Park Rangers will lead a series of battlefield hikes, following in the soldier’s footsteps at the approximate time the battle events occurred in 1862. For three of the seven hikes visitors can choose between following the Union or Confederate soldiers as they travel across the historic landscape. The hikes will take place rain or shine. Hikers should dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes and be prepared to hike across fields.
7:00 a.m.-8:15 a.m. - “A Great Tumbling Together of All Heaven and Earth”- The Opening Guns of Battle - Two simultaneous hikes, each approximately ¾ of a mile. One follows the Union advance, the other the Confederate defense during the first hour of battle. The Union hike starts at Auto Tour Stop 2-The North Woods and moves south. The Confederate hike starts at the historic Dunker Church and moves north. The two groups will meet at the infamous Cornfield. Visitors must choose one hike.
8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. - “Amidst a Very Unpleasant Shower of Bullets”- Advance of the 12th Corps - This hike starts at Auto Tour Stop 4-The Cornfield. After Union General Joseph Mansfield was mortally wounded the 12th Corps assault broke down. Follow this divided and difficult attack a ½ mile south, ending at the park Visitor Center
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. - “What in Gods Name Are You Fighting For?”- Massacre in the West Woods - The fighting in the West Woods was desperate and destructive. This ¾ mile hike follows the fateful attack of Sedgwick’s Division that advanced into the West Woods and lost over half its men killed and wounded.
10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon - “We Showered the Lead Across That Creek”- The Fight for Burnside Bridge - This ½ mile walk focuses on the series of Union attacks against the Battlefield’s best known landmark. Parking for this hike is not on the park tour route. Directions available at the Visitor Center.
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - “The Adjacent Plains Were Covered With a Carpet of Red Blue and Gray”- Attack and Defense of the Sunken Road - Two simultaneous 1-mile hikes. One hike follows the Union advance on, the other the Confederate defense of, the Sunken Road. Both hikes start at the visitor center and conclude at what becomes Bloody Lane. Visitors must choose one hike.
1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. - “For Eight Hours We Were Exposed to the Fury of a Mighty Host” - The Center of the Line - View the battlefield from General Robert E. Lee’s perspective. This 1 mile hike starts at the parking area across from the National Cemetery and explores the center of the Confederate Army and the advance of the Union Fifth Corps across the Middle Bridge.
3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. - “The Regiment Prepared for the Final Struggle”- Beyond the Burnside Bridge - Two simultaneous 1 ½ -mile hikes that meet in the “40-Acre Cornfield.” One hike follows the Union drive on Sharpsburg, the other the desperate Confederate defense and Gen. A.P. Hill’s counterattack that ended the battle. Visitors must choose one hike.
