PA Fall Foliage

The Best Fall Foliage Views on the Gettysburg Battlefield

If you’re wondering where to find the best fall foliage views on the Gettysburg battlefield, you’re in the right place!

Fall foliage around the 123rd New York Infantry Monument on the Gettysburg battlefield.

Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of what is widely regarded as the turning point in the American Civil War, transforms into a canvas of Nature’s hues every autumn.

Carter’s Battery - King William (Virginia) Artillery on the Gettysburg battlefield in October. — Carter’s Battery – King William (Virginia) Artillery on the Gettysburg battlefield in October.

The juxtaposition of historical significance with the brilliance of fall foliage offers a truly unique experience.

Fall foliage around the Virginia Monument on the Gettysburg battlefield.

And while colorful views can be found throughout the park’s expansive landscape, several iconic spots stand out for their autumnal brilliance.

Fall foliage views at the 11th Massachusetts monument on the Gettysburg battlefield. — Fall foliage views at the 11th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment Monument.

Best Fall Foliage Spots on the Gettysburg Battlefield

1. Culp’s Hill

Occupied by Union troops all three days of the battle, Culp’s Hill was the critical right flank of the Union defensive line at Gettysburg.

Fall foliage views on Culp's Hill at Gettysburg. — Fall foliage views on Culp’s Hill at Gettysburg.

2. West Confederate Avenue

West Confederate Avenue runs north to south along Seminary Ridge, marking the main Confederate battle line on July 2nd and 3rd.

Artillery pieces and fall foliage along West Confederate Avenue on the Gettysburg battlefield.

3. Little Round Top

Although this popular vantage point is closed for a rehabilitation project in 2023 (reopening Spring 2024), the fall foliage views from the bottom are nothing short of spectacular.

Fall foliage at moonrise on Little Round Top in October 2023.

4. Cemetery Ridge

Cemetery Ridge formed a primary defensive position for the Union Army on July 2nd and 3rd, at roughly the center of the Union line.

72nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment monument in late October at Gettysburg National Military Park. — 72nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment monument

5. Soldiers’ National Cemetery

The final resting place for over 3,000 fallen Union soldiers from the Battle of Gettysburg, Soldiers’ National Cemetery is an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s tumultuous history while immersing oneself in the serene beauty of nature.

Looking out across the National Cemetery in Gettysburg towards the Soldiers' National Monument. — Brilliant fall foliage at Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg.

Gettysburg Battlefield: Fall Foliage Viewing Tips

Timing: mid to late October usually offers peak foliage conditions.

78th and 102nd New York Infantry Monument surrounded by fall foliage on Culp's Hill at Gettysburg. — 78th and 102nd New York Infantry Monument surrounded by fall foliage on Culp’s Hill at Gettysburg.

Photography: Sunrise and sunset provide exquisite lighting, accentuating both the historical monuments and the vibrant foliage.

October views from the top of the Pennsylvania Monument on the Gettysburg battlefield, looking to the northwest.

Preparation: Dress appropriately for the weather, it can be quite chilly at sunrise!

October sunrise on Cemetery Ridge at Gettysburg.

Tours: Consider guided tours that offer insights into both the historic events of Gettysburg and the unique flora of the region.

Monument to the High Water Mark of the Rebellion, with a backdrop of fall foliage at the Copse of Trees on the Gettysburg battlefield. — Monument to the High Water Mark of the Rebellion on the Gettysburg battlefield.

Fall Foliage at Gettysburg: Reverence and Reflection

A visit to Gettysburg National Military Park during the fall is more than just a sightseeing adventure.

4th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment Monument in the foreground, fall foliage on Little Round Top in the background.

The interplay of vibrant fall colors with the silent tales of courage and sacrifice makes Gettysburg a unique blend of natural splendor and reflective solitude.

Cannons on the battlefield at Gettysburg.

The fall foliage not only amplifies the beauty of the landscape but also adds a profound depth to the park’s storied past.

Fall foliage around the General James Longstreet Monument along West Confederate Avenue at Gettysburg.

Visiting Gettysburg National Military Park in the autumn serves as a reminder that even in this place marked by so much conflict and sorrow, both Nature and our Nation are capable of rebirth and resilience.

Irish Brigade Monument, 63rd, 69th and 88th New York Infantry 14th New York Independent Battery surrounded by fall foliage on the Gettysburg battlefield. — Irish Brigade Monument, 63rd, 69th and 88th New York Infantry 14th New York Independent Battery.

76 Fabulous Fall Foliage Destinations in PA showcases the best autumn attractions from every corner of Pennsylvania.

Be sure to check out my Fall Foliage Guide for tips on WHEN to catch the best fall colors across the Keystone State.

A color-coded map depicting 2024 peak fall foliage predictions in Pennsylvania, based upon DCNR fall foliage data from 2017 through 2023.

Nearby Attractions

The Seminary Ridge Museum interprets the history of the Battle of Gettysburg from the museum’s setting inside a building which served as both an observation post and a hospital during and after that battle.

Exploring the Seminary Ridge Museum in Gettysburg PA — Scenes from the Seminary Ridge Museum.

The Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum is an engaging collection of exhibits, artifacts, short films, and immersive experiences that illustrate the history of Adams County, as well as insight into what the townspeople of Gettysburg dealt with during the battle and in the days, months and years afterwards

Exploring the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the Gettysburg: Beyond the Battle Museum.

The Gettysburg Museum of History is home to thousands of unusual artifacts and atypical antiquities from American history, and admission is FREE!

A photo collage from the Gettysburg Museum of History in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Top left shows the museum's street sign featuring an eagle and proclaiming 'FREE MUSEUM'. Top right depicts an exhibit with Civil War artifacts, including portraits and a chair. Bottom left is an interior view with various memorabilia and a large presidential seal. Bottom right presents military uniforms and World War memorabilia. Each image displays a part of the rich historical collection of the museum. — Scenes from the Gettysburg Museum of History.

Sachs Covered Bridge near Gettysburg was crossed by both Union and Confederate forces during the battle.

Exploring Sachs Covered Bridge in Adams County Pennsylvania. — Sachs Covered Bridge just outside Gettysburg.

The Jennie Wade House is a historic landmark and museum that memorializes the life and untimely death of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg.

A photo collage from the Jennie Wade House in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Top left is the house's exterior with the statue of Jennie Wade. Top right shows a tour guide in period attire inside the house. Bottom left depicts a bedroom with a bed and a quilt. Bottom right is the establishment sign of the Jennie Wade House from 1901. — Scenes from the Jennie Wade House.

16 Must-See Attractions in Gettysburg is your guide to even more great things to see and do in Gettysburg!

A licensed Town Guide describing some of the history of Gettysburg Pennsylvania. — A licensed Town Guide describing some of the history of Gettysburg.

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