Harpers Ferry in November: What to Expect

Located just one hour away from Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is a must-visit destination for those looking to escape the city life. While it’s a great place to visit year-round, the historic town of Harpers Ferry really shows off during the Fall season.

November is the perfect time to experience the picturesque Fall foliage, tour historic landmarks, and enjoy the countless outdoor adventures that Harpers Ferry has to offer. Come stay with us at Mountain Mama Cabins and explore Harpers Ferry in November. We promise you won’t regret it.

Below is our guide to making the most of your November Harpers Ferry getaway.

November Weather in Harpers Ferry

The weather in Harper’s Ferry really transitions during the month of November. High temperatures drop down to the 50’s, while the lows get down to the 30’s. There is a low chance of rain during the month of November, with plenty of cool, breezy days ahead for you.

While the nights get cold, the mild daytime weather is ideal for the many outdoor activities waiting for you in Harpers Ferry.

Best Things to Do in November

1. Hit the Hiking Trails

November offers the perfect weather for midday hikes. Lucky for you, Harper’s Ferry is full of incredible hiking trails.

It’s hard to visit Harpers Ferry without making your way to the Appalachian Trail. Harpers Ferry is home to the “Halfway Point” of the AT, where hikers come from all over before the next leg of their journey. Make your way to the Visitor’s Center, where experienced hikers will offer you tips and tricks for the best hiking trails on the AT.

Bolivar Heights, Loudoun Heights, and Maryland Heights Trail range from easy to moderate to difficult, in that order. Bolivar Heights offers epic views and an easy, short hike. Loudoun Heights is much longer at 6 miles, offering a moderate hike with multiple overlooks of the Potomac River and Shenandoah River. Finally, Maryland Heights Trail offers both moderate and difficult routes ranging from 4.5 miles to 6.5 miles.

2. Explore Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry is known for its significance in American Civil War history. In fact, America’s founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, are both connected to the town of Harpers Ferry.

November is the perfect time to tour the many battlefields around Harpers Ferry, including those in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which is part of the National Park Service.

We recommend starting at Harper’s Ferry Visitor Center before making your way to Lower Town by foot. From here, you can explore Abolitionist John Brown’s Fort, where John Brown’s raid took place, as well as St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church.

There are plenty of other battlefields to explore, so make sure to read our full guide if you’re looking to visit them all.

3. Enjoy a Day Trip from Harper’s Ferry

While you could spend endless time in Harper’s Ferry and never run out of fun things to do, the historic town offers easy access to many day trips nearby.

About 50 miles away, one of the most popular day trips from Harper’s Ferry is Shenandoah National Park. Fall is the perfect time to explore the countless hiking trails in the park or take a road trip on Skyline Drive.

If you want to explore nearby caverns, there are tons of options. Crystal Grottoes Caverns, Skyline Caverns, and Luray Caverns are all within an hour of Harper’s Ferry.

Finally, there’s nothing like heading to the train station or taking a road trip to visit some of the major cities around. From Harper’s Ferry, you can get to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania within an hour.

4. Take a Culinary Tour through Downtown Harpers Ferry

November is the perfect month to stroll the streets of Downtown Harpers Ferry and try its many delicious local eateries.

Harper’s Ferry is full of mom-and-pop restaurants that offer a range of cuisines made with local Appalachian ingredients. Start your day right at Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee. This local bakery and coffee shop is known for its delicious morning pastries, perfect before a day of exploring.

Next, head to Cannonball Deli or Country Cafe for a quick and casual lunch. The Rabbit Hole and White Horse Tavern are great for grabbing a drink or relaxed dinner. And if you have a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with Harper’s Ferry Ice Cream Shoppe or Bolivar Bread Bakery to round out your culinary tour.

2024 November Events

1. Lanterns Tour: Strange Story of Harper’s Ferry

• Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
• Location: 168 Church St, Harpers Ferry, WV

Joseph Berry, a 19th-century author who wrote The Strange Story of Harper’s Ferry, describes his personal accounts of John Brown’s Raid, the Civil War, and more. This nighttime walking tour through Harpers Ferry relays his stories as you experience each of the landmarks up close. Lanterns Tour is a unique, and dare we say spooky way, to learn about Harpers Ferry’s history.

2. Harpers Ferry Black Heritage – Reconstruction and Beyond

• Date: November 23, 2024
• Location: Jefferson County Commission Meeting Room

At this daytime event hosted by the Jefferson County Museum, local author Lynn Pechuekonis will discuss her research on the early Black community in Harpers Ferry after Emancipation, including Storer College’s oldest teacher.

Packing for Your November Trip

Since the November weather will be crisp, we want to make sure you pack everything you need for a comfortable stay. We recommend packing:

• Outerwear, including a rain jacket
• Plenty of layers for outdoor activities
• Scarf/gloves
• Sunglasses and hats for sunny days
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hiking gear

If you happen to forget anything, Harper’s Ferry Outfitters offers a range of hiking, biking, and outdoor gear for your Harper’s Ferry adventures.

Book Your Harper’s Ferry November Getaway

While we are big fans of Harpers Ferry any time of the year, November is a special time to visit this quaint historic town.

The mild, crisp temperatures make it easy to participate in the many outdoor adventures nearby, from hiking to mountain biking and beyond. It’s the perfect time to tour the various historic sites that comprise Harper’s Ferry, try local restaurants, and explore neighboring towns. Finally, there is no better month to cozy up in your Mountain Mama Cabin rental and enjoy the incredible Fall foliage from indoors.

We can’t wait to host you in Harper’s Ferry this November!