The Most Romantic Things to Do in Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is a charming town tucked away in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. With a long history and endless ways to spend time in nature, couples looking for a romantic getaway will find Harpers Ferry to be a small-town paradise.

This is an ideal vacation for couples who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and really appreciate the great outdoors.

Renting a cabin in Harpers Ferry is the perfect way to connect with your partner and have the romantic vacation of your dreams. While most of our cabins have three or more bedrooms and are a bit overkill for just two people, we host couples all the time who choose them anyway just for the stellar amenities! Whether you stay for a romantic weekend getaway, a weeklong trip, or just an overnight jut, you and your loved one will feel the fire kindling while in Harpers Ferry.

Why Choose Harpers Ferry

With so many romantic places to choose from, this welcoming town in West Virginia deserves your attention.

The historic town of Harpers Ferry is located in the northeast corner of West Virginia, only about 1.5 hours from Washington, D.C. It is a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, offering peaceful surroundings and endless opportunities to enjoy the nature of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains.

The quaint town of Harpers Ferry was a crucial location in the American Civil War, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts. The town changed hands multiple times throughout the war and was considered one of the best strategic areas for the Confederate army.

Since it was the site of so many battles, skirmishes, and raids, Harpers Ferry is now a fantastic destination for couples who would like to learn more about American history.

Today, Harpers Ferry is perhaps best known for the wealth of outdoor activities available in the area, such as hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and rock climbing. It is also well known for the fact that the town is considered the halfway point on the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail, stretching from Georgia to Maine.

While Harpers Ferry isn’t the exact halfway point of the AT, it has become the point that exhausted thru-hikers can consider themselves halfway done with the trail. Harpers Ferry is also home to the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, a great place to learn more about this famous hike.

Harpers Ferry is the perfect romantic getaway for couples looking for a destination that can offer a little bit of everything. From mouthwatering cuisine to stunning hikes, Harpers Ferry has something for everyone.

Top Romantic Things to Do in Harpers Ferry

You and your partner will find plenty of romance when you visit Harpers Ferry. Those looking for an authentic, peaceful experience will appreciate what Harpers Ferry offers.

Whether you are into learning about American history, exploring the stunning Appalachian Mountains, or simply having a quiet night in, Harpers Ferry is the ideal destination for your romantic getaway.

Reach New Heights on Our Hiking Trails

There is perhaps no better way to experience the beauty of this region than hiking in the area around Harpers Ferry and in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. With dozens of incredible hiking trails and options for all experience levels, you and your partner are sure to have a fantastic time and make lifelong memories.

Maryland Heights Trail

One of the most popular hikes in Harpers Ferry, and for good reason, is the Maryland Heights Trail. This trail has three routes of varying difficulty, all leading you to the Maryland Heights Overlook. Without a doubt, this overlook offers the best view of Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Choose from a 4.5-mile, 6.2-mile, or 9.5-mile route, pack a lunch, and enjoy this beautiful hike with your favorite hiking partner.

Jefferson Rock Trail

Another great hike that combines history with nature is the Jefferson Rock Trail. The hike itself is very short, only a few minutes from St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, but steep in sections.

The path by the church intersects with the Appalachian Trail, meaning you can say you’ve hiked along the famous AT!

Once you reach the rock, you will see the same panoramic view of the valley below that Thomas Jefferson saw in 1783 as he passed through Harpers Ferry, stopping at this very rock to admire the scenery and write about it in his journal.

Loudoun Heights Trail to Split Rock

A beautiful hike within the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is the Loudoun Heights Trail to Split Rock. This 5.9-mile out-and-back trail is considered moderately difficult and offers impressive views from the summit at Split Rock. The trail takes you along the Appalachian Trail for a time before rewarding you with awe-inspiring views of the Potomac River and Shenandoah River.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping While Biking

Biking is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of Harpers Ferry with your adventurous partner. The town itself is very bike-friendly, and the park shuttle buses have racks to transport your bike to make it easier to get around.

If you’d like to leave town and get into nature, there are numerous trails that can’t be missed.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Towpath

Ride along the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Towpath, or the C&O Canal Towpath for short, for a fantastic workout with gorgeous views of the river. This 184.5-mile stone and dirt patch actually stretches from Washington, DC, to Cumberland, Maryland, but the Harpers Ferry section gives you a great taste of the towpath and is suitable for all experience levels.

Rolling Ridge Mountain Bike Trail

For experienced bikers, head 30 minutes south to the Rolling Ridge Mountain Bike Trail and enjoy the 11-mile trail that features rock gardens, tough uphill climbs, and fast downhill stretches.

Gambrill State Park

If you are looking for a spot with trails for mixed experience levels, the Gambrill State Park in nearby Frederick County, Maryland, offers a beginner trail, two moderate trails, and two difficult trails.

Go Back in Time on a History Tour

Harpers Ferry has been a critically important location throughout history, and there are many historical sites to visit during your time here. For couples who love learning something new on vacation, taking a historical tour of the town and battlefield is a wonderful activity.

The Harpers Ferry Park Association offers a guided tour of the significant historic sites in Harpers Ferry and the park, such as locations of the John Brown raid and John Brown’s fort, Civil War battlefields, the town armory, the Storer College, and more. You will learn about important topics such as the raid by abolitionist John Brown, Civil War battles, the Niagara Movement, local transportation, and waterpower.

Cozy Up on a Ghost Tour

If you are the type of couple that loves unique and perhaps creepy attractions, then the Harpers Ferry ghost tour is a must. Considered the oldest ghost tour in America, this tour takes you around the downtown area to the most haunted spots in town.

The numerous battles and skirmishes in Harpers Ferry mean that, unfortunately, many deaths have occurred in the area. Some of these souls may have stuck behind, haunting this otherwise peaceful town. Ghosts like Dangerfield Newby, who died during John Brown’s raid, and Screaming Jenny, who was struck by a train, are some of the ghosts that the locals claim to spot regularly.

Surround Yourself in Scenery at a Vineyard

Sipping wine while looking over expansive vineyards and distant mountains is about as romantic as it gets, so why not do some wine tastings during your Harpers Ferry getaway? There are numerous vineyards in the area, serving up fantastic wines.

Situated between New World and Old World wine cultures, Virginia wines are steadily growing in popularity. In fact, Virginia is the birthplace of American wine. When the area was being settled, every male in the Jamestown colony was required to plant and care for ten grapevines.

Just a few minutes southeast of Harpers Ferry is Hillsboro, VA, home to a handful of exquisite wineries in western Loudoun County that offer tastings to the public.

• Maggie Malick Wine Caves: 12138 Harpers Ferry Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132. Open Thursday-Monday from 11am-6pm.
• Two Twisted Posts Winery: 12944 Harpers Ferry Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132. Open Thursday-Monday from 11am-6pm.
• 868 Estate Vineyards: 14001 Harpers Ferry Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 11am-5pm, and until 6pm on Friday and Saturday.
• Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln, Purcellville, VA 20132. Open Friday-Monday 11am-6pm and Tuesday-Thursday 11am-5pm.
• Notaviva Farm Brewery & Winery: 13274 Sagle Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132. Open Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-5pm.

Expand Your Taste Buds at These Restaurants

Harpers Ferry may be small, but there is no shortage of delicious restaurants serving up all sorts of food that are perfect for date night. You are sure to work up an appetite while hiking, biking, and exploring the historical sites in town, and one of the tasty Harpers Ferry restaurants will help you refuel.

For cozy vibes and filling comfort food, check out The Rabbit Hole. This tavern offers a classic pub menu and a wide variety of delicious beers, perfect for filling hungry bellies after a long day.

For the meat-free foodies, be sure to stop at the Kelley Farm Kitchen in Bolivar. The completely vegan restaurant offers tacos, burgers, and ramen for lunch and dinner from Thursday through Sunday.

For fine-dining, you and your loved one will enjoy an excellent meal in a romantic ambiance at The Hillbrook Inn. Located nearby in Charles Town, this restaurant is one of the nicest in the area. Do note they require business casual attire.

There are numerous delis, cafes, and bakeries in town that are great for quick bites and desserts. During your getaway in Harpers Ferry, you have no shortage of yummy restaurants to choose from!

Enjoy a Night In

After a long day of exploring Harpers Ferry, why not relax in your gorgeous cabin?

Spend quality time with your partner and enjoy all the features of your beautiful rental home, especially if you rented a cabin with a hot tub. End your day as the bubbling water melts away all your worries. Likewise, stay cozy in front of the wood burning fireplace or stove in your cabin to add extra ambiance to a romantic night in.

Spending time together and enjoying the peace and quiet of your mountain cabin is the perfect way to finish a romantic Harpers Ferry getaway.

Embrace Romance in Harpers Ferry

When planning your romantic getaway, Harpers Ferry is the perfect choice for couples who love being active in the outdoors and exploring historical sites.

Harpers Ferry offers many activities, and a relaxing night in your mountain cabin rental is the perfect romantic ending to a memorable trip.