Antietam Aqueduct – Antietam National Battlefield loop from Shepherdstown
Antietam Aqueduct – Antietam National Battlefield loop from Shepherdstown
2.6
(18)
22
riders
Antietam Aqueduct – Antietam National Battlefield loop from Shepherdstown
02:18
48.0km
430m
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: May 26, 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 4.83 km for 500 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
5.08 km
Antietam Aqueduct
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
16.4 km
Weverton–Roxbury Corridor Rail Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
38.0 km
Antietam National Battlefield
Highlight • Historical Site
You can explore the beautiful …
Tip by
39.1 km
Sharpsburg
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
48.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
38.0 km
6.01 km
3.11 km
744 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
31.0 km
16.3 km
744 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (190 m)
Lowest point (90 m)
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Weather
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Today
Wednesday 17 June
31°C
13°C
0 %
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 profound American history with varied terrain, the Antietam Aqueduct – Antietam National Battlefield loop from Shepherdstown is a standout. This moderate 29.8-mile (48.0 km) route, with 1397 feet (426 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes to complete, making it a popular choice for cyclists wanting a substantial ride through a historically rich landscape.
What to expect on Antietam Aqueduct – Antietam National Battlefield loop from Shepherdstown
As you pedal this route, you'll journey through open fields, preserved woodlands, and agricultural land, with Antietam Creek flowing alongside. The ride seamlessly connects the historic Antietam Aqueduct, a three-arch stone structure, with the poignant sites of the Antietam National Battlefield, including Burnside Bridge, Dunker Church, and The Bloody Lane. While sections of the C&O Canal Towpath offer flat, smooth riding, expect rolling hills and moderate elevation changes elsewhere, requiring good fitness. It's a fantastic option for road cyclists who appreciate a ride with both scenic beauty and deep historical context.
Planning your visit
Starting your ride from Shepherdstown, a historic university town, offers convenient access to dining and lodging options before or after your ride. The route primarily uses paved roads suitable for road bikes, though some routes combining the C&O Canal Towpath might have unpaved segments. Always check local conditions, especially for the towpath, as resurfacing efforts have made it more accessible. This loop is highly rated by cyclists for its varied terrain and historical context, making it a rewarding experience any time of year.
Trail details
- Distance: 29.8 miles (48.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 1397 feet (426 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 17 minutes
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