Night Lights and Gravity: Tubing the East Coast’s Longest Slope at Harpers Ferry
For all ages! • 1.5 hours • Starting at $34 • Great family fun!
You can feel the hill before you see it. From the base, a ribbon of snow cuts down the slope — groomed and gleaming under floodlights — and lanes fan out like white fingers, each one promising a sharp, uncomplicated joy. Families gather with bright jackets and nervous laughter. Teenagers test the physics of speed. Little ones clutch tubes and stare wide-eyed as the Magic Carpet hums them up, offering a slow, friendly ascent between fast, fleeting moments of flight. This is Snow Tubing at Harpers Ferry: simple, well-run, and unashamedly fun.
Trail Wisdom
Dress for moisture
Wear waterproof outer layers and insulated gloves — sitting on snow leads to wet clothing fast.
Arrive early
Early sessions mean easier parking, shorter check-in lines, and more run time.
Bring sunscreen
Sun reflects off snow; protect exposed skin even on cold, sunny days.
Use the Magic Carpet properly
Stand clear of the conveyor edges and prepare to move when you reach the top to keep lanes flowing.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Historic Harpers Ferry National Historical Park overlooks
- •Nearby Shepherdstown’s indie cafés and shops
Wildlife
White-tailed deer, Various winter songbirds
Conservation Note
The facility concentrates snow operations on managed slopes and asks visitors to stay on paths and pack out trash to protect the surrounding watershed and parklands.
Harpers Ferry rose to national prominence during the Civil War and is home to a national historical park that preserves 19th-century industry and conflict sites.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Lower crowds, Milder temperatures
Challenges: Variable snow conditions, Potentially reduced hours
Late winter-early spring sessions can be milder but watch for softer, slushy snow and changing operating schedules.
summer
Best for: N/A (off-season), Event planning for next season
Challenges: Facility closed for tubing, No snow operations
Summer is the off-season for tubing; check the venue for other activities or plan a winter visit instead.
fall
Best for: Early booking for winter, Cool-weather scouting
Challenges: No tubing yet, Shorter daylight hours as season approaches
Fall is useful for planning and travel logistics; actual tubing only runs in winter months once snow/operations begin.
winter
Best for: Family outings, Evening Downhill Disco
Challenges: Cold temperatures, Potential storms or closures
Winter is peak tubing season — expect regular sessions, evening lights, and the best conditions when temperatures stay below freezing.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof jacket and pantsEssential
Keeps you dry while sitting on snow and moving between runs.
Insulated, waterproof glovesEssential
Protect hands from cold and wet when handling tubes and boarding lifts.
Waterproof winter boots with tractionEssential
Good footing on icy or packed snow near the lanes and loading areas.
Thin helmet (for kids)
Adds protection and peace of mind for younger riders on faster runs.
Common Questions
How long is each session?
Each booked session is 1.5 hours of unlimited rides on the tubing lanes.
Is there an age or height requirement?
Participants must be at least 36 inches tall to ride; children 42 inches and taller may ride solo, while 36–42-inch children can ride tandem with a parent.
Are tubes provided?
Yes — the facility provides tubes with each session; you do not need to bring one.
What should I wear?
Waterproof outer layers, warm insulated gloves, and waterproof boots are recommended; bring an extra layer for evenings.
Can we book evening sessions?
Yes — evening sessions are available, and the Downhill Disco show typically starts at 5:30 p.m.; check the schedule for exact times.
Is there parking onsite?
Yes, the venue has parking; arriving early helps secure a nearby spot and reduces walking in cold conditions.
What to Pack
Water bottle (stay hydrated between runs), Waterproof gloves (keep hands dry and warm), Insulated boots (good traction and warmth), Extra layers (temps drop in evenings)
Did You Know
The Harpers Ferry tubing hill is advertised as the East Coast’s longest tubing slope at over three football fields in length, giving riders unusually long, sustained runs.
Quick Travel Tips
Book an early or evening session to avoid midday crowds; Dress in waterproof layers and bring extra socks; Check weather/closure notices in advance; Combine with a visit to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park for a full day
Local Flavor
After your final run, head into nearby Harpers Ferry or Shepherdstown for hot drinks and hearty fare; small local cafés and pubs offer craft beers and comfort food that are perfect for thawing out and sharing stories from the slope.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest major airport: Washington Dulles (IAD) ~45 miles; Driving distance from Harpers Ferry town center: under 15 minutes; Cell service: generally available but can be spotty near river valleys; Permits: No special permits required—book online for session availability.
Sustainability Note
This operation concentrates activities on groomed slopes to limit landscape impact; visitors should pack out trash, use designated walkways, and avoid disturbing nearby riparian areas.