Antietam National Battlefield – Antietam Aqueduct loop from Mercersville
Antietam National Battlefield – Antietam Aqueduct loop from Mercersville
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Antietam National Battlefield – Antietam Aqueduct loop from Mercersville
02:31
51.8km
580m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
Tips
The surface for a segment of your route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 14.5 km for 500 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.68 km
Antietam National Battlefield
Highlight • Historical Site
You can explore the beautiful …
Tip by
3.76 km
Sharpsburg
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
14.8 km
Antietam Aqueduct
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
32.6 km
Weverton–Roxbury Corridor Rail Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
34.9 km
Civil War Rail Trail
Nature Reserve
37.4 km
Red Hill
Highlight • Summit
51.8 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
39.3 km
6.69 km
5.01 km
744 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
38.8 km
12.2 km
744 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (310 m)
Lowest point (90 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 26 June
27°C
21°C
32 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a road cycling route that blends history with a good workout, the Antietam National Battlefield – Antietam Aqueduct loop from Mercersville is definitely worth your time. This moderate 32.2-mile (51.8 km) route packs in 1906 feet (581 metres) of climbing, taking around 2 hours and 31 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for cyclists who appreciate historical sites and rolling terrain, offering a unique way to explore the area and discover popular cycling routes near Antietam National Battlefield.
What to expect on Antietam National Battlefield – Antietam Aqueduct loop from Mercersville
Expect a journey through time as you cycle past the preserved woodlands and open fields of the Antietam National Battlefield. You'll encounter iconic landmarks like Burnside's Bridge and the Dunker Church, offering a unique perspective on Civil War history. The route then leads to the impressive Antietam Aqueduct, a three-arch stone structure carrying the C&O Canal over Antietam Creek, with sections of the C&O Canal Towpath offering a flatter, shaded contrast. While mostly paved, be prepared for gradual climbs and descents, with some sizable hills that make this route best suited for cyclists with good fitness.
Planning your visit
Starting from Mercersville, this loop is generally accessible, though some sections connecting to the C&O Canal Towpath might include unpaved surfaces, so broader tires are a good idea if you plan to venture off the main roads. The best time to visit is during pleasant weather to fully enjoy the open fields and historical sites. Always carry enough water, especially during warmer months, as the open battlefield can be exposed.
Trail details
- Distance: 32.2 miles (51.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 1906 feet (581 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 31 minutes
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