Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam is the site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. The fighting in this September 17, 1862, Civil War battle resulted in 23,110 casualties. The National Park Service has designed an 8 ½ mile self-guided driving tour through the park that is perfect for cyclists. Touring the park by bicycle gives a new appreciation for the rolling terrain and how it affected the battle. For more information about the park call (301) 432-5124 or visit www.nps.gov/anti.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

The C&O Canal National Historical Park winds 184 miles along the Potomac River from Washington, DC, to Cumberland, Maryland. Seventy-nine miles of the Canal pass through Washington County. The canal towpath is an elevated trail made of earth and crushed stone, used by mules pulling the barges. Though the old canal is overgrown in many places, the towpath itself is clear, and offers an ideal route for bicycles. For information, contact the National Park Service at (301) 739-4200 or visit www.nps.gov/choh.

Fort Frederick

This stone fort provides a glimpse of the dangers and hardships faced by the early settlers. Named in honor of Frederick Calvert, the last Lord Baltimore, and garrisoned in 1756, Fort Frederick gave shelter and protection to settlers on the frontier during the French and Indian War. During the Revolution, it was a prison for soldiers captured by the Continental Army. A skirmish was fought at the fort during the Civil War. Now preserved as a state park, it is the site of annual military field days when troops demonstrate authentic drill and ceremony from the colonial period. A trading post, interpretive exhibits, picnicking, and primitive camping are available at the park.
Visit www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/
western/fortfrederick.html for more information. Near Fort Frederick is the Western Maryland Rail Trail, stretching more than 22-miles. Called a "Cathedral in the Trees," the paved and beautifully maintained rail trail runs from Big
Pool to past Pearre. See: www.westernmarylandrailtrail.com

Gathland State Park

Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. It is the site of a unique collection of buildings and structures that he designed and constructed, some of which have been restored. The War Correspondents’ Arch is the main attraction at this day use park. The Appalachian Trail traverses the park. The park includes all of Crampton’s Gap, which was the southern most gap where troops fought during the Battle of South Mountain. Fought September 14, 1862, it was the first major battle of the Civil War fought in Maryland.
Visit www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/
western/gathland.html for more information.

Washington County Rural
Heritage Museum

Depicting the heritage of local farming life, this museum displays antique farm equipment, an authentic turn-of-the century country store, and model rooms of a typical 19th century farmhouse as well as a gift shop. The museum is open Saturdays & Sundays 1 – 4 p.m., April through October,
except holidays. Groups are by appointment. There is no fee. For more information call 240-313-2839 or visit www.ruralheritagemuseum.org