Greetings Cosmic Americans!As many of you know, I am an avid runner and hiker. In less than two weeks, I'll be running the LA Marathon for the second time - I expect to destroy last year's time. As far as hiking goes, I never miss a chance to explore as much of a Civil War site as possible on foot. Sometimes this involves some pretty strenuous hiking - and I get to enjoy two of my passions at once. Huzzah!
My favorite Civil War hike? Maryland Heights at Harpers Ferry. It's a little over 5 miles to the top and back and it can get steep in places. There are plenty of interpretive signs along the way leading you through the military history of the area. You can also find traces of fortifications - breastworks and gun emplacements dot the scene...as well as ammunition pits and powder magazines, and you will find the remains of a fort at the summit.
But what's more - the views are spectacular. The summit's main attraction is an overlook of Harpers Ferry and the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Well worth the price of admission, so to speak.
So - that's my plug for nature loving Civil War peeps - next time you find yourself driving near Harpers Ferry - do yourself a favor and head up the summit.
Peace,
Keith
Mu favorite hike is on Antietam battlefield going through the east woods. I also like the burnsides bridge hike.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip, Keith. My wife and I may have to hike this on our annual trip to Gettysburg/Antietam this June. We went to Harper's Ferry two years ago but took the bus down to the city. We felt a little cooped up and held hostage on the bus, which is why we skipped Harper's Ferry last year and concentrated just on Gettysburg and Antietam.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Antietam, my favorite there is the Three Farms Trail. There are so many places at the military parks that people never visit. You have to walk the fields to get a true understanding of what happened.
Harper's Ferry is gorgeous, though we didn't hit the heights when we visited. Loved Antietam, too, Bridge and all. The caves by the canal, where people hid out during the battle, are really neat, as is the walk there. Cool and shady for summer visitors.
ReplyDeleteHave completed this hike several times as a Scoutmaster for my son's troop! An awesome outdoor experience AND a chance to offer some context of what it means to be an American citizen and appreciate American heritage!
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