IF YOU GO ...
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, 767 Shenandoah St., Harpers Ferry, W.Va. 25425; 1-304-535-6029. https://www.nps.gov/hafe/ index.htm
Visitors are encouraged to park at the main Visitor Center at 171 Shoreline Drive and ride the shuttle bus into Lower Town. There is parking at the Harpers Ferry Train Station, but space is limited.
Accommodations:
Light Horse Inn, three bedrooms; guests have use of the dining room, living room and kitchen. Hearty hot breakfast is served at 9 each morning. It’s an easy three-quarter-mile walk to Lower Town, although it’s a steady climb going back. You can park your bikes in the basement. ($170/night) 1084 Washington St., Bolivar, W.Va. 25425; 1-877-468-4236
Behind the inn, The Barn is open 4 to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and for special events. Offers craft beers and full bar.
Restaurants:
Bisou Bistro, one of the best restaurants here in a charming 1790s stone house that has served as a military hospital, military barracks, antique store, stained-glass studio, boarding house and Montessori school. It serves New Orleans Cajun and Creole French cuisine. Each patron can choose a book to take home from one of its three bookcases. (I got a $50 photo book on the national parks). 1226 W. Washington St., Harpers Ferry, W.Va. 25425; thebisoubistro.com
The Anvil, full restaurant and bar. This is just a few steps from Bisou Bistro. 1290 W. Washington St., Harpers Ferry, W. Va. 25424. 1-304-535-2582; www.anvilrestaurant.com/
While it’s a little tricky walking your bike down the metal spiral staircase from the footbridge to the towpath, there’s an easy ramp that takes you to the Shepherdstown Bridge that crosses the Potomac into town. The towpath is not as well groomed as the Great Allegheny Passage, but it’s a beautiful ride along the river. In Shepherdstown, you’ll find plenty of kayaking, tubing and rafting opportunities as well as great restaurants and shops on German Street.
There are many other hiking routes in the area—Maryland Heights, steep and rocky in places, 4.5 or 6.5 miles round trip, 3-4 hours; Loudoun Heights, difficult, steep and rocky in places, 7.5 miles round trip, 4-5 hours; and several easy, moderate hikes.