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    Cool Spring Preserve

    4.7 (6 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

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    Rock Cairn
    Victor H.

    Happened to be in Charlestown so figured I'd stop here to get some steps in and enjoy the scenes of nature. Good amount of trails here along with a small playground for kids. The rocks and benches along the creek give a nice touch. Best to catch this spot during a sunny day; if it rains, watch out.

    John B.

    I often drive through the country wishing that there was some public land amongst the endless farms. This is it; you can see and hear farm animals on both sides, but this little strip of land offers a (currently closed) nature center and playground and a set of trails from which you can hear and see the cows and chickens of neighboring farms on either side. I stopped looking for a place to eat dinner but walked along the stream as well, catching some nice views on a beautiful evening. The area feels more like the western part of Virginia, but is actually in West Virginia, which apparently is not all mountains. It isn't huge or grand, but it's a nice little preserve that keeps some land open to the public.

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    Jefferson Rock

    Jefferson Rock

    4.6
    (12 reviews)
    11.6 mi

    An interesting story and a nice view above Harper's Ferry…read moreJefferson Rock is one of the highlights of Harpers Ferry. It gives a good mix of history, scenery, and a bit of historic adventure that personifies the town. The hike to the rock takes you up the hillside, passing by the iconic St. Peter's Catholic Church along the way. The path itself is fairly manageable, and most sections have railings, but once you reach the rock the protection stops. Because of this, I would recommend the visit only for those who are sure-footed and comfortable with uneven ground, as the drop-offs can be intimidating without barriers. The payoff, however, is worth the effort. From a position next to the rock you get a sweeping view of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, as well as the historic town of Harpers Ferry nestled below. The vantage point is both dramatic and peaceful, giving you a sense of why, according to the stories, Thomas Jefferson, during his travels, found this very spot so moving that it now bears his name. For those who wish to explore more, you can continue on the trail past Jefferson Rock and make your way to the Appalachian trail, which adds another layer of history to the walk. The informational sign could use a little care but, overall, this is a scenic and meaningful stop, best enjoyed with good shoes and sure footing. Enjoy.

    Rock formation on ApplachainTrail, a short distance from lower town of Harpers Ferry, yet a steep…read moreand very uneven climb to get there - be careful. The rock/area is famous for Thomas Jefferson standing there in 1783 and stating "worth a voyage across the Atlantic." It is a breath taking view! You pass the remains of St Johns Episcopol church and St Peters Church along the way. Worth the walk!

    Photos
    The rock and the other rock
    The rock and the other rock
    Jefferson Rock
    Steps to rock

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    Steps to rock
    Shenandoah River State Park

    Shenandoah River State Park

    4.5
    (55 reviews)
    34.1 mi

    Often times, the national parks get the best territory and the states get leftovers. However, the…read moreShenandoah River State Park, down the mountain from well known Skyline Drive and its accompanying federal parkland, is by no means inferior. A rural drive leads to a visitor center, trails, an overlook, river access, and campgrounds. I had time for only a brief visit, but the views were majestic. It would be an excellent place to return for a hike. As with most of Virginia's state parks, there is a modest entrance fee, but I'm sure it's well worth it.

    I travel and stay at a lot of parks during the course of the year, and I have only repeated a few…read moreof them. This location is incredible, rich with things to do, views to see, and adventures to have with enough time. The cabins are gorgeous, fair warning that there is no television, but honestly who cares?! I had great phone signal which almost never happens on these excursions, and I loved making a fire in my fireplace and sitting on the porch with coffee for sunrise, which I could see from Cabin 11. This cabin also was at the end and felt private, even though I could see my neighbors (who had set up Christmas lights! How fun!) There's also a wonderful hiking trail right by these cabins, 10 and 11, the Red Tail Ridge, that was semi-short (2.5 miles or so if desired to create a loop with Big Oak) and had views of the river and Shenandoah valley below!

    Photos
    Night time setup at campsite
    Night time setup at campsite
    Trail is easy to walk and well marked
    Trail is easy to walk and well marked
    Scenic Overlook Red Tail Ridge

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    Scenic Overlook Red Tail Ridge
    Sweet Run State Park

    Sweet Run State Park

    3.8
    (4 reviews)
    11.3 mi

    I can't believe I'm Yelping less than a 5 for a VA State Park. Only the one I gave less than a 5 is…read moreCeledon. Ultra boring. Hiking on gravel for miles. * I was excited for this new park because it is in a mountainous location. Just mere minutes from Harper's Ferry. I figured, like sky Meadows, it would connect with the Appalachian Trail, but no. It doesn't. My friend and I started out on our journey going up up up...I was excited..but there was nothing. No beautiful views, no wildlife, saw 2 guys riding horses, that's about it. Let me say I don't go hiking for the scenery anyway, but 3 trails we took went over water where there was no crossing! We had to hike back 3 times on three different trails due to no crossings over the large creek. If it were just me I'd splash right through it, I really don't care about getting wet and dirty but my friend is a bit unsteady at times and she doesn't trust walking on rocks to get to the other side. We did a lot of back tracking. :( Why have hiking trails that lead to a large creek and you have no crossing? Didn't say that on the map either. We just kept turning back around. Not cool. There were 2 bridges we crossed but the other three had none. Just put 2 by 4's across the small part. Help people out. *I will say the paths were very well maintained and on most paths, a baby stroller could be used as needed. Very nice trails. I don't think I would come back though. It was under whelming. (My 24th VA State Park) checked in online to sign into the park for the trail guide program to earn a pin.

    Great new state park. The park is still currently under development. It features expansive views of…read morethe Blue Ridge Mountains. Sweet Run and Piney Run streams bisect the property. The property includes eleven miles of hiking and nine miles of equestrian trails along streams, through mature forest, meadows and mountain-side terrain, and has a picnic pavilion and nature play area for children. Parking current is limited. 884 total acres. Not far from Harpers Ferry Brewing and Breaux Winery if you want to grab a drink after hiking.

    Photos
    One of 2 crossings we did have on the trails.
    One of 2 crossings we did have on the trails.
    Sweet Run State Park
    Baby stroller friendly for the most part. Well maintained trails.

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    Baby stroller friendly for the most part. Well maintained trails.

    Cool Spring Preserve - hiking - Updated June 2026

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