Gettysburg National Military Park Website: https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm Know Before You Go: Many of the roads and paths in this park allow cars, but they generally go very slowly so it seemed safe to us. I would not recommend wearing headphones as you will not hear approaching vehicles. Length: Several miles. We ran 4 miles on Hancock Avenue, Sedgwick Avenue, Crawford Avenue and Wheatfield Road. Time: It depends on how far you want to go. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Terrain: Paved, Rock/Dirt Dog-Friendly: Yes, but dogs must be on a leash and are not allowed in some parts of the park, such as the Museum and Visitor Center and the National Cemetery. Kid-Friendly: Yes.
Whether you enjoy hiking or not, Gettysburg National Military Park is an incredible experience. The exhibits are amazing, the old battlefields haunting, and the area around the park is beautiful rolling prairie and emerald green hills.
The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War. It lasted for three days, ending in a Union victory that halted Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s push north to Washington D.C. It’s known as the bloodiest battle of the war, and famous for being the location of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
We spent part of two days there and ran both days on the roads that carry both vehicles and bicyclists through the park. We started at the Museum and Visitor Center to get a sense of history and the lay of the land. In addition to running, we hiked a good portion of the park for a closer look at some of the monuments and interpretive displays. Parts of the park were closed for construction when we visited, including the hiking trail near Big Round Top, but we were able to hike in far enough to assure you it’s a beautiful wooded area.
You are able to walk off the paths and roads amongst the monuments and gravestones, but the terrain off-road is very uneven so be sure to watch your step.