On Wednesday September 17th I will be attending the annual Antietam National Battlefield hike. This hike takes place on the anniversary of the battle and is a guided hike led by NPS Rangers. I made this hike last year for the 140th anniversary of the battle and had a fantastic time. I had never walked the entire field before and it gave me a perspective on the battle that can not be learned any other way. The morning hike is over mostly flat ground with a few gentle hills. The afternoon portion of the hike at the southern end of the field is the most challenging. Row after row of parallel ridgelines. Anyone in average or better shape can make both parts of the hike. This years hike at 5 3/4 miles is much shorter than last years eight-mile trek. Good hiking shoes or boots are recommended. I also pack a lunch, snacks and plenty of water. I don’t really go as much for taking photographs as I do to learn about the battle, although I will stay for a while in the evening to get some landscape photos, weather permitting. If it rains… I will not be going. If you are local and interested in joining me on the hike, learning about America's bloodiest day, and/or taking some landscape photos leave me a comment or send me an email. We can make arrangements to meet either on the way to the park or at the park’s visitor center. The NPS is also holding several other events in conjunction with the 141st anniversary over the next couple of weekends. They will definately make for some good photo ops.
Official announcement from the National Park Service.
BATTLE ANNIVERSARY HIKES- September 17, 2003
Time: 9:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. & 1:30 P.M.- 4:30 P.M.
Location: First half- Visitor Center Second Half-Burnside Bridge
Rangers will lead two extended battlefield hikes. The Morning hike meets at the Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m. and it will last until 12:30 p.m. (distance is 3 1/2 miles). This hike will explore the fighting in the Cornfield, West Woods and conclude at Bloody Lane. The Bloody Lane portion of the hike can be joined by meeting at the Visitor Center at 11:00. The Afternoon Hike is from 1:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. and will highlight the struggle for Burnside Bridge, and the Union advance on Sharpsburg (distance 2 1/4 miles). For the first time, visitors will be able to explore the entire length of the 8,000 man, one-mile wide, Union battle line that was turned back by A.P. Hill’s Confederate counterattack. The hike will begin at the Burnside Bridge, stop 9 on the auto tour route.