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Here we go, counting down the top 5 outdoor activities in Jefferson County, WV, offering a wide variety of active lifestyle options to enjoy. Whether you are visiting with friends from Northern Virginia, or you are a full-time adventure-junkie that lives in Harpers Ferry – there is something for everyone here.
Top 5 Outdoor Activities in Jefferson County
Provided by Adam Miller, a local real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Premier in Shepherdstown, WV – part of The Miller Team, working with sellers and buyers of all types. If you would like more information on how we market and search for real estate, please Contact Us.
Jefferson County, located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, offers a range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With a unique blend of public parks, outdoor trails, and a splash of high-speed thrills, there’s sure to be something that gets the motor running. Here are my top five outdoor activities to enjoy in Jefferson County:
Hiking to Maryland Heights from Harpers Ferry
The moderate hiking from Historic Downtown Harpers Ferry up to the view from Maryland Heights is remarkable – with unforgettable views that are worth every step along the way. Said to be one of George Washington’s favorite locations, the merging of the Shenandoah River and Potomac River is a beautiful sight after a two-plus mile, hour and a half hike to the peak from Lower Town in Harpers Ferry. The confluence of the two rivers is one of the best experiences for an outdoor enthusiast, and a must-do activity when hiking along the legendary Appalachian Trail that passes through Jefferson County in West Virginia. The town of Harpers Ferry is a great experience for a historic family getaway or a romantic couples weekend with dozens of short term rentals available.
Whitewater Rafting and Float Trips [Harpers Ferry]
The Shenandoah River flows through Jefferson County, providing renown opportunities for water-based, outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. Several outfitters in the area provide guided rafting trips suitable for different skill levels, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty or the thrilling rapids of the river. Transportation is available for pickup and drop-off, making for a family-friendly trip that will undoubtedly result in unforgettable memories. Back on land there are outdoor ropes courses to challenge and zip lines that will enthrall the thrill seekers. If you’re hoping to find something a little slower, fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy catching smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish in public fishing locations throughout the county, some with public boat ramps.
School House Ridge [Harpers Ferry]
School House Ridge in Jefferson County, West Virginia, is a historic and scenic area that holds importance from the American Civil War. The landscape served as a key battleground during the Battle of Harpers Ferry in 1862, and remnants of the war can still be seen today. Today, visitors can explore well-preserved earthworks, trenches, and interpretive signs that tell the story of the soldiers who once fought here. Aside from its historical significance, School House Ridge offers picturesque hiking trails that wind through woodlands and open fields with views of Bolivar Heights, Maryland Heights, and Loudon Heights. Broken into North and South with multiple hiking trails, breathtaking views of the Harpers Ferry countryside are panoramic, making it a popular spot for outdoor recreation and birdwatching. With its unique blend of historical remnants and natural beauty, School House Ridge serves as a living testament to the area’s past and a peaceful outdoor retreat in the heart of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle.
C&O Canal Towpath [Shepherdstown]
Opened in 1828 and operated commercially for over 100 years, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) became a National Historic Park in 1971. With more annual visits than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, the C&O Canal Park is a frequent destination for outdoor activities that include hiking, jogging, biking, and paddling of all manners. The 184.5 mile canal towpath runs through Shepherdstown, providing an excellent opportunity for outdoor exercise. Traveling along the Potomac River, from Washington, DC to Cumberland, Maryland, the good times can roll along longer than most can enjoy, but the scenery, foliage, and wildlife accentuate the more than 1,000 historic and Civil War structures along the pathway. The Canal Park towpath is easily accessible from Shepherdstown and has a small parking lot available for those driving or transporting their outdoor exercise equipment.
Summit Point Motorsports Park [Summit Point]
If you’re looking for something a little faster, motorsports enthusiasts will enjoy visiting Summit Point Motorsports Park, located near Charles Town. This renowned racetrack hosts various motorsports events, including all types of car and motorcycle races, driving schools, and track days. You will really find it all here – rallycross, road racing, drifting, motorcycle racing, kart racing, autocross – with 4 different circuits to challenge every type of driving enthusiast. If you’re interested in high-speed thrills or want to improve your driving skills, this is the place to be. They also provide storage for your high-performance automobiles on-site, and public restrooms and shower facilities for tenants.
Other Outdoor Activities around Jefferson County
Jefferson County Parks and Recreation
Providing year-round family activities, there’s always a way to get everyone enjoying the great outdoors! Summer activities include children’s day and adventure camps for all ages; movie night in the park for the family; lessons for swimming, tennis, gymnastics, and martial arts; and organized sporting events of all types that are open to all ages of the community. With at least 10 outdoor parks that they manage across Jefferson County, there’s truly more than I even realized, providing a great outlet for fun family activities.
Antietam National Battlefield
Located just a short drive from Shepherdstown into Sharpsburg, Maryland, the Antietam National Battlefield is a historic site and a beautiful outdoor destination. Explore the battlefield’s expansive walking trails and learn about the significant Civil War battle that took place there, one of the bloodiest battles to occur on American soil. The park offers scenic landscapes, educational exhibits, and interpretive programs as well as battle reenactments and seasonal events.
Bolivar Heights
Site to five major battles the largest surrender of United States troops during the Civil War, Bolivar Heights is a majestic National Historic Park that is often visited during trips to Harpers Ferry. More engrained in history than traversed with hiking trails, this site has seen more Civil War action than most other battlefield, hosting both Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson several times. Jackson’s familiarity with the site gave him and his Confederate troops leverage on multiple occasions. Bolivar Heights was a main wagon supply route and campsite during the Civil War, hosting over 15,000 soldiers on its hills for 6 weeks following the Battle of Antietam. There’s just a lot of history to experience here and an easy excuse to get outside!
Whether you’re seeking history, adventure, or a peaceful escape in nature, Jefferson County in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, has something for everyone. These top outdoor activities provide a taste of the diverse and captivating experiences this region has to offer. Come and create more excitement of your own!
