Active Pursuits in Antietam National Battlefield

Biking & Hiking -- The wide-open fields of Antietam Battlefield beckon both hikers and bikers with 9 miles of paved roads good for bicycling. Some 10 miles of hiking trails, including the Final Attack Trail, have been marked with trail maps to give visitors a chance to trek into history. For maps, stop by the visitor center.

Canoeing & Kayaking -- Antietam Creek, which flows the length of the park to the Potomac, is an excellent novice-to-intermediate canoe and kayak run offering views of a small waterfall, Burnside Bridge, the ruins of Antietam Furnace, and the old C&O Canal aqueduct. River & Trail Outfitters, 604 Valley Rd., Knoxville (tel. 888/446-7529; www.rivertrail.com), leads guided float trips down this scenic creek, and rents canoes and kayaks. Fish N Float Adventures (tel. 301/432-8469; www.fishnfloatadventures.com) offers float trips and kayak fishing.