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River Riders, Inc
408 Alstadts Hill Rd
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
800-326-7238
304-535-2663
304-535-2610 (fax)
trips@riverriders.com
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Attractions
in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Other things to see and do on your trip to Harpers Ferry
Parks and Preserves
Take a walk through time as you visit the historical town of Harpers Ferry. This unique place made its mark when abolitionist John Brown staged his raid on the U.S. Arsenal there setting off a chain of events that resulted in the Civil War. The park is actually a collection of many small museums created within original buildings. It is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, and it has many beautiful hiking trails. It offers a schedule of events all year long, with costumed interpreters providing daily tours throughout the summer and on weekends in the fall and spring. Visit the sight where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers converge and Jefferson Rock. There is something for everyone to experience. Educational & Group Tours welcome. Handicapped accessible.
From Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail wanders the ridges and valleys of the Appalachian mountain ranges for more than 2,174 miles.
The Appalachian Trail passes through the historic town of Harpers Ferry, within just a quarter-mile of the ATC headquarters and visitor center, providing opportunities to explore the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and its interpretive exhibits.
From the north, the Appalachian Trail enters West Virginia at Harpers Ferry by way of a footbridge over the Potomac River.
As it leaves the town heading south, the Appalachian Trail follows a wooded ridge above the Shenandoah River, passing Jefferson Rock overlook, with impressive views of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Next it crosses the Shenandoah River, ascending the Blue Ridge at Loudoun Heights, and straddling the Virginia-West Virginia border for the next fifteen miles.
Stretching 184.5 miles along the Potomac River between Washington, D.C. and Cumberland, Maryland, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park preserves remains of America's colorful canal era. For nearly a century, the C&O Canal was the lifeline for communities and businesses along the Potomac, as coal, lumber, grain, and other agricultural products gently floated down the canal to market. This magnificent water highway linked the rapidly growing west to the east and played an important role in the growth and development of our country.
Hiking and biking along the towpath are excellent ways to see the park.
The designation of a Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail corridor in 1983, an amendment to the National Trails System Act, is being used by communities in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania to develop and make connections among trails, historic sites and a range of recreational and educational opportunities.
Berkeley Springs State Park is located in the center of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. The Bathhouse first opened in 1930. Since then, thousands have enjoyed the variety of baths and treatments in the warm mineral waters that flow from the springs at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit. The springs discharge from five principle sources and numerous lesser ones, all within a hundred yards, approximately 2,000 gallons of clear, sparkling water per minute. Bathing in the springs has been popular since before the days of George Washington.
A world of enchantment awaits you along the Washington Heritage Trail, in West Virginia's scenic Eastern Panhandle.
Discover places where George Washington slept... the nation's first warm springs spa...
and a notorious female Confederate spy.
Here, five 18th-century towns and surrounding wilderness continue to be a favorite destination for family getaways and romantic weekends.
Citizens in the Potomac Heritage Trail corridor are rediscovering history and reclaiming access to rivers and other outdoor places.
GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE'S first invasion of the North culminated with the Battle of Antietam, in Maryland (or Sharpsburg, as the South called it). The battle took place on Wednesday, September 17, 1862, just 18 days after the Confederate victory at Second Manassas, 40 miles to the southeast in Virginia.
Not only was this the first major Civil War engagement on Northern soil, it was also the bloodiest single day battle in American history.
To view the magnitude of the losses, consider that Antietam resulted in nine times as many Americans killed or wounded (23,000 soldiers) as took place on June 6, 1944--D-day, the so-called "longest day" of World War II.* Also consider that more soldiers were killed and wounded at the Battle of Antietam than the deaths of all Americans in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, and Spanish-American War combined.
This 104-acre refuge is operated by The Nature Conservancy of West Virginia and The Potomac Valley Audubon Society, offering nature trails, bird-watching, public events, and a summer camp for youngsters.
Sleepy Creek is a haven for rustic camping, hiking, fishing and hunting (wild turkey is the featured game species). The area, which also has a 205-acre lake, a boat launch and a rifle range, is traversed by a section of the challenging 250-mile Tuscarora Trail. Located 11 miles west of Martinsburg and 6 miles southeast of Berkeley Springs. No gas-powered boats.
A destination resort with lodge, cabins, conference facilities, family restaurant, a lake for fishing, boating and swimming, an 18-hole, championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. On Rt. 522, 9 miles south of Berkeley Springs. Tel: 1-800-CALLWVA
Shopping
The Prime Outlets provides more than 450,000 square feet of famous brand names at great prices. You will find more than 100 designer and specialty outlet stores featuring men's, women's and children's apparel, housewares, electronics, gifts, shoes and other accessories. (45 minutes from Harpers Ferry)
Visit the oldest town in West Virginia and the site of James Rumsey's first successful demonstration of a steam powered boat in 1787. Shepherdstown was an open-air hospital during the Civil War, especially after the Battle of Antietam. It is home to the Contemporary American Theater Festival and the Rumsey Regatta Festival. This quaint town is popular for its trendy shops, jewelry stores, art galleries, bakeries, and restaurants. For more information contact the Shepherdstown Visitors Center at 304-876-2786.
(304) 867-3647
Kidwiler Rd, Rt. 3 Box 840, Harpers Ferry WV 25425
Visit Ridgefield Farm and Orchard near historic Harpers Ferry, WV to experience the harvests and capture the mood of the seasons. Discover the satisfaction of picking your own apples and pumpkins in the natural beauty of our farm setting. Share the fun of cutting your own Christmas tree with your family and friends. If your time is limited, all of these freshly harvested products are also available at our farm market. Open from mid-July until years end.
Fairs and Festivals
Approximately 200 craftpersons, previously selected for the high quality of their products, will be selling and demonstrating their wares at this nationally acclaimed festival.
Enjoy the many varieties of food that are available along with the best in live Bluegrass entertainment.
From humble beginnings in 1953 at the Charles Town Turf Club, the Jefferson County Fair is poised to meet the growing interest and needs in Jefferson County and surrounding area. In late August, everyone looks forward to this seven-day event that could not be a success without the untiring dedication of hundreds of volunteers.
Dedicated to producing and developing new American theater, the Contemporary American Theater Festival is one of America’s most vital new play development centers. Since 1991 CATF has produced 50 new plays, including 17 world premieres. The Festival has showcased new works by leading playwrights including Sam Shepard, Joyce Carol Oates, John Patrick Shanley, Lisa Loomer, Lee Blessing, Richard Dresser and many others.
Racing and Gambling
800-795-7001
P.O. Box 551, Rt. 340, Charles Town, WV 25414
Enjoy live horse racing year round in this newly renovated facility. Also visit the new Silver Screen Gaming Complex featuring 1500 slot machines. Open seven days a week! Monday -Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 a.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., & Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Check the web page for the racing schedule, group packages, special events and much more. Charles Town Races offers free admission, free parking, free entertainment on most Friday & Saturday nights, and free sign up for the exclusive Players' Choice Club for racing and slot fans. Charles Town Races is the closest and most convenient slot facility to the Washington, D.C. metro area. Non-smoking areas are available in the gaming and racing areas during all hours of operation.
Road racing for sports cars, motorcycles, and karts.
High Performance driving schools.
Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, and other sports car club events.
Theatre
Charles Town, WV 25414
Phone: (304) 725-4420
Golf
Sleepy Hollow
Charles Town, WV 25414
PHONE: (304) 725-5210
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