Harpers Ferry in October: What to Expect
Bask in the scents of fall this October in Harpers Ferry. Experience one of the most charming times of the year. Witness these beautiful red-brick buildings set against a backdrop of bright fall foliage. Commemorate one of the most important historical events that led to the starting of the Civil War. And see history brought back to life through live reenactments and ghost tours.
Harpers Ferry shows its true colors during the fall. Our Harpers Ferry cabin rentals offer a unique experience to immerse yourself in the seasonal colors and enjoy fall-friendly amenities. See what local events and activities will keep you excited for your autumn travel plans.
October Weather in Harpers Ferry
October is one of the coziest times of the year when you can enjoy mild days warmed by the sun and cool nights warmed by an outdoor fire pit or an indoor fireplace at your Harpers Ferry cabin rental.
Visiting Harpers Ferry during the shoulder season will have moderate temperatures. The hot summers are over, and the cold winter has not quite arrived. Harpers Ferry in October has an average high of 68°F and an average low of 47°F. As the days get shorter, you can expect the sunset every day around 6:30—when temperatures start to cool down.
October may see some rain, but not too worry, there are still things to do on a rainy day in Harpers Ferry.
Best Things to Do in October in Harpers Ferry
1. Go leaf peeping
October is the month to experience the most beautiful time of year in Harpers Ferry. The verdant mountains transform into a burst of vibrant tones showcasing the colors of fall. A forest of red and yellow hues create the natural beauty surrounding Harpers Ferry.
Harpers Ferry attracts leaf peepers from all over to experience one of the best places to see fall foliage near Washington DC. It’s a destination for photo enthusiasts looking to add brilliant fall colors to their portfolio and outdoorsy visitors navigating the area to find the best foliage views.
Whether you’re driving through Jefferson County or exploring on foot, these are some of our favorite spots to see fall foliage in Harpers Ferry:
- Hike the Appalachian Trail to Jefferson Rock
- Stand at the Point, the confluence of the Potomac River and Shenandoah River, to see fall foliage in three different states at the same time (West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland).
- Walk the Murphy-Chambers Farm Loop Trail on the historic Murphy’s Farm, a former Civil War battlefield.
- Take a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
2. Take a perfect fall hike
The mild seasonal climate makes hiking near Harpers Ferry even better. You get to avoid the summer heat, there are fewer hikers on the trails, and the weather is perfect for tackling any hikes on your bucket list.
Hiking near Harpers Ferry in October gives you views of the fall foliage as you trek along the leaf-covered trails. Keep an eye out for common wildlife spotted during this season, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, wild turkeys, and even black bears.
Most local hikes are inside the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. It also boasts a segment of the Appalachian Trail, which runs nearly 2,200 miles on the East Coast between Maine and Georgia.
Check out these popular fall hikes:
- Bolivar Heights Trail (Easy)
- Maryland Heights Trail (Moderate)
- Loudoun Heights Trail (Hard)
3. Get goosebumps on a ghost tour
A town with nearly 300 years of history doesn’t come without its fair share of ghost tales. October in Harpers Ferry is the perfect month to put you in the ‘spooky’ mood on this unique tour. Prepare to feel goosebumps while exploring Harpers Ferry’s most historical landmarks.
Harpers Ferry is full of spooks—the restless dead haunting the nearby battlefields, an army of the marching dead, ghostly figures wandering the eerie cobbled sidewalks at night, and many other untold stories.
The official Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry is the oldest in America and voted #1 on TripAdvisor. This walking tour takes the brave-hearted through 14 blocks of the spooky streets of Lower Town to some of the most historic locations in a town infamous for paranormal activity.
- Spot the ghost of John Brown at the John Brown Fort taking a last stand during the raid.
- Listen for unexplainable clanking metal coming from the Armory Grounds
- Stand in Thomas Hall and learn about the ghostly apparitions seen inside St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church.
4. Watch actors bring history to life
Ghosts aren’t the only way to experience the past brought back to life in Harpers Ferry. Historical reenactments are a popular way to preserve the local history and show visitors what the Harpers Ferry of yesterday was like. In a town riddled with early American and Civil War History, it’s a destination for history buffs to immerse themselves in their favorite pastime.
October is the anniversary of Harpers Ferry’s most historic event—the Harpers Ferry Raid. Abolitionist John Brown’s attempt to raid the federal armory happened on October 16-18, and you can see a live replay at the John Brown Fort historic site. Visit the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park to see actors recreating battles from the Civil War. For even more Civil War history, drive to the Antietam National Battlefield, the site of the bloodiest day in American history.
Check each venue’s calendar during your stay for the next upcoming events.
5. Go apple picking
October means that acres of apple trees in Jefferson County are ready to be picked. Get a true taste of autumn this visit to Harpers Ferry in October when you visit a local apple orchard for u-pick fun.
Drop by for pick-your-own at the Reddington’s Farm and Orchard. They grow 18 different varieties of apples right in Harpers Ferry. The farm is open for tours, and visitors get a chance to pick their own apples to take home.
If you’re visiting Harpers Ferry in December, they offer cut-your-own-Christmas trees.
October Events in Harpers Ferry
After a busy summer of events entertaining visitors with music festivals and river fun, Harpers Ferry settles into an annual fall event schedule tailored to local heritage and history. Check out these popular Harpers Ferry October events.
Anniversary of John Brown’s Raid at Harpers Ferry
- What: Watch a reenactment of the historic raid of the Harpers Ferry armory
- Location: 814 Shenandoah St, Harpers Ferry, WV
- When: October 16-18
The Anniversary of John Brown’s Raid, commemorated each October, highlights a significant moment in American history. In 1859, abolitionist John Brown led an armed raid on the federal armory in Harpers Ferry, aiming to end slavery. The anniversary includes educational programs and reenactments that illuminate the event’s importance in the civil rights movement and its enduring impact on the nation.
Highland Games of Harpers Ferry
- What: Celebrate Scottish heritage with Scottish games, dances, and Scottish ales hosted by the Harpers Ferry Celtic Culture Society.
- Location: Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michael’s Lane, Harpers Ferry, WV
- When: First full weekend in October
The Highland Games of Harpers Ferry is a lively celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture held annually in October. This event features traditional athletic competitions such as caber tossing and tug-of-war, alongside displays of Scottish music, dance, and craftsmanship.
Attendees can enjoy performances by pipe bands, participate in workshops, and explore a variety of vendors offering Scottish-themed food and merchandise. The Highland Games provide a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the Scottish community while enjoying the picturesque backdrop of Harpers Ferry in autumn.
Check out other annual fall events in Harpers Ferry.
Pack for your October Trip to Harpers Ferry
Experience sweater weather in Harpers Ferry! The mild days and cool nights mean you should pack plenty of layers to stay comfortable all day. Here are a few essential items you should pack when visiting Harpers Ferry in October.
- Sweater/hoodie
- Light jacket
- Scarf/gloves
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Travel-size umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Waterproof shoes
October’s Calling! Get Ready for Your Trip
Book a stay at a Mountain Mama vacation home or cabin for your stay in Harpers Ferry in October. These cozy spaces put you in the heart of nature, just a short drive into town. You’ll find the perfect amenities to make you feel at home in Harpers Ferry and stay warm during the cool autumn nights. Where will you create this year’s fall travel memories?
