White blazes that are prevalent on the 2,175 miles between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine, become obvious for the next 3 miles on the towpath from mile marker 58  to Harpers Ferry (WV).  Harpers Ferry is called the epicenter of the Appalachian Trail, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has its national headquarters here, as does the National Park Service’s Appalachian Trail Park Office.  At this section of the canal you will find a whole gamut of outdoor recreation enthusiasts; fly fisherman after the numerous smallmouth bass in the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, kayakers and rafters, thru and day hikers on the AT, cyclists, bird watchers and history buffs.  The railroad  trestle that is converted to a pedestrian bridge will test your back muscles as you climb the stairwell with your fully loaded bike. 

Once across the bridge, you will find narrow streets and hills of historic Harpers Ferry with numerous restaurants, B&B’s and a few hotels to serve the many visitors.  Cyclist should take note that there are only a few B&B's in "Lower Harpers Ferry" in the historic center. It is called lower for a reason...other sections necessitate a climb. There is also a Econo Lodge Hotel less than a mile (via Shenadoah Street and Rt 340) upon entering Harpers Ferry from the pedestrian bridge.  We have stayed at several Harpers Ferry B&B's while biking the C&O and recommend (this is not a paid endorsement) giving  the Stone House B&B consideration.  Like all buildings in Lower Harpers Ferry, it is very old and small.  But rooms are very nice and innkeepers are friendly folks who are used to cyclist and our needs.

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Harpers Ferry is one of those places along the C&O Canal where you should plan a longer stay.  There is a lot to do and see and it is in a really beautiful setting.