Only an hour from the DC and Baltimore Metro Regions, River Riders offers a range of exciting adventures for the adrenaline junky to the kiddos and everything in between.

Zip Lining

The meat and potatoes of River Riders Family Adventure is the amazing three-hour long Zip Canopy Tour. River Riders sport eight different zip lines with length between 200-1000 feet. If you’re not TOO afraid of heights, this should be on your bucket list when you visit.  

Not only will you be sliding through the treetops, but you’ll also get to admire the breathtaking views of the Potomac River and the surrounding rock cliffs.

If that’s not enough adrenaline for you, try the Quick Jump. Experience the gut wrenching feeling of free-fall without the need for a parachute. Now I’ve personally jumped from a plane and a platform. There’s just something unnerving about the ground being that close…

Aerial Adventure Park

The Harpers Ferry Adventure Park with its 9 aerial trails is another fantastic activity for those craving an adrenaline rush. Climb through and over the forest through tunnels and platforms. For those a little less adventures than zip lining for 30 seconds through the forest, the aerial adventure park has 12 smaller zip lines as you make your way through the trails.

If you are visiting with your children, you will be happy to know that there is also a Chicken Little/Kid’s zip line perfect for those between 4-6 years old.

White Water Rafting & Kayaking

By far the most adventurous activity at River Riders Family Resort in my (can barely stay afloat) opinion is the White Water Rafting and Kayaking. The rapids are relatively mild being class I-III. Not as extreme as the New & Gauley river. Either way, it’s a nice way to get your blood pumping and get outdoors to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

It was also ranked among the top 5 tubing experiences in the USA, so it is a must-try for those seeking the real thrill.

Tubing

Last but not least, if you’re not an adventure enthusiast and you prefer a more laid-back experience, River Riders Resort has something for you as well. Choose between cruising down the roaring river waters or you can take a peaceful floating tour down the Shenandoah River. Once you get your own personal tube, you will be able to sit back and relax, while allowing the river to take you on a quiet and peaceful journey across the beautiful scenery of Harpers Ferry.

If you’re coming from DC or Baltimore, you won’t find a closer top 10 tubing experience.

Outdoor Adventure Camp (For Kids)

As a father myself, you always have to think of the kids. Your kids, depending on their age, may or may not be able to do most of the above. But fear not. River Riders has a camp just for the kiddos that allows you to drop them off in the morning and pick them up in the evening. Allowing you to get that much needed reprieve from your 9-14 year olds that you deserve.

The Outdoor Adventure Camp has 3 and 5 day sessions that start with a 8:15-9:00 drop off and ends with you picking them up from 4:00-5:00. In between, counselors work with the children to get them comfortable with their fellow campers and counselors to build trust, build confidence, and build lifelong memories. Oh and did I mention rafting, tubing, the aerial adventure park and zip lining that your kids will love?

Lodging

With so much to do, you’re not going to be able to hit everything in one day. So the important question becomes. Where are you going to sleep?

If you’re in to camping, you’re going to want to stay at Harpers Ferry Campgrounds. Bring your tent or your RV and get out into nature. If however you’d like to rough it a little less, River Riders offers a few cabins with indoor plumbing.

If you’re looking for something a little more cozy, checkout some local bed and breakfasts’ here, here, here, and here.

If you’re not into “roughing it” or “cozy”, your best bet is the Hampton/Hilton or the Clarion. While a little more expensive than the other options, if you’re coming from a major city, it’s comparable to a normal hotel.