The view from Maryland Heights/NPS file

Too many cars and not enough parking have the National Park Service proposing to permanently close the Maryland Heights parking areas at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

The parking areas can hold a maximum of 16 vehicles and are not large enough to handle the amount of visitation the Maryland Heights trail now receives. The lack of parking space has in the past led to a safety hazard with illegally parked vehicles often sticking out into the roadway and blocking one lane of travel on a narrow, busy road, the agency said in a release.

The public is invited to attend a virtual meeting on February 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. where park staff will explain the proposal and invite attendees to share their questions, comments and alternative ideas. Comments on the proposed closure can also be submitted electronically or by mail through Feb. 27.

The parking areas have been closed since March 2020, originally as a COVID-19 safety protocol, but the NPS has maintained the closures because parking safety-related incidents in the area have been virtually eliminated.

Visitors can access the Maryland Heights trail and climbing areas by parking in the main visitor center lot and riding the park shuttle to the historic Lower Town. There is limited parking available in the Lower Town Train Station and River Access Lots. It is a short walk from Lower Town across the pedestrian footbridge to the trailhead and main climbing routes. This method of travel offers the chance to explore three national parks in one visit: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

There are several ways to get involved: 

Attend the public meeting: A virtual public meeting explaining the proposal and providing time for questions, comments and alternative ideas will be held on February 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 pm. Follow the link to join the Microsoft Teams meeting and view the meeting presentation live. A recording of the meeting and meeting presentation materials will also be available after Feb. 10 on the park website. 

Electronic comment: You are invited to submit written comments and identify any issues or concerns about the proposed closure until February 27 to [email protected]. 

Comment by mail: Written comments may also be mailed to the address below. Mailed comments must be postmarked by Feb. 27 to receive consideration.  

Superintendent  
Attn: Proposal to close Maryland Heights parking areas 
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park 
P.O. Box 65 
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425