If you are staying in Harpers Ferry don't go to the motel because you will have another steep climb. There is a really nice guest house right in the historic part of town. They have both private rooms and dorms. If you are interested, let me know and I will see if I can look it up in my notes.

There is also a hostel on the same side of the river as the towpath. You would avoid cross that darn foot bridge. Never stayed there but suspect you would need to go into town to grab something to eat. But at least you wouldn't be hauling your gear up those stairs to the bridge.