Finding Wildflowers at Antietam and the C&O Canal

A Star of Bethlehem flower at Antietam National Battlefield.

Julie Dieguez

After winter in the Chesapeake region, that first happy glimpse of colorful blossoms instantly sparks daydreams of warmer weather. Then, when spring comes, it races along at breakneck speed and the opportunity to see those impossibly colorful blankets of wildflowers splashed across social media has passed in the blink of an eye. Even though the very word “ephemeral” used to describe wildflowers means “lasting for a very short time,” never fear! There are actually plenty of chances to see wildflowers across the watershed from March through October. One spring wildflower adventure could be to Antietam National Battlefield and the Shepherdstown section of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath.

Rest assured, you don’t need to be a botanist to enjoy the ever-rotating smorgasbord of wildflowers. If you have an interest in identifying wildflowers, handy waterproof foldable pocket guides make it easy. 

As you descend the peaceful Snavely Ford Trail, you may stumble on the star of Bethlehem. Ghostly translucent, these star-shaped members of the lily family are named after the legendary star that guided the three wisemen. Nestled in a deep green blanket of mayapple (a favorite of woodland turtles) they glowed like fallen stars amongst the greenery.  You may also see bright yellow golden ragwort and sunshiney bouquets of yellow corydalis, used traditionally by Cherokee healers as a pain reliever.

Leaving Antietam, if you still have energy for a little further exploration, less than a five-minute drive away, you can park at a little canal-side lot at Lock 38, Potomac Bridge. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath is a dirt and gravel path that runs 184.5 miles between Georgetown and Cumberland. Originally built for mules to walk beside the canal as they towed boats, today it is a delight for visitors to walk, run and bike the popular recreational trail. 

This section connects directly into the little college town of Shepherdstown (location of Shepherdstown University), an eclectic happy mix of quaint bakeries, coffee shops, art galleries, cafes and an array of charming shops. The towpath is a delight for hikers and bikers and featured a similar array of wildflowers to what we encountered at Antietam. In addition to handy pocket guides, wildflower lovers can also access the National Park Service’s online Guide to Wildflowers of the C&O Canal, featuring photos and descriptions of flowers typically seen in each section of the towpath.  

The rolling trails of Antietam and the many miles of the C&O Canal Towpath provide a lovely opportunity for wildflower discovery spring through fall, so pack your pocket guides and a sense of wonder and get out there!  

Antietam Battlefield can be toured by automobile, on foot and bikes. Woodland paths are very easy terrain, but not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Pets are allowed on leash. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week 9am-5pm. The C&O Canal Towpath is flat and accessible for pedestrians, bikes, wheelchairs, strollers and pets on a leash. No fee is required (except the Great Falls Tavern area) and there are multiple access points. Plan your visit with the handy C&O Canal Explorer Mobile App!

This is an abridged article originally written by Julie Dieguez.