Post by @oliviel, @shawn.rice1

Let me start by saying, we were pleasantly surprised by our weekend in West Virginia. Despite what people may think of West Virginia (WV), don't be fooled by its reputation; the state is a perfect place to admire the outdoors. From the high Appalachian Mountain peaks to the windy rivers like the Potomac River, the "Wild, Wonderful" State will not disappoint.

Just a short hour drive from DC, Harper's Ferry, lies at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah River which also intersects with the Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia borders. Nestled in the West Virginian foliage Haper's Ferry is actually part of a National Park. It offers a wide variety of activities and events for all ages (keep in mind that Covid-19 affects the calendar of events).

1. Hike the Maryland Heights Trail

Located across the Potomac River in front of Harper's Ferry main street, the trail offers the best views of the town and of both rivers. Be warned, this hike can be challenging for some. The National Park Service classifies the trail as moderate to strenuous. Depending on where you depart, the trail is 7.2 - 10.5 km (4.5 - 6.5 miles) round trip, which should take you about 3 - 4 hours. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and snacks, especially in the summer as it can get quite hot and humid. We recommend doing this first thing in the morning before it gets too hot.

Pro tip: It can be very hard to find parking. The few parking options that once existed at the trail-head have been blocked off by park officials. Instead, try parking in the historic city center, which has more options. From the city center, you can easily cross the pedestrian bridge into Maryland and find the trail-head.

2. Enjoy the Potomac River

After that scenic hike, you'll be ready to cool down. There is no better place to cool down than in the Potomac River! There are many ways for you to enjoy the river. You could go tubing down rapids, float down a stream, or just head to a beach and jump in for a swim.

We chose to whitewater tube, it was a great experience. The rapids are not too fast or slow, however, depending on the recent rainfall the rapids will be anywhere between class I-III rapids. The whole journey takes 2-4 hours, depending on how quickly the water is flowing and how fast you paddle. There are many companies you can choose from that operate in the Harper's Ferry area.

These companies offer many other adventures for you to choose from such as Ziplining or Flatwater tubing. A simple google search and you'll find many companies that operate these activities.

3. Time for some food

At this time you must be starving, at least we were! Harper's Ferry itself has some food options, but if you are willing to do a 10-15 minute drive to an absolutely fabulous town called Shepherdstown, you'll get even better options! This small West Virginia town will undoubtedly surprise you. From its LGBTQ flags to its quaint bistros and quirky bookshops, there is lots to explore and eat.

We had dinner at Bistro 112, a french bistro on the main street. It was tasty and affordable. Highly recommend it for a fun experience right in the heart of the action. If you're looking for a laid back vibe with outside dining try Blue Moon Cafe. The outside garden with its stream of water flowing through it was quite relaxing after a long day.

You can easily spend a whole weekend in this area so plan accordingly. You will need plenty of time to explore the national parks and quaint West Virginia towns! We loved it so much that we are already planning the next getaway there!