Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, offers challenging rapids for whitewater rafters. The city is located where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia meet, and where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers collide. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park offers hiking trails, biking trails and scenic routes for visitors looking for other ways to stay active. Expect temperatures to drop below 20 degrees in the winter, but pack light during the summer when temperatures reach the mid 80s.
Where to Raft in Harpers Ferry
Located less than two miles from Harpers Ferry is the historic Shenandoah River. The Shenandoah has been referenced by songwriters, playwrights and historians. Today, the river offers rafters class 1 through 3 rapids. The Potomac River is also located in Harpers Ferry. The majority of the river is in the state of Maryland; however, the headwaters of the river can be found on the boarder of Washington, D.C., and the state of Virginia. Other West Virginia rivers are the New, Gauley, Cheat and Tygart rivers. The New River is one of the oldest rivers in North America, according to the National Park Service. The upper portion of the Gauley River is a Class 4 or 5, and is highly technical with machine gun rapids and narrow chutes. The Cheat River offers Class 3, 4 and 5 rafting when the snow melts during the spring. If you're looking for a calmer rafting experience, the Tygart is your best choice with Class 3 rapids.
Whitewater Ratings and Safety
Rafting the whitewater of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is tricky, so most visitors raft with experienced guides. Rivers are given grades based on how easy or challenging rapids are. Class 1 signifies small rough areas, which require only slight maneuvering. As you move up in river classes you will encounter more rough areas and technical maneuvering. A Class 6 is so dangerous that it is almost impossible to navigate safely. Rapids in West Virginia are ranked between Class 1 and Class 5.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is located where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers meet. The park covers 4,000 acres, and provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are biking trails, hiking trails and scenic walking routes. Visitors can fish and boat in the area as well.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs from the state of Georgia to the state of Maine. The four miles that run through Harpers Ferry have been designated as the midpoint of the trail. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters is also located in Harpers Ferry.The Appalachian Trail has been written about in numerous memoirs, and has been the focus of many fan websites. Thousands of hikers visit the trail each year.
Planning Your Stay
Local campgrounds and hotels offer accommodations for those who want to extend their stay. There are two campgrounds located within four miles of the Shenandoah River. If you prefer to stay at a hotel, there are a few options located less than 10 miles from the river. Consider the season, air temperature and water temperature when packing for your trip. In the summer the temperature ranges between 78 and 85 degrees. In the winter you can expect the temperature to be around 30 degrees during the day, and below 20 degrees at night. Outfitting companies will require that you wear appropriate shoes while whitewater rafting. Sandals that wrap around the ankles, old sneakers or water shoes are required. If you do not own a wetsuits or splash top, you can be rent one at the river.
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