Antietamfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Antietam National Battlefield.
Right now in Antietam · September
- Battle anniversary (September 17) · Sep
27days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 10:53 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Antietam National Battlefield through the year
- Memorial Day commemorationMay
- Battle anniversary (September 17)NowSep
- Memorial IlluminationDec
Best spots around Antietam National Battlefield
- Snavely Ford Trail1.8-mile loop along Antietam Creek, mostly flat and shady
- Three Farms Trail1.6 miles one way through some of the quietest, most beautiful parts of the park
- Tidball Trail0.3 mile from the Newcomer House to one of the best overlooks on the battlefield
- Sherrick Farm Trail1.3 miles through farm fields and woodlots, ending at Burnside Bridge
- West Woods TrailJust under a mile, mostly shaded
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Mid-Atlantic, sugar maple and flowering dogwood are behind a typical year; the rest are close to typical. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Antietam National Battlefield hiking (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Antietam National Battlefield hours and seasons (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Antietam National Battlefield in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Antietam National Battlefield yet. Statewide for Maryland: color is usually well under way by late October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Antietam National Battlefield right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 27 days (usually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
When is the battlefield open?
The park is open during daylight hours. The visitor center is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the park and visitor center close on Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1.Sources: National Park Service, Antietam National Battlefield hiking ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Antietam National Battlefield hours and seasons ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I watch for on the trails?
Poison ivy, stinging nettle, stinging insects and groundhog holes. Stay on the trails and wear good walking shoes.Source: National Park Service, Antietam National Battlefield hiking ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Which trail is shadiest?
The Snavely Ford Trail follows Antietam Creek and is mostly flat and shady, with one climb at the end; the West Woods Trail is also mostly shaded.Source: National Park Service, Antietam National Battlefield hiking ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Antietam National Battlefield?
Snavely Ford Trail: 1.8-mile loop along Antietam Creek, mostly flat and shady; Three Farms Trail: 1.6 miles one way through some of the quietest, most beautiful parts of the park; Tidball Trail: 0.3 mile from the Newcomer House to one of the best overlooks on the battlefield; Sherrick Farm Trail: 1.3 miles through farm fields and woodlots, ending at Burnside Bridge; West Woods Trail: just under a mile, mostly shaded.
When are the festivals in Antietam National Battlefield?
Memorial Day commemoration, usually in May, Battle anniversary (September 17), usually in Sep and Memorial Illumination, usually in Dec.
What is Antietam National Battlefield like through the year?
Memorial Day commemoration (May), Battle anniversary (September 17) (Sep) and Memorial Illumination (Dec).