The Eastern Panhandle is a hub of outdoor recreation - home to everything from river paddling to iconic hiking trails.
Within close proximity of the Eastern Panhandle you'll find 100 paddling runs, 1,400 climbing routes, nearly 200 mountain bike trails and access to 7 different ski areas.
There are plenty of opportunities for hikers to go for a short stroll or an invigorating multi-mile trek. In fact, the famous Appalachian Trail runs right through Harpers Ferry, near the headquarters and visitor center of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The four mile out and back hike to Maryland Heights Cliff is popular for good reason: the view of Harpers Ferry and the Shenandoah Valley is exceptional! Take breaks on the steep climb to learn about Civil War history.
It’s common to see serious cyclists out enjoying the terrain in Jefferson County. There are also plenty of opportunities for hikers to go for a short stroll or an invigorating multi-mile trek. In the heart of Shepherdstown, Pedal & Paddle rents equipment and runs guided historic cycling tours on the C & O Canal Towpath and to neighboring Harpers Ferry.
If golf is your passion, we have championship courses that you will love and will challenge players of all skill levels. In beautiful Cacapon Resort State Park, you will find courses that are rated some of the best designed in the United States. The Club at Cress Creek is located in the heart of Shepherdstown and is surrounded by a beautiful residential community. Stop by Poor House Farm Park in Martinsburg for 18-holes of disc golf. Each course is set in the beautiful backdrop of our mountain towns.
Boating, rafting, tubing and kayaking are popular activities with multiple entry points to the Potomac River and its tributaries in and around the Eastern Panhandle. In Harpers Ferry, the outfitter River Riders has you covered for just about any adventure, from cycling to a treetop challenge course. But in this town defined by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, you must get on the water. River Riders whitewater rafting trips conquer class I-III rapids. Slow down with River Riders’ Shenandoah float – a ride so mild, you can bring a picnic. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed day with your toes in the sand, Cacapon Resort State Park has lakefront swimming and kayaking.
Make Harpers Ferry your hub for fishing in Jefferson County. This town situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers promises productive fishing – especially if you’re after smallmouth bass. In fact, Fly Fisherman magazine named both rivers to its top 10 for surface fly-fishing the species. Surround yourself by mountains in the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management area in Berkeley County, where largemouth bass and bluegill are prevalent and boating is welcome.
