STEP BACK IN TIME South of the Pennsylvania border is the town of Emmitsburg—where both Union and Confederate armies camped en route to and from Gettysburg during the Civil War. Southward into Thurmont, cross Owen’s Creek on the historic Roddy Road Covered Bridge with its iconic red planking. Drop a line in famous Big Hunting Creek for some of the best trout fishing anywhere—it borders nearby Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain National Park, home of Presidential retreat Camp David. Visit The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton for an inspiring look into the life of America’s first Catholic saint. The shrine, honoring the saint known as the “Patroness for the Sea Services,” hosts an annual pilgrimage for members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine. To explore natural history, check out the 30-acre Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo. Visit with lemurs, monkeys, panthers, and more. HIKING TRAILS, TOURS, & MORE Bring your hiking boots and venture through one of the best hiking trails in the country: The Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Maryland’s 40-mile portion of the trail travels along South Mountain, weaving together several state parks and a Civil War battlefield. Visit Monocacy National Battlefield, home of “The Battle that Saved Washington, D.C.” Follow the clustered spires into downtown Frederick for hip shops and great restaurants, all served with a side of history. Emmitsburg Smithsburg Thurmont Sharpsburg 57 miles from Emmitsburg to Point of Rocks (Maryland Portion) Frederick Point of Rocks Photos: (clockwise from left) Covered Bridge (Patrick Davis), Big Hunting Creek (Nathan Gobes), City Hall in Frederick (Jon Bilous) Find more things to do along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway at: visitmaryland.org/scenic-byways/journey-through-hallowed-ground DESTINATION MARYLAND / 23
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2021 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 23
