Field Trips: Harper’s Ferry

Many parts of West Virginia peak their fall colors in the first few weeks of October.  We’ll be visiting Harper’s Ferry after what would be considered peak season, but that’s okay.  The sun will be lower in the sky and that can help accentuate textures and create interesting light and shadows in and around town.  This field trip may be a black and white photographer’s bread and butter, so to speak.

What: 

Architecture photographers may find St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church interesting.  The church appears to be open now so feel free to go inside.  Landscape photographers may find sweeping vista shots from locations higher up like Jefferson Rock.  Those same photographers looking for more of a workout may try for the Maryland Heights trail (accessible via B&O Railroad Bridge) which takes you to a commanding view of the town.  The trail takes a few hours to complete, but it can be rewarding.  Of course, there’s all the alley ways and nooks and crannies around the downtown area.  There are lots of attractions just outside town as well including Piney Run Waterfall at Potoma Wayside Park so consider snooping around the area before you leave for the day.  For this field trip, we’ll concentrate around downtown.

Sunrise  6:52 a.m. (EST)
Sunset  4:58 p.m. (EST)

Equipment:

• 24-70mm is my favorite walk about lens and will serve you well in these conditions.
• 70-200mm is another favorite for landscapes, candid street photography, and detail shots.
• Tripods are welcome
• Bring a mask if you plan to use the shuttle or go into any buildings. You can bring water or buy a bottle from a shop.

When:

Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 9:30am – 12pm
Rain date on Sunday, November 14, 2021 from 9:30am – 12pm

Where:

We’ll gather at Arsenal Square at 9:30am.  The drive from Alexandria to Harper’s Ferry is about 80 minutes by way of I-495, I-270, and Rt.340.

Unlike many other parks operated by the NPS, Harper’s Ferry has an entrance fee of $20 per car ($10 per individual).  You can also get in with a Harpers Ferry Annual Pass ($35) or an Annual (aka inter-agency) Park Pass ($80, with discounts for Seniors and Military).

See https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm for more information on passes.

Limited parking is available downtown.  Your best bet may be the train station parking lot which hosts 80 spots, but that lot will fill up fast.  There are smaller lots along Shenandoah St. (Alt.Rt.340), but if memory serves, that involves a lot of walking to get to the good stuff.  Alternatively, you can park at the Visitor’s Center (171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425) and ride the shuttle which should let you out near our meetup spot.

We hope you can join us!

Rena Schild and Steven Glintz
Field Trip Coordinators 2021-2022

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