![]() ![]() The historic preserve straddles the crossroads of Gapland Road and Arnoldtown Road, and its most imposing structure, The War Correspondents Memorial Arch, is a clear sign that you’ve arrived. Photo Credit: Laura Rennieĭirectionally-challenged travelers will appreciate that once you’re on the mountain, it’s impossible to miss Gathland State Park. The sense of going back in time that I experienced during my seconds-long visit to Burkittsville the year prior was heightened as I passed centuries-old buildings and ascended South Mountain, imagining the thousands of Civil War soldiers who once took this climb on foot just days before the Battle of Antietam. From Alt-40, I headed south on MD-17, then made a right on Gapland Road, the main street in Burkittsville. Leaving my home in Frederick, I drove west on Alt-40 towards Middletown, where the views of the sprawling valley from the descent on Braddock Mountain never cease to make me feel grateful to live in this beautiful section of the state. How many times have I passed by a gas station known for great fried chicken or signs for a nearby nature center and thought, “ gosh, I need to go there” ? So it was with Burkittsville, until one recent Saturday morning when I woke up and decided to kill two bucket-list birds with one stone: hike in Gathland State Park and finally check out the little town that had so unexpectedly captivated my interest. I could rattle off dozens of spots I’ve bookmarked in my brain as places to visit. The speed limit increased, and I was off again. There wasn’t time to linger, though - I had to make my appointment. ![]() I drove slowly over the intersection, turning my head to take in the charming historic strip of buildings. ![]() The smooth cement road gave way to cobblestones as I approached a four-way stop, and I felt as though time stood still for a few seconds. I was making good time until the speed limit suddenly went from 55 to 25, and I passed a sign alerting me that I was about to pass the town of Burkittsville. It was my first time driving the stretch of MD-17 between Brunswick and Middletown, and I hated missing the chance to take in the landscape. I was trying not to be late for a meeting with our realtor, so I hit the gas and set my focus on the road in front of me. It’s a miracle I didn’t get pulled over last year. ![]()
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