There are few places with the outdoor recreation opportunities that we have here in Jefferson County. Miles of scenic hiking and biking trails are highlighted by the Appalachian Trail. The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers are home to great fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking and tubing. We have professional outfitters that can take care of all of the logistics and equipment for any adventure and guide you on a memorable adventure.
The legendary Appalachian Trail runs right through Harpers Ferry, near the headquarters and visitor center of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Pick up a guidebook or chat about your hiking plans at the conservancy’s visitor center, then get underway: Nearby, a blaze leads to a footbridge over the Potomac River and continues to the historic C&O Canal. From the C&O, long-distance hikers can connect to the Great Allegheny Passage, a rails-to-trails route that spans 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.
In Harpers Ferry, the outfitter River Riders has you covered for just about any adventure, from cycling to a treetop challenge course. But in this town defined by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, you must get on the water. River Riders’ whitewater rafting trips conquer class I-III rapids (target spring or fall for maximum thrills, when water levels rush). You can even experience whitewater tubing with the River Riders Potomac adventure, which zips you over the river’s rapids alongside the historic town. Slow down with River Riders’ Shenandoah float – a ride so mild, you can bring a picnic. Bed down at night in one of the platform tents located right along the river or rent an entire vacation home, perfect for large groups traveling together.
In the heart of West Virginia’s oldest town, Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle rents equipment and runs guided excursions. Book a “Pedal & Paddle” package to cycle along the C&O Canal, an essential access to the Allegheny Mountains (and its coal) between the 1820s and 1920s. Brake for ice cream before paddling back to Shepherdstown via the Potomac River – the waterway affords picture-perfect views of the historic town and surrounding mountains. Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle also guides historic cycling tours to neighboring Harpers Ferry. Want to explore on your own? The outfitter rents bikes, canoes, kayaks and even tubes for river floating, plus all the essentials (helmets, paddles and life jackets).
It’s common to see serious cyclists out enjoying the terrain in Jefferson County. There are also plenty of opportunities for hikers to go for a short stroll or an invigorating multi-mile trek. Check out theTop 5 Hikes in Jefferson County.
The Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers are perfect for anglers who want to catch a variety of species of fish. Both self-guided and professionally-guided fishing are allowed. Jefferson County also has several wildlife management or wildlife viewing areas where you can get a glimpse of the local fauna. Get a West Virginia fishing or hunting license and you’ll be ready to hunt and fish on our beautiful public grounds.
