After years of being closed off, the scenic overlook from the site of the historic Hill Top House Hotel in Harpers Ferry is once again open to the public—at least for now.
The overlook, located on the front lawn of the former Hill Top House Hotel property, offers one of the most breathtaking views in West Virginia: the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, famously known as “the Gap.”
Long admired by tourists, photographers, and history lovers alike, the overlook has been inaccessible since the decaying hotel was demolished nearly two decades ago.
Property owners Fred and Karen Schaufeld of Leesburg, Virginia—who purchased the land through their firm SWaN Investors 18 years ago—have recently opened the site’s pathway to visitors.
According to a social media update shared by the property’s owners, this access is temporary and available only for pedestrian traffic. The walkway entrance is located on Columbia Street, just off Washington Street, and has been fenced in on all sides for safety.
While the overlook is once again drawing visitors with its stunning panoramic views, it also signals a renewed focus on what’s to come. The property owners noted that this temporary reopening of the promontory coincides with upcoming plans to break ground on the long-anticipated reconstruction of the Hill Top House Hotel.
Originally built in 1888 and rebuilt in 1914, the Hill Top House was once a celebrated destination for travelers seeking luxurious stays and unforgettable views. The Schaufelds, who have overseen the property since purchasing it, have long expressed their desire to preserve the historic charm of the original hotel.
In various public statements over the years—including at a 2022 Rotary Club meeting in Martinsburg—Karen Schaufeld emphasized the couple’s intent to reuse as many original materials as possible in the hotel’s reconstruction.
Despite obtaining local government approvals, tax incentives, and even the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District to support the development, construction has yet to begin. Rising construction costs have repeatedly been cited as the primary reason for the delay. Initial projections had aimed for completion by 2024, but as of now, ground has not been broken.
The lack of visible progress has been a point of frustration for both the community and the developers. Harpers Ferry residents and visitors have waited years to see a revival of the hotel that once played a vital role in the town’s history and tourism economy. Still, the temporary opening of the overlook offers a glimpse of hope and a symbolic step forward for the project.
For now, visitors can once again walk to the edge of the historic bluff and take in the same view that once captivated guests over a century ago. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful spot to reflect, the Hill Top House overlook provides a rare opportunity to reconnect with a piece of Harpers Ferry’s storied past.
As construction plans move forward, the public will be watching closely to see if the vision of a reimagined Hill Top House finally becomes reality. Until then, the view from the top remains a timeless reminder of what once was—and what could be again.
