Explore Adams: History, Parks, and Apple Culture
Accommodation in Adams
In Adams, the history of the Gettysburg battlefield, historic sites, and landscapes of forests, streams, and orchards come together. When planning your trip, you can focus on different interests: learning about American history, spending time outdoors, or finding out more about the county’s apple industry. Which of these aspects interests you most can also help you choose the right place for your vacation rental in Adams.
Experience Gettysburg’s History in Person
The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is the starting point for a visit to the battlefield. Park rangers offer programs covering important moments and locations from the battle. Those who want to explore the grounds in greater depth can consider the Gettysburg Battle Walks: These two-hour programs are intensive, cover significant distances, and take you over uneven or difficult terrain. Plan them as a standalone activity.
Gettysburg National Cemetery is also part of the area’s history. It is the final resting place of more than 6,000 United States soldiers and veterans. The Battle of Gettysburg is considered a turning point in the Civil War; Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the associated battlefield. For a trip with several interests, this makes it possible to deliberately alternate between historic sites and outdoor activities rather than packing every stop into a single itinerary item.
Historic Sites and Distinctive Bridges
Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the farm of General and 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The farm served as a weekend retreat for Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower and also as a meeting place for heads of state and government from around the world. Tours of the Eisenhower home are offered seasonally and on selected days. Free, ranger-led walks through the farm’s historic landscape are also available. If you enjoy both buildings and landscapes, these different formats offer different ways to experience the site.
The Sachs Covered Bridge was built by David Stoner in 1852 and used by Union and Confederate troops during the Battle of Gettysburg, from July 1 to 3, 1863. Its surroundings offer a peaceful setting for photographers, anglers, hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers of all experience levels. Jack’s Mountain Bridge is a single-lane bridge over Tom’s Creek. It is the only covered bridge in Adams County still used daily by motor vehicles, and the only covered bridge in Pennsylvania whose traffic is controlled by traffic lights.
Forests, Hiking Trails, and Cycling
Caledonia State Park covers 1,125 acres in Adams and Franklin Counties along US 30. Its 10 miles of hiking trails pass through forests and historic areas; the Appalachian Trail also runs through the park. At the Thaddeus Steven Blacksmith Shop, you can learn about the historic craft and occasionally watch a guest blacksmith make iron products. This combination of hiking and history appeals to travelers who enjoy filling their stay with a variety of activities.
Strawberry Hill includes wet and dry woodlands, two mountain streams, ponds, and a restored mineral quarry. The Free Hike Friday series offers naturalist-led guided hikes on trails of varying difficulty. Cycling at Gettysburg National Military Park comes with a clear restriction: bicycles are welcome, but riding is permitted only on paved park roads and avenues. The Adams County guide to road cycling can also help you choose a route; each of its three routes includes a map, a cue sheet, a route description, and landscape photographs.
Apple Country and Local Discoveries
Adams County has more than 120 orchards, nearly 1,250 farms, and millions of blossoms in spring. It is the leading apple-producing county in Pennsylvania. The National Apple Museum is located in a restored barn dating from before the American Civil War. It preserves the history and artifacts of the apple and tree-fruit industry, as well as its contribution to the county’s development. The Adams County Blossom Belt is a self-guided scenic driving route with 14 official stops through Upper Adams County. For another way to connect with producers and seasonal offerings, the free digital Field to Festival Trail leads to local growers and makers, as well as seasonal events and festivals in Gettysburg and Adams County.
An arts and crafts event is held annually at Caledonia State Park on the second Saturday in July; this date may be useful when planning your schedule.
More Places in Adams
For further orientation, you can also include the towns of Gettysburg, Abbottstown, New Oxford, Aspers and Littlestown in your trip planning.
For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.
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