Key Takeaways

The 4-mile Bloody Lane loop hike at Antietam National Battlefield explores the site of a major Civil War battle, offering views of key locations like Bloody Lane and the Antietam Battlefield visitor center.

The hike starts on Rodman Ave, includes an observation tower with panoramic battlefield views, and follows a path through fields, woods, and along Antietam Creek.

The route combines sections of paved road, field trails, and wooded paths, passing historical landmarks like Mumma and Roulette Farms before returning to the starting point.

Antietam Bloody Lane Hike

On September 17, 1862, at what is now the Antietam National Battlefield near Sharpsburg MD, Union and Confederate armies fought each resulting in over 23,000 casualties. There were three primary engagements that day that would become know as The Cornfield, Bloody Lane, and The Burnside or Lower Bridge.

The Bloody Lane loop hike is the sister hike to the Burnside Bridge hike, and starts at the same parking area on Rodman Ave. This loop is the northern loop where you walk along Bloody Lane, pass the visitor center, and return along Antietam Creek.

Mile 0.0 – Park at the small pullout on Rodman Ave and intersection of US34/Boonsboro Pike. Cross over US34/Boonsboro Pike and follow paved Rodman Ave for the first 0.7 miles to the Observation Tower.
Mile 0.6 - From the top of the Observation Tower you have a panoramic view of the entire northern Antietam Battlefield, with the view to the northwest looking directly up Bloody Lane and the Antietam Battlefield visitor center in the distance.
Mile 0.9 - Walk down Bloody Lane for 0.3 miles. Where the Bloody Lane Trail meets back with the road it will turn right in to the field for 0.1 miles before turning left towards the Visitor Center. Shortly crossing a road and climb the small hill to the Visitor Center.
Mile 1.4 - Head back down the field you just climbed to the Visitor Center and now turn left on the small paved road you just crossed. Follow the road down to Mumma Farm.
Mile 1.6 - Turn right at the information kiosk and Three Farms Trail as it descends a passes around the Roulette Farm. Continue down the trail for another 0.2 miles and reach the intersection of the Bloody Lane Trail.
Mile 1.9 - Turn left remaining on the Three Farms Trail as it passes two fields then bears right going through a wooded area and crossing a ridge. The trail will reach Antietam Creek and pass underneath US34 in 1.6 miles from the Bloody Lane intersection.
Mile 2.7 - Continue to follow The Three Farms Trail for another 0.5 miles to the intersection of the Sherrick Farm Trail.
Mile 3.4 - Turn right uphill on the Sherrick Farm Trail and pass two fields for the remaining 0.5 miles back to the parking area.
Mile 4.0 - Arrive back at the parking area on US34/Boonsboro Pike.