West Virginia
Nature|Hiking

Ghost Tours Of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Are The Spookiest Hikes You Can Take This Fall

Explore the haunted history of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, with a family-friendly ghost tour.

Published Sep 21, 2019

Written by 

Natalie Clunan

Halloween is right around the corner and if you love the holiday as much as we do, you're probably looking for some ways to embrace the scarier side of October. Take a spooky hike through the streets of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and uncover the haunted side of this historic town. Put on your walking shoes and get ready for a spine-tingling ghost tour to celebrate the season.

There's no doubt that Harpers Ferry is a wonderful town to explore. Bursting with captivating history, interesting architecture, and amazing scenery, visitors of all ages enjoy strolling the streets year-round.

alt
Wikimedia Commons/NPS Photo/Volunteer Photographer Shenandoah Sanchez

But a town as old as this one is bound to have a few skeletons (or ghosts) in its closet. The Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry brings the stories and legends of strange happenings and possible spirits to life.

advertisement
alt
TripAdvisor/Rob J

This guided hike has been taking place since the 1970s and is the oldest Ghost Tour in the nation. Join a knowledgeable historian and guide on a trip through the eerier side of town.

alt
TripAdvisor/Ditdew

The walk will take approximately 1 3/4 hours to complete with plenty of stops and storytelling along the way. It's also tame enough for the entire family to enjoy.

alt
TripAdvisor/Matt M

While there's no actual "ghost hunting" on the tour, visitors have been known to capture unexplained images on their cameras. Bring yours along and see what you can capture during the hike.

alt
TripAdvisor/ABillman

Ticket for the tour cost $14 for adults and $10 for kids ages 8-12. Children under 8 can take the ghost hike for free.

alt
TripAdvisor/ardenb16

Are you ready for a hair-raising walk through the streets of Harpers Ferry? It's the perfect way to enjoy an autumn evening.

alt
TripAdvisor/Sariah M

Learn more and purchase tickets on the Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry website. The tours take off from the piazza (front patio) of St. Peter's Catholic Church. Address: 100 Church Street, Harpers Ferry, WV, 25425

If you're not a fan of frights, these autumn hikes in the Mountain State will only take you to the most vibrant fall foliage.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Hiking

The Stunning Top-Secret Hiking Trail in West Virginia Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Uncover West Virginia’s hidden gem, the Hawk’s Nest Rail Trail—an easy hike with waterfalls, historic bridges, and stunning scenery. Perfect for all ages!

Published Sep 6, 2024

Written by 

Jasmine Vieau

I'm sure you've heard of Hawks Nest State Park, known for its aerial tram, scenic overlooks, huge cliffs, and jet boatrides. But often overlooked by visitors is the underrated and kind of top-secret Hawk's Nest Rail Trail. Have you heard of it?

advertisement
alt
Ali Majdfar/Moment via Getty Images

The Hawk's Nest Rail Trail is an easy to moderate, almost two-mile out-and-back trail (or about a four-mile round-trip) that starts near the Gift Shop and Nature Center at the base of Hawks Nest State Park, near the aerial tram, and ends close to the town of Ansted.

The trail follows Mill Creek down to the New River and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It's a popular trail for bikers, hikers, and runners due to its gradual incline and decline alongside the creek.

alt
Gary Mott/AllTrails

As you hike or bike along this trail, you'll encounter natural and historical landmarks that make it unique. You'll see beautiful waterfalls like the Mill Creek Falls, which is the largest of the many waterfalls dotted along the trail. There are also lots of spots for you or your pup to take a dip during the summer months - an added bonus!

alt
Bkamprath/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

I love trails with trestle bridges, and the Hawk's Nest Rail Trail will not disappoint with its two historic ones. The trestle bridges are a great place to stop and enjoy the scenery and maybe snap a few pictures. You might even get lucky and spot some wildlife along your trek, as it's pretty common to see around these parts.

alt
Haley Lambert/AllTrails

The trail also provides a look into West Virginia's history, as it used to be a railway for the Mill Creek Colliery Mining Company. You can still see parts of the old mine, such as the entrance and old objects, along the trail. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience, and this alone makes the trail worthwhile.

alt
Nate Gorman/AllTrails

On the trail, there are so many interactive signs and displays to check out, as well. You can even take part in the West Virginia Waterfall Trail by downloading a passport. As you visit waterfalls like Mill Creek Falls, you can earn prizes with a waterfall theme. It's a fun way to explore the area!

And if you visit the trail at the Ansted end, don't worry about parking; there is a small parking area at the main access point that makes it easy for you to start your hike or bike ride.

alt
Chris M/AllTrails

So, grab your outdoor gear and go explore the Mountain State - it's not referred to as Almost Heaven for nothing!

Have you hiked the Hawk's Nest Rail Trail? For more details about it, take a look at Hawk's Nest Rail Trail's official website. Are there any other hidden gem hiking trails you think I should know about? Let me know - I'd love to hear your recommendations and insider tips.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Hiking

Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail In West Virginia Leads To One Of The Most Scenic Views In The State

Discover the stunning Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail in West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park, offering breathtaking views and a short, accessible hike.

Updated Aug 15, 2024

Written by 

Clarisa

Have you been trying to fit more adventures into your travels where you have extra time? A stunning adventure can be had in many places in West Virginia, but the hiking trails at the New River Gorge National Park are something special. If you've been looking for a boardwalk trail that comes with stunning views, then you've found it at Canyon Rim Overlook. Why not bookmark this for a day when you're near the park and have a moment to spare? Adventures don't have to take a long time to be amazing.

advertisement

Today's adventure starts at the New River Gorge National Park. The Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail is a beautiful and short hike but contains some of the best scenery the state has to offer. Just take a look for yourself!

alt
Taylor Likens/AllTrails

It may be a short hike but it remains as one of the best hikes in New River Gorge. It was a favorite in our family.

The trail itself is less than a mile long, but this 0.6-mile hike is all about taking in the views, and not so much about endurance.

alt
Michael Flavin/AllTrails

A big part of the stunning scenery is the New River Gorge Bridge, and the views around it. Misty fog tumbles under the bridge, or flows over top of everything. When it's clear, there are trees as far as the eye can see that change colors with the season and make this a view worth revisiting.

alt
Abe Hartzier/AllTrails

The elevation gain is only 88 feet, but if you want to add more to your hike, there are connecting trails that will change the length and elevation on your adventure.

alt
Sairam Inguva/AllTrails

The beautiful scenery over the river is always a welcome sight. Since there are two paths you can take, the bottom path on the left is over 150 steps down to a different vantage point, and the one on the right is a flat path to a viewpoint that is easier on joints and mostly wheel friendly.

advertisement
alt
Kirk Larrabee/AllTrails

Even though much of the trail is paved or boardwalk paths, make sure to pack out everything you brought in, including food scraps. Keeping trails as natural as possible is a goal everyone should strive for. Happy hiking!

alt
Michael Flavin/AllTrails
alt
Sarah Dodge/ OnlyInYourState

We will finish off with one more view of this gorgeous spot. We hope it inspires you to visit and see the beautiful as much as we did when we took off on this glorious boardwalk trail. Trust us when we say the Canyon Rim Overlook in West Virginia is one of the best places to visit within our amazing national park.

If you'd like to bookmark this beautiful hike for a future trip, check out the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail page on AllTrails. There, you'll find a trail map, reviews, and even a local weather forecast. Make sure to check it before you head out, to make sure there aren't any surprise closings! This is a tool we have used many times and we never hit the trails without it. New River Gorge is such a beautiful place and well worth the trip no matter how far you have to travel to get here. Another great spot to see the bridge is on the Long Point Trail. If you would like to learn more about the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail check out this Adventuring in the Moment video where we hiked this very spot.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Food
Restaurants

Dine for Less Than $10 a Person at This Iconic Bar & Kitchen in Rhode Island

by Beth Price-Williams
on Sep 14
alt
Experiences
Attractions

This Drive-in Theater and Flea Market in Connecticut Is the Epitome of Americana

by Lisa Sammons
on Sep 14
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Parking Lot for This Stunning Lake Hike in New York Is Packed Almost Every Day

by Raymond Goldfield
on Sep 14
alt
Food
Restaurants

The Off-The-Beaten-Path Restaurant In New York That Is Worth The Day Trip

by Raymond Goldfield
on Sep 14
alt
Stays
Bed & Breakfasts

Step Into A Seaside Paradise At This Cozy And Enchanting Cafe In New Jersey

by Raymond Goldfield
on Sep 14
alt