Families and outdoor adventure-seekers find the perfect activities in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties
JEFFERSON COUNTY & BERKELEY COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA–MAY 2026–Jefferson County and Berkeley County, West Virginia, are just over an hour’s drive northwest of Washington, D.C., and have become a go-to escape from the city for those looking for easy access to outdoor adventure. The historic downtowns of Shepherdstown and Martinsburg offer local shops and restaurants as well as the perfect atmosphere for winding down after a day of outdoor adventures. Located between Interstates 81 and 70, this eastern panhandle destination is easily accessible by car via U.S. 340 and West Virginian Route 9 or by rail from Washington or Baltimore.
Activities here include whitewater rafting, tubing, zip lining, hiking, cycling and a brand-new waterpark. Visitors can cast a line on a swift-water river or picturesque lake. There’s even snow tubing for wintertime fun. And of course, some of the best hiking trails, including the famed Appalachian Trail, are here to explore. This combination of attractions and natural resources offers an incredible array of ways to enjoy the outdoor fun here.
Showcasing the region’s unique landscape, the new Harpers Ferry Waterpark (408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425; 304-535-2663) brings park adventure to a stunning quarry setting. The crystal-clear waters are the setting for an inflatable obstacle course, slides, climbing towers, monkey bars and more.
Quarry views are also a highlight of the experience at the new Great American Bungee Company (Old Standard Quarry, Peregrine Lane Entrance, Harpers Ferry, West Virgina, 25425; 304-202-3159). This high-flying attraction in Harpers Ferry dares visitors to take the plunge. The highlight for thrill-seekers is an extraordinary water-dip bungee jump, a chilling leap from 150 feet above the sparkling spring-fed waters.
River Riders Family Adventure Resort (408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425; 304-535-2663) is known for its array of adventures, including rafting, tubing and aerial fun. Visitors can spend the day on the river, where the adventure is exciting, but not extreme. There are guided and self-guided trips that appeal to both families and thrill seekers. For up-in-the-air fun, there is the zipline canopy tour featuring seven ziplines through the treetops, two sky bridges and an optional 50-foot free fall. The Aerial Adventure Park is for those who want to choose their own challenge and includes over 108 elements, making up nine courses with varying degrees of difficulty.
River & Trail Outfitters (99 Cary Lu Circle Unit 108, Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia 25425; 301-834-9950) offers tubing on three different Harpers Ferry tubing trips on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, from low-key float trips to whitewater tubing. They also have a variety of paddling trips to offer, as well as camping and cabin rentals on the Potomac.
The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers converge at Harpers Ferry. In addition to the amazing Harpers Ferry National Historic Park (171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425; 304-535-6029), this confluence is a hub for outdoor adventure. Along with the water adventures, hikers find exciting trails to explore here. Maryland Heights Trail is one of the area’s signature hikes and while the 4.5-mile, out-and-back climb is moderately strenuous, the payoff is a panoramic overlook above the rivers and historic lower town. This is also the heart of the Appalachian Trail. Where it crosses over the Potomac River is considered a symbolic halfway point of the AT, and is a popular place for visitors to enjoy a day hike on the famed route.
There is even more to explore on the more than 20 trails that cross the region. Many enjoy walking the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath or, just a short drive away, exploring the trails of the 22,000-acre Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area (Martinsburg, West Virginia 25411; 304-822-3551). The 10-mile Route 9 Bike Path is a scenic, multi-use trail that parallels the highway and passes by working farms, woodlands and a historic orchard area. The path connects the towns of Ranson and Martinsburg. Mountain bikers will prefer Poor House Farm Park (Poor House Road, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25403; 304-264-4842), with its 3.5-mile mountain bike trail. The park also has seven miles of hiking trails, along with other options for enjoying the outdoors.
Berkeley County is known for a different kind of trail adventure, too. It is known as the world’s top county for geocaching. Here explorers find an unforgettable adventure that offers more than 210 challenging caches for all experience levels. Two of the favorite ways to experience these innovative caches are by exploring Smart Caches of Berkeley County and Berkeley Gadgets geotrails. Geocachers are rewarded with a commemorative, trackable coin.
If you go
For those looking to take advantage of local knowledge and equipment, there are excellent options:
Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle (115 West German Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443; 304-876-3000) provides kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals from their location and hosts paddling trips on the Potomac River. For cyclists, they also have bicycle rentals and cycling trips to Harpers Ferry and along the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. The C&O towpath surface is, for the most part, an even, hard-packed dirt trail.