Adams: History, Trails, and Orchard Landscapes

A trip to Adams can be planned around different interests. You can organize your plans around the themes that matter to you: Gettysburg’s Civil War history, historic sites, hiking, or a seasonal scenic route.

History Around Gettysburg

The starting point for a visit to the battlefield is the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Rangers from Gettysburg National Military Park offer programs on important moments and places on the battlefield. The Battle of Gettysburg is considered a turning point in the Civil War; the park preserves the battlefield associated with it. The two-hour Gettysburg Battle Walks are immersive programs that cover significant distances and traverse uneven or difficult terrain. Since program times may change, it’s a good idea to check the schedule before your visit. Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 6,000 United States soldiers and veterans.

Cycling is also possible in Gettysburg National Military Park, but is permitted only on paved park roads and avenues. For road cyclists, the Adams County guide features three routes. Each includes a map, a cue sheet, a route description, and landscape photographs. Since route materials may be updated, it’s worth checking the details before choosing a route.

A Look at the Eisenhower Farm

Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the farm of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States. The farm was a weekend retreat for Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower; it also served as a gathering place for leaders from around the world. Tours of the Eisenhower home take place seasonally and on select days. Free, ranger-led walks through the farm’s historic landscape are also offered seasonally. If you’re planning to take part in either option, check the relevant dates and times in advance.

Trails, Forest, and Craftsmanship

Caledonia State Park is located in Adams and Franklin Counties along US 30 and covers 1,125 acres. Caledonia State Park has ten miles of hiking trails through forests and historic areas; the Appalachian Trail also passes through the park. Another destination there is the Thaddeus Stevens Blacksmith Shop, which visitors can tour. On occasion, you can watch a guest blacksmith make iron products. Opening hours are seasonal, so it’s a good idea to check visitor information before you go.

Strawberry Hill offers a different landscape, with wet and dry woodlands, two mountain streams, ponds, and a restored mineral quarry. These features paint a picture of local nature that differs from the historic sites and trails. If you’re planning your trip mainly around scenery and outdoor activity, you can consider these nature experiences as a focus of their own, alongside the hiking opportunities at Caledonia State Park.

Covered Bridges with Different Stories

The Sachs Covered Bridge was built in 1852 by David Stoner and used by Union and Confederate troops during the Battle of Gettysburg, from July 1 to 3, 1863. Its story connects its construction with the Civil War. Jack’s Mountain Bridge has a different character: it is a single-lane bridge over Tom’s Creek. As the only covered bridge in Adams County, it is still used daily by motor vehicles; it is also the only covered bridge in Pennsylvania where traffic flow is controlled by traffic lights.

The area around Sachs Covered Bridge offers a quiet, picturesque setting for photographers, anglers, hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers of all experience levels. So, alongside the bridge’s history, the focus here is also on observing and spending time in the surrounding landscape. The two bridges can be viewed through different interests: one has a documented connection to use during the battle, while the other stands out for its single-lane design and present-day traffic.

Orchard Landscapes and Seasonal Routes

Adams County has more than 120 orchards, nearly 1,250 farms, and millions of blossoms in spring. The Adams County Blossom Belt showcases this landscape as a seasonal, self-guided driving route through Upper Adams County, with 14 official stops. Since the route is seasonal, check the relevant visitor information in advance if you’d like to include it in your plans.

When choosing a hotel, you can first decide what you want your stay to focus on: Gettysburg’s battlefield history, historic sites and bridges, hiking, or the seasonal orchard landscape. That way, your search reflects the reason for your trip without requiring you to fit every theme into the same day’s itinerary.

Explore more destinations: Gettysburg, Abbottstown, New Oxford, Aspers, Littlestown, Susquehanna County, Lebanon, Berks.

For the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.