Antietam Historical Trail

A good 1-day hike for older scouts, but over 2 days for younger ones. The trail guide and patches are available at the gift shop.

C&O Canal Historic Trail

This is a very long trail passing through five different Boy Scout Councils. A patch can be earned with segments from each of the five Councils:

• Baltimore Area Council (410) 338-1700
• Mason-Dixon Council (301) 739-1212
• National Capital Area Council (301) 530-9360
• Potomac Council (301) 729-1300
• Shenandoah Area Council (703) 662-2551

Manassas Battlefield Trail

Booklets, patches and medals can be obtained through:

There are two historical trails at the battlefield. The First Manassas Trail tours the Union and Confererate lines and troop movements in the 1862 battle.This is the battle where Stonewall Jackson received his nickname.This trail is about 7 miles in length and is very steep in places. The Second Manassas Trail covers the battle of 1863 in Robert E. Lee's Northern Campaign. This trail is almost 10 miles long but is not as challenging as the First Manassas Trail. Patches are available for both trails. Scouts must complete a set of questions that can be answered by finding clues along the trail. Information about the patches can be obtained at the Visitor Center.

Check the Manassas Battlefield Visitor Centeronline site for more information.

The President's Trail

with options for 8.0, 9.5, and 11.0 mile courses leading to the earning of the President's Trail medal or patch.

The Lincoln Pilgrimage

with options for 7.5 and 11.5 mile courses leading to the earning of the Lincoln Pilgrimage medal or patch.

The National Capital Bicentennial Trail of Freedom

with options for 6.5, 7.2, and 9.5 mile courses leading to the earning of the National Capital Bicentennial Trail of Freedom medal or patch.

Mount Vernon Historic Trail

Very informative trail. Patch available. Sponsored by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. Call Mount Vernon Education Department at (703) 780-2000 ext 322 for free information packet. They also have a surveying activity. Good for Webelos. Other Mount Vernon Scouting Activities

National Capital Lincoln Trail

14 miles starting at Ford Theater and ending at Ft. Stevens. Call National Capital Area Council (301) 530-9360 for trail guide. Patch available. Good for Webelos.

Old Town Alexandria Trail

Patch Available

Washington-Lee Historic Trail

From Mt Vernon to Arlington National Cemetery. 22 miles. Call National Capital Area Council (301) 530-9360 for trail guide. Patch available.

Appalachian Trail

The Mason-Dixon Council (301) 739-1212 has an Appalachian Trail guide for the Maryland section of the AT. Patch avail.

Fredericksburg, VA Area

There are 4 historic trails that are in the Fredericksburg area. Write to:

Frederickburg Visitors Center
76 Caroline St
Fredericksburg, VA

for trail guides. The trails are from 1 to 7 miles in length. All Civil War battlefields. Lots of great National Park Service info.

Gettysburg, PA Area

There are three historic trails there--Billy Yank, Johnny Reb, and the Eisenhower trail. The Billy Yank and Johnny Reb trails combine to about 20 miles.

50 Miler

Historic Trails