--- SHEPHERDSTOWN TO DARGANS BEND TO DAM NO. 3 ---

From Shepherdstown to the rapids at Harpers Ferry is 12 miles, Dargans Bend a good place to catch your breath or a starting point for the Harper's Ferry Run, is 8 miles below Shepherdstown.

As a Civil War buff, this run has significance. One mile below Shepherdstown is Packhorse Ford, Robert E. Lee's retreat route from the Battle of Antietam. Expect a long, shallow water area. Two miles downstream is the Antietam Creek and the stately three arch C&O Canal Antietam Aqueduct.

Dargans Bend by road is a bit tricky to find. It is located on Shinhams Rd., off of Harpers Ferry Rd. A. From Sharpsburg, Harpers Ferry Rd. is off Main Street. Follow it, then left after Antietam Creek, then right to Shinham Rd., found at the bottom of a hill. B. From US 340 west, take the last exit before you cross the river, Keep Tryst Rd, to Sandy Hook Rd., which leads to Harpers Ferry Rd., then a left to Shinham Rd. You have mastered a scenic back road. Dargans Bend to Dam No 3 is 2 1/2 miles.