- Address: River Riders; 408 Alstadts Hill Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV
- Dates: May 17, 2025
The Harpers Ferry Half Marathon & 5K is an annual racing event that takes place each May. Put on by the Freedom’s Run Race Series, this event includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k, and kid’s fun run.
The race takes you past scenic overlooks, the town of Harpers Ferry, the confluence of the rivers, and more. Proceeds are put towards a community grant that promotes health and wellness throughout local counties.
Whether you’re an experienced runner or looking for a fun outdoor event, this is for you! Registration information can be found here.
Memorial Day Parade in Bolivar
- Address: Begins at Friendship Fire Company and ends at Harpers Ferry Middle School
- Dates: May 26, 2025
If you’re looking for a fun Memorial Day activity, head to the neighboring town of Bolivar for a Memorial Day Parade to remember and honor veterans.
This event is put on by the Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Veterans Honor Guard.
Packing for Your May Trip
May is a beautiful time to visit Harpers Ferry, with mild weather and tons of outdoor activities available. Let’s make sure you have all of the gear needed for a fun and memorable trip:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Breathable layers
- Outerwear for chilly nights and mornings
- Hiking gear
- Water shoes/gear for water activities
- Rain jacket and umbrella
- Sunscreen, hats, and SPF
Book a May Getaway to Harpers Ferry
As you can see, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is a magical place to visit during the month of May.
With warm mild weather, it’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the range of outdoor activities around you, from hiking to whitewater rafting and beyond. For a slower pace, enjoy the many historic sites, breweries, and other Downtown activities near our Mountain Mama Cabins.
Book your Mountain Mama Cabins vacation rental and get ready for a memorable, action-packed getaway to Harpers Ferry in May! We cannot wait to host you.
