Antietam National Battlefield
GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE’S first invasion of the North culminated with the Battle of Antietam, in Maryland (or Sharpsburg, as the South called it). The battle took place on Wednesday, September 17, 1862, just 18 days after the Confederate victory at Second Manassas, 40 miles to the southeast in Virginia. Not only was this the first major Civil War engagement on Northern soil, it was also the bloodiest single day battle in American history. To view the magnitude of the losses, consider that Antietam resulted in nine times as many Americans killed or wounded (23,000 soldiers) as took place on June 6, 1944–D-day, the so-called “longest day” of World War II.* Also consider that more soldiers were killed and wounded at the Battle of Antietam than the deaths of all Americans in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, and Spanish-American War combined.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail passes through the historic town of Harpers Ferry, within just a quarter-mile of the ATC headquarters and visitor center, providing opportunities to explore the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and its interpretive exhibits. From the north, the Appalachian Trail enters West Virginia at Harpers Ferry by way of a footbridge over the Potomac River. As it leaves the town heading south, the Appalachian Trail follows a wooded ridge above the Shenandoah River, passing Jefferson Rock overlook, with impressive views of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Next it crosses the Shenandoah River, ascending the Blue Ridge at Loudon Heights, and straddling the Virginia-West Virginia border for the next fifteen miles.
Charles Town Races and Slots
(800) 795-7001
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath
Stretching 184.5 miles along the Potomac River between Washington, D.C. and Cumberland, Maryland, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park preserves remains of America’s colorful canal era. For nearly a century, the C&O Canal was the lifeline for communities and businesses along the Potomac, as coal, lumber, grain, and other agricultural products gently floated down the canal to market. This magnificent water highway linked the rapidly growing west to the east and played an important role in the growth and development of our country. Hiking and biking along the towpath are excellent ways to see the park.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Take a walk through time as you visit the historical town of Harpers Ferry. This unique place made its mark when abolitionist John Brown staged his raid on the U.S. Arsenal there setting off a chain of events that resulted in the Civil War. The park is actually a collection of many small museums created within original buildings. It is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, and it has many beautiful hiking trails. It offers a schedule of events all year long, with costumed interpreters providing daily tours throughout the summer and on weekends in the fall and spring. Visit the site where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers converge and Jefferson Rock. There is something for everyone to experience. Educational & Group Tours welcome.
Serene Acres
Horseback Trail Rides and a lovely vacation cottage to rent. 19312 Walsh Farm Lane, Bluemont, VA 20135 (540) 554-8618
The Journey Through Hallowed Ground
The Journey Through Hallowed Ground stretches 175 miles along the Route 15 Corridor from Gettysburg, PA through Frederick, MD and ends at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello near Charlottesville, VA. Native and African-American sites, restored architectural gems, Presidential homes, battlefields, vibrant downtowns, rich agricultural and an abundant bounty of wineries, inns, and beds-and-breakfasts, fairs, and antique dealers can be found along the way.
Virginia Wine Tours
Start your day off with a rafting trip; end it with a wine tour! (877) VA-GRAPE | (877) 824-7273
Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park
The 100-foot-wide W&OD has been called “the skinniest park in Virginia.” But it is also one of the longest parks, 45 miles of paved trail for walking, running, bicycling and skating and 32 miles of adjacent gravel trail for horseback riding. Built on the roadbed of the former Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, the multi-use W&OD Trail runs through the urban heartland and countryside of Northern Virginia.
