Facility Overview

Cornfield Parking B is a dedicated open-air surface parking area situated along the historic tour route within the Antietam National Battlefield near Keedysville and Sharpsburg, Maryland. Established primarily to serve visitors exploring Tour Stop 4—famed as \'The Cornfield,\' the site of the most intense and pivotal fighting during the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862—this facility provides direct, level ground access to surrounding historical trails, markers, and monuments. As an outdoor surface lot, it offers completely unrestricted vertical clearance, making it exceptionally accommodating for standard passenger vehicles, SUVs, large pickup trucks, touring vans, and compact recreational vehicles (RVs). Ground conditions feature well-maintained paved or packed-gravel stalls designed to blend seamlessly into the preserved pastoral landscape of Washington County.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned along Cornfield Avenue and Mansfield Avenue, this parking area places visitors steps away from profound historical monuments and walking circuits:

• The Cornfield & Miller Farmstead: Situated directly adjacent to the parking area, where interpretive wayside panels explain the horrific morning phase of the battle.
• East Woods & West Woods Trails: Accessible directly via connecting footpaths within a 5- to 10-minute walk (0.2 to 0.5 miles).
• Dunker Church: Located roughly 0.8 miles south down the driving tour route, representing one of the battlefield\'s most iconic landmarks.
• Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center: Situated approximately 1.2 miles south, featuring an expansive museum, educational bookstore, ranger programs, and visitor orientation films.
• Historic Downtown Sharpsburg: Located just 2.5 miles southwest, offering regional heritage dining, cafes, and historic lodging.
• Antietam Creek & Burnside\'s Bridge: Located approximately 3.5 miles south at the lower end of the National Battlefield driving loop.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Cornfield Parking B is accessed via the self-guided auto tour route traversing Antietam National Battlefield, conveniently reachable from Maryland Route 65 (Sharpsburg Pike) and Maryland Route 34 via Hagerstown or Shepherdstown. The surrounding rural roads feature gently rolling topography and clear directional National Park Service (NPS) brown signage. Vehicle ingress and egress follow low-speed battlefield parkway roads designed for calm, contemplative touring. Public transit does not directly service this rural historic preserve; regional travel relies primarily on private automobile, organized charter bus, or bicycle touring via the historic routes and the nearby C&O Canal towpath connection points.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous outdoor bays with no overhead obstacles, accommodating roof racks and tall vehicles.
• Direct Trailhead Access: Immediate connection to pedestrian paths, interpretive battlefield signage, and historic monuments.
• Accessible Spaces: Designated level bays positioned closest to primary interpretive trails and observation points.
• Daylight Exploration: Operational during park daylight hours from sunrise to sunset.
• Pet-Friendly Access: Leashed pets are welcomed on designated park trails and field perimeter walkways.

Ideal For

• Civil War Historians & Enthusiasts: Visitors retracing troop movements across the iconic morning battlefield of September 1862.
• Tourists & Road Trippers: Drivers and families navigating the self-guided Antietam auto tour.
• Hikers & Walkers: Outdoor enthusiasts exploring the scenic trails of Washington County\'s preserved farmland.
• School Groups & Educational Field Trips: Guided tours and student excursions visiting key national historic monuments.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Because Cornfield Parking B is an integral stop on the auto tour, spaces can fill quickly during peak fall foliage weekends and battle anniversary events each September. To ensure a tranquil experience, aim to arrive in the morning hours before midday tour traffic peaks. While parking at the individual tour turnouts is complimentary, visitors should confirm national park admission requirements at the main Visitor Center before exploring. In warm summer months, pack water and sun protection, as shade in the open fields is limited. Please observe all National Park Service preservation guidelines by staying on marked paths and respecting the historic grounds.