The Charming Mountain Town With Access to America’s Most Iconic Hiking Trail

Exactly halfway down the nearly 3,000-mile Appalachian Trail, trekkers will encounter the idyllic town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Located in the Eastern Panhandle Region, this picturesque village is way more than a rest stop in one of the least popular states along the route from Maine to Georgia. It’s a golden opportunity to relish natural beauty with family, friends, and pets in tow.

Harpers Ferry takes travelers centuries back in time to experience an area rich in early American history. This storied town offers seemingly endless on-site lessons in colonial and Civil War-era history. Add on sweeping views of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers flanked by the surrounding forest and you’ve got a beautiful landscape for adventures with your furry friend.

With pet-friendly hiking, boating, and even educational experiences, Harper’s Ferry is a small town that’s ideal for an adventurous weekend getaway. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip for you and Fido to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Editor’s Note: Although we love animals of all kinds, the park’s commitment to the preservation of its natural wildlife and expansive property means that pets must be leashed, stay on trail at all times, and some sensitive areas remain off-limits to animals. Also, since trails are often packed and water stations are few and far between, dogs that are well-behaved and used to going long distances (or can be carried) will enjoy the experience most. Service animals are always welcome.

1 hour and 15 minutes from Washington, DC
1 hour from Baltimore, Maryland

Even if you can only explore a short portion of the Appalachian Trail, make a point to do so while you’re in Harpers Ferry to experience this iconic pathway. The Appalachian Trail Visitor Center provides updates about the daily weather and offers personalized insight into various accessible, local day hikes. The visitor center also serves as a home base for thru-hikers, who can use the building’s shared fridge, free WiFi, and other facilities. Plus, attendees can peruse yearly guest books bound with hundreds of photos of folks who’ve stopped along their journey on the trail while passing through town.

One of the most popular day hikes is the Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry hike, a steep 4.5-mile trek with a little more than 1,000 feet in elevation. A dazzling reward awaits those who make it to the top: stunning views of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, and the smattering of scenic,1800s-era buildings below. Dogs are welcome on Maryland Heights, as long as they are leashed for the duration of your hike.

Jefferson Rock is a famous landmark accessible via a short hike along the Appalachian Trail. This is known to be a spot where Thomas Jefferson himself stood hundreds of years ago (which isn’t a surprise because the views this perch provides of the Shenandoah River and the mountains are awe-inspiring). Just be sure not to climb on the rock itself because it’s not completely stable. And though it may be tempting to snap a cute photo of your dog following in Jefferson’s footsteps, pets must be leashed at all times. Unfortunately, they’re not allowed on the rock either.

Another popular hiking path in Harpers Ferry is the 185-mile Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (abbreviated to the C&O Canal Towpath), which was initially built so mules could walk beside the canal as they towed items like lumber, coal, and farming goods via this essential waterway connecting Washington, DC, to Cumberland, Maryland. Today, it has been preserved and transformed into a popular recreational trail paralleling the Potomac. This well-cared-for, flat dirt and stone track runs along the water—and outdoor enthusiasts can use the path to walk, run, or bike while enjoying the outdoor space. A majority of the canal is open to pets, just make sure to avoid Billy Goat Trail Section A and the overlook trail to Great Falls if you’re accompanied by a furry friend.

In Lower Town, folks can admire striking river views and enjoy access to the open-air exhibits of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which are open year-round. Dogs are welcomed in all outdoor areas of the park but cannot ride on the park shuttle or enter park buildings.

History buffs can’t miss the incredibly well-preserved historic landmark, John Brown’s Fort. Built in 1848 as the Armory’s fire engine and guard house, the fort was the site of the famous raid by abolitionist John Brown during an attempted, ultimately unsuccessful slave revolt in 1859. During the Civil War, this well-preserved building was used as a prison and building to store weapons like ammunition and explosives. Take a tour of the building to learn about this moment in American history; just be aware that while our four legged-friends are allowed on the property, they may not enter the building itself.

Outside of the Lower Town historic area, bring your pet on a drive up to Bolivar Heights—a scenic spot to see the entire Shenandoah Valley from above, and become educated on one of the most impactful battles of the Civil War (it was the site of the largest surrender of Union troops).

There’s also the Murphy-Chambers Farm Trail—a flat, easily walkable pathway and another spot where visitors can learn about the Civil War conflict. The path meanders through a lush field, leading to a beautiful overlook of the Shenandoah River with signs along the way offering intel on the Civil War conflicts that took place here. It’s the perfect spot for an easy hike with our senior four-legged friends.

Those who seek a more mellow activity can simply stroll down the whimsical cobblestone-lined “Lower Town” streets and soak in the picturesque Victorian-style buildings housing shops that sell trinkets. Don’t miss The Vintage Lady if you’re into boutique goodies like jewelry, literature, and hand-blown glass goods. And those with a sweet tooth must check out True Treats—a “research-based” candy store that’s home to more than 500 hand-picked retro teas, candies, and confections.

For beer and burgers: With a sports bar, large beer selection, live music, and a video lottery, White Horse Tavern has it all. Stop by during their daily happy hour, sip on a drink special, and order burgers for you and your dog to eat on their pet-friendly patio.

For plant-based fuel: If you’re spending most of your trip in hiking boots but prefer caring for animals to eating them, you’ll need plenty of veg-friendly chances to dine and unwind too. That’s where Kelley Farm Kitchen comes in. The Upper Town establishment offers a range of vegan and gluten-free options that are fresh and filling for you and accommodating of your pet.

For a bite downtown: Only a few years old, The Rabbit Hole Gastropub offers one of the largest beer selections in the area, an expansive food menu with highlights including a keto-friendly CBD-infused salad and a vegetarian crabless “crab cake” sandwich, and views of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Their pet-friendly patio is an ideal spot to eat oysters and take in dazzling views of the beautiful surrounding landscape.

For some zen: The romantic Hillbrook Inn and Spa in Charles Town is a charming bed and breakfast with 19 guest rooms across five buildings. Indulge in some much-needed, post-hike R&R with a facial or massage at the spa before embarking on a guided wine tour with a Hillbrook chauffeur. Four of the inn’s rooms and both of its ponds welcome pets. Plus, pet-friendly rates include a “Doggy Bag” of disposable waste bags, an extra towel, and a special surprise treat.

For a prime location: The Town’s Inn is a cozy and welcoming place to stay. This property consists of two pre-Civil War stone residences that welcome guests worn out from long bike rides and day-long shopping excursions. But quaint doesn’t mean cookie-cutter: Each building contains guest rooms with individually unique designs and furniture, like the moody blue-hued Potomac suite and the 1840 — a preservationist’s dream blending cottagecore and homesteading aesthetics. Dating back to 1820, the Mountain House sits next door to its younger sibling from 1840, the Heritage House. The Inn is built into the side of a hill right in the heart of Lower Town, Harpers Ferry’s historic market district, making local shop and dining options, the river, and National Historic Park exhibits easily accessible on foot. Pets are welcome to stay in two of the inn’s eight rooms; however, they are not allowed on the furniture.

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