A Traveler’s Guide to Spring in Harpers Ferry

A spring getaway in Harpers Ferry feels like you died and went to ‘Almost Heaven.’ Renew yourself with a getaway to this lush, verdant setting where nature and history intersect. The smell of nature fills the air, and the snow begins to melt from our historic hillsides.

There’s never been a better time to book your cabin getaway to Harper’s Ferry than in the spring!

Why Visit Harpers Ferry During the Spring

Spring kicks off a popular season for travelers. Take advantage of the shoulder season and travel for less crowded hiking trails, mild weather, and plenty of options for places to stay in Harpers Ferry.

The warming weather attracts visitors and locals to come out of hibernation and experience a town preserved for yet another year. It’s the perfect time for outdoor lovers to revel in refreshing breezes during their hikes. For nature enthusiasts to see what new flora sprung during the season and for intrepid travelers to get a taste of rafting and ziplining excitement.

Things to do During Spring in Harpers Ferry

Explore Downtown

As temperatures warm, you can finally venture away from your cabin rental and check out what’s new around one of America’s most historic towns. Inhale the crisp spring air while sightseeing at John Brown’s Fort, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, and the Civil War Museum. The Harpers Ferry Park Association hosts guided tours to learn more about our town’s rich history. For close encounters with history, join some of the fun and informative Ghost Tours, which restart their nightly schedule in April.

Navigate your way up and down High Street in Downtown Harpers Ferry past small-town boutique shops and great local restaurants.

Wildflower Hunting

Spring in Harpers Ferry is when our lush natural landscape begins to flourish for the year. All those oak and maple trees that shed their fall foliage during the winter return with a fresh coat of greenery. And flowers spring up everywhere to give a touch of color to our town.

Get passes for Harpers Ferry National Historical Park at the visitor center. The Maryland Heights Trail showcases Virginia Bluebells, woodland sunflowers, and our vibrant spring ephemerals. Hike a section of the Appalachian Trail near Harpers Ferry to spy on the blooming three petals of Trilliums and watch out for the pink blooms of the Spring Beauties dotting the forest floor.

The Friends Wilderness Center hosts the Wildflowers at the Waterfall every spring which is a guided hike to discover seasonal flora and secluded waterfalls in the Shenandoah lowlands.

Whitewater Rafting

Harpers Ferry is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. While winter can be a bit chilly for outdoor water activities, springtime and increased water flow from melting snow and seasonal precipitation offer the perfect start to whitewater rafting season.

Join River Riders for an exhilarating 2 to 3 hour white water rafting excursion or river tubing where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers meet. Set your own course with kayak and canoe rentals.

Spring Romance

Love is in the air all season, and spring is always a great time to get married in Harpers Ferry. We host tons of couples in town for their wedding, anniversary, or a fun spring fling with your loved one.

Several historic mansions have been transformed into timeless wedding venues. The lush woodland setting makes for a charming rustic wedding ceremony.

Getting ready to tie the knot? Stay in town for a couple of days during the spring for your engagement photoshoot. Nothing says ‘amor’ like a river backdrop at The Point, panoramic views from Jefferson Rock, or sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain vistas at the Bolivar Heights Battlefield.

Ziplining: View the Changing Colors from Above

Hungry for even more outdoor adventure in Harpers Ferry? Strap into a zipline and soar over blossoming canopies. Ziplining is one of the most popular things to do during spring in Harpers Ferry!

Most ziplining courses reopen during the spring after closing in winter. It’s time to brush the snow off those ziplines and let the cool spring air guide you through some of nature’s best scenery.

Harpers Ferry Adventure Center is a go-to for ziplining in Harpers Ferry. It has multiple courses designed for riders of all ages. Winter gives adventure centers a chance to rev up for the upcoming season of fun. We frequently see new zipline courses and park additions revealed during the spring—so you can be the first to check them out!

Spring Events in Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry features a calendar lineup of exciting events every spring that visitors will love. It’s a chance to engage with our friendly locals, enjoy live music, and celebrate nature.

Here are our annual spring events you should watch for when planning your Harpers Ferry trip.

Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival: Spring Fest

• Location: Sam Michael’s Park; 235 Sam Michael’s Lane, Harpers Ferry, WV
• When: April and September
• Website: facebook.com/BlueRidgeArtsandCraftsFestival

Every April, join more than 70+ artists from the Blue Ridge region exhibiting and selling crafts.

Phoenix Fest

• Location: Mountain Lake Club; 1329 Lakeside Drive, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• When: April
• Website: simpletix.com/e/phoenix-fest-tickets

A three-day festival pass unlocks endless live music entertainment from a lineup of local and touring bands playing everything from bluegrass to rock to jazz and more.

Flip Flop Festival

• Location: Harpers Ferry
• When: April
• Website: appalachiantrail.org/event/flip-flop-festival

The third weekend in April is dedicated to sending off long-distance and thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail (it takes approximately. 5-7 months to hike the entire 2,000+ mile long trail). Give these brave trekkers the celebration they deserve with hiking workshops, a cookout, and more.

Find out more events happening in Harpers Ferry throughout the year.

What to Pack

The spring climate in Harpers Ferry changes drastically depending on the month you visit. March has average temperatures between 30-50°F, April warms slightly with a 40-60°F average, and by the end of May, you can wake up to highs in the 70s. Keep in mind that spring has high precipitation. You can experience snowfall through March, and May is the wettest month. The good news is that there are still plenty of sunny days to enjoy outdoors, and packing the right essentials will prepare you for any weather.

We recommend including these items when packing for your Harpers Ferry spring visit:

• Layered clothing
• Coat or light jacket (depending on the month)
• Umbrella
• Day bag for hikes
• Hiking boots

Reserve Your Cozy Spring Stay in Harpers Ferry Today

Spring is one of the best times to find accommodations when visiting Harpers Ferry. The shoulder months have fewer crowds than in the summer, so you can stay in your preferred location and spend less than you would during the summer high season.

Our cozy cabin rentals highlight the diverse landscape in Harper’s Ferry. Reserve a mountain cabin escape with hot tub views overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains from your deck, or treat yourself to a quiet retreat with lakefront rentals at Lake Shannondale, just a short drive from Harpers Ferry.

We’ll see you this spring in Harpers Ferry!