DC is full of history, which means we have more than enough ghost stories to go around. We’ve shared a few ghost stories and haunted places. But there’s one haunted place where you can actually get your exercise in, even if you don’t run screaming from ghosts. Monocacy Battlefield is the most haunted hike near DC.

Monocacy National Battlefield is in Frederick, Maryland. It’s about an hour drive from the district. Monocacy is a gorgeous historic battlefield and it’s a great place to hike and explore. It was also the setting of a deadly battle during the Civil War.

Flickr/Mr.TinDC

In the summer of 1864, the Confederacy was losing the war and Lieutenant General Jubal Early launched a last-ditch effort to win the war.

Flickr/Mr.TinDC

The Confederate army of 15,000 troops marched down the Shenandoah Valley on a mission to attack and capture Washington DC.

Flickr/Mr.TinDC

The Battle of Monocacy took place on July 9th. It was a one day battle and by the end of the day, roughly 2,200 soldiers were wounded, killed or captured.

Flickr/Mike Procario

The Gambrill Mill, which was located on the battlefield was turned into a hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers. While the Confederates won the battle, over 900 Confederate soldiers died either on the battlefield or in the hospital at Gambrill Mill.

Flickr/Indiana Public Media

This brings us to the ghostly part of this story. Many people report that the battlefield is haunted by the Confederate soldiers who died there. There have been reports of hearing sounds of battles, moans of wounded soldiers and ghostly figures around the battlefield.

Flickr/Mike Procario

There’s a 7.4 mile loop that will take you all along the battlefield. You can see the best and most haunted sights in the area including the Gambrill Mill.

Flickr/Fred Schroeder

The hike is worth it for the history, the beauty, the nature and, of course, the ghosts. Because ultimately, while the Confederates won the battle, the Union soliders were able to hold them off long enough so that support could reach DC. In fact, the battle is known as the “Battle That Saved Washington.”

Flickr/Dave

So if you do dare to take this hike, be on the look out for Confederate soldiers who might still be trying to accomplish their mission.

Yelp/Brandi K.

Do you dare take this haunted hike? Explore history and nature on these DC trails that take you to ancient ruins.

Flickr/Mr.TinDC

Flickr/Mike Procario

Flickr/Indiana Public Media

Flickr/Fred Schroeder

Flickr/Dave

Yelp/Brandi K.

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