Within West Virginia, Jefferson County ranks at the top for tourism. According to a 2019 analysis prepared for Secretary Ruby by national economic consultants Dean Runyan Associates, tourism in Jefferson County supported more than 7,000 jobs, brought more than $840 million in direct spending, and generated $10.5 million in local government tax revenues. And the region is positioned to attract even more tourism in the years ahead. Read the Full Story >>
hiking
Visit Our Local Parks
With gasoline prices climbing, it makes more sense than ever to take advantage of nearby recreation options. Fortunately, there is no shortage of national wilderness areas and parks within a short drive from Jefferson County. And you can stretch your dollar even farther by taking advantage of discounted or free access passes from the National Park Service. Read the Full Story >>
A Trails Less Traveled Hike — February 26
From John Brown to W.E.B. DuBois, Harpers Ferry has been a prominent stage for American history. Join this upcoming guided hike to see this history up close. Read the Full Story >>
Nash Farm Hike at Harpers Ferry National Park – NOV 6
he Harpers Ferry Park Association’s upcoming “Trails Less Traveled” hike features a 2.5 mile walk from Bolivar Heights to the Nash Farm inside Harpers Ferry National Park. Read the Full Story >>
Babes In Backpacks — NOV 3
n a PVAS naturalist at Cool Spring Preserve this month for a hike specifically designed for adults with young children. This event offers parents the opportunity to exercise and socialize with other adults while giving kids the chance to explore and learn about nature. Read the Full Story >>
Family-Friendly & Accessible Walks
There are plenty of options for easy walking adventures in and around Jefferson County. The Observer staff has highlighted some local and regional parks, trails, and nature preserves that offer fun, family-friendly, and often ADA-accessible trails. Read the Full Story >>
CASA Online Fundraising Challenge, Oct 1-31
CASA of the Eastern Panhandle is hosting its second Superhero Challenge to raise support for the most vulnerable children across the region. Unlike a normal road race during which hundreds or thousands of runners gather on the same path at the same time, the CASA-EP Superhero Challenge can be completed at your own pace, in your own way, and wherever you go. Run, walk, hike, bike, and get active however you like to support this activity challenge throughout the month of October. Join the fun on your own, with your kids, friends, or colleagues, and get active for a good cause. Read the Full Story >>
Learn About Owls – OCT 15
This evening bird watching hike will be led by Amy Moore, Lead Teacher and Naturalist at the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Learn how owls have adapted to their unique lifestyle, study owl specimens up close, and learn how to identify owls by their calls. Read the Full Story >>
Halloween Hike – OCT 22
The “Trail of Bones'' hike is a family-friendly event hosted by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society at the Cool Springs Nature Preserve. Read the Full Story >>
“Bark Ranger Walk” At Harpers Ferry — May 22
The Harpers Ferry Park Association organizes monthly hikes in and around historic Harpers Ferry WV. The May “Bark Ranger Walk” on Saturday May 22 starts at 10 am and is a 3.5 mile easy walk exploring the Armory Canal Trail and Virginius Island on Saturday May 22. Read the Full Story >>
Wildflower Walk At Ferry Hill — May 1
Join volunteer naturalists for a walk on the trails of Ferry Hill Ridge Trail (across the river from Shepherdstown) and the nearby C&O Canal. This walk is scheduled to coincide with the later spring wildflower season. Read the Full Story >>
Family Hike At Cool Spring
Bring your family for an evening guided hike at Cool Spring Preserve and learn about these wondrous amphibians and listen for their unique symphony! Read the Full Story >>
Harpers Ferry Park Association Celebrates with Hikes in 2021
The Harpers Ferry Park Association (HFPA) is organizing monthly hikes led by experienced guides to walk, explore and learn about the park. Read the Full Story >>
Outdoor Fun Around the Eastern Panhandle
Here in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, we are blessed with an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. When The Observer asked, we jumped at the chance to spotlight a few of our favorite activities for the fall. Read the Full Story >>
Why Would a Woman Hike the Entire Appalachian Trail at 50? Why Not?
In the spring of 2012, Shepherdstown resident Annie Wisecarver decided to celebrate a milestone event—her 50th birthday—by setting off on a six-month, 2,000-mile-plus hike. You might have heard of the place: the Appalachian Trail. Read the Full Story >>