Gettysburg Battlefield

The Route

 This is a long ride -thirty-seven miles- but there is ample opportunity for a mid-ride break in Gettysburg.

 Leaving Emmitsburg you head first West and then North through rolling farmlands  as you approach Gettysburg environs.  

You pick up the battlefield close to mile fourteen, riding along McPherson's Ridge where the battle was first joined.  The route continues along Seminary Ridge and subsequently Confederate Avenue, along which Lee disbursed troops under Hill and Longstreet.  

Crossing the Emmitsburg Road at mile eighteen, the route takes you the scene of second day's battle, along the base of Big Round Top, the crest of Little Round Top, and down to the Devils Den and the Wheatfield. Continuing you will ride along the Union front lines that confronted Pickett on the third day, including the angle, site of the Confederate army's farthest advance.

Leaving the battlefield, you will turn left along the Emmitsburg Road(Steinwehr Ave).  At this point you may wish to pause to take advantage of one of the eateries lining the road  in the opposite direction.  Several chains are represented.  A bit further on in the same direction you will find the Appalachian Brewing Company, a popular brewpub.

Turning right on Millerstown Road you will shortly pass by  the Eisenhower farm.  Shortly thereafter the route takes a slight detour, allowing for your transit of the Sachs covered bridge. Built in 1852, it was used by both sides during the Gettysburg battle. The one hundred foot bridge is a Town truss covered bridge consisting of wooden beams "criss-crossed" to form a lattice.This bridge was one of few remaining Town truss bridges in Pennsylvania.

The balance of the ride back to Emmitsburg consists of rolling hills, with a short steep climb awaiting on the Irishtown Road before you get into town.

Getting there from D.C.

Take 270N and subsequently Route 15 to Emmitsburg, taking the first exit on South Seton Avenue.  Turn left on West Lincoln Avenue (last left before the stop light) and park in the Community Park parking lot at the intersection of West Lincoln and Willow Drive.

While you are there....

Emmitsburg features several eateries to include the Ott House and the Palms in the town center.  I favor the Palms' Shriver Burger or its one patty cousin. The Ott house is a bit more upscale with a broader range of beverage service.

-Turn by Turn Directions-

Digital Download

The route has been posted to Ride with GPS. To download turn by turn coordinates select "More Export Options" from the button options found to the right of Send to Phone.

Cue Sheet

The cue sheet begins at the Community parking lot.