Guided Gettysburg Battlefield Tours with Hickory Hollow Farm - Harrisburg

Guided Gettysburg Battlefield Tours with Hickory Hollow Farm

Harrisburgeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1.5–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels with moderate walking over varying terrain.

Overview

Step onto the grounds of history with Hickory Hollow Farm’s licensed guided tours in Gettysburg. Discover the strategic landscape and stories behind the Battle of Gettysburg on an engaging 1 1/2 or 2-hour walking experience.

Details

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, carries a weight unlike any other American landscape. Its rolling fields and weathered wood fences hold the story of one of the nation’s most pivotal clashes—the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. Hickory Hollow Farm offers 1 1/2-hour and 2-hour licensed guided battlefield tours that bring this historic ground to life in a way that’s both informative and immersive. Located just outside Gettysburg town, the farm acts as a gateway to an outdoor classroom where history, terrain, and nature converge.

Hickory Hollow’s tours focus on the landscape itself—the gently undulating hills, stony ridges like Little Round Top, and open farmlands where Union and Confederate soldiers fought amid oak and hickory groves. These features are not mere backdrops but strategic points that shaped the battle’s outcome. Guides lead small groups across carefully chosen trails, pointing out preserved earthworks, cannon placements, and the distinct topographical features that influenced troop movements.

The tours stand apart for marrying historical detail with an accessible, outdoor experience. Unlike large-scale reenactments or crowded visitor centers, this intimate approach allows visitors to physically connect with the ground, feeling the contours beneath their feet while understanding the decisions made there over 150 years ago. Additionally, the seasonally changing flora—from spring wildflowers to golden fall grasses—adds a quiet, contemplative mood to the visit.

For those interested in military history or heritage landscapes, Hickory Hollow Farm provides a meaningful way to engage with America’s past through the very earth where it unfolded. Its proximity to Gettysburg’s main town lets visitors easily incorporate this guided experience into a broader trip filled with walking tours, museums, and other battlefield sites. Hickory Hollow’s licensed guides ensure accuracy, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking a grounded, outdoor history tour in one of the country’s most iconic battlefields.

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable footwear

The terrain includes uneven dirt trails and slight elevation changes—sturdy shoes are a must.

Bring water and sun protection

Tours are mostly outdoors with limited shade; pack water and sunscreen, especially in summer months.

Mind the weather

Tours proceed rain or shine, so dress in layers and bring rain gear when necessary.

Arrive early for parking

Gettysburg can be busy, particularly in peak seasons—allow extra time for parking near Hickory Hollow Farm.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Shrine of Remembrance Park
  • Daniel Lady Farm grounds

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Eastern wild turkeys

History

Gettysburg hosted the largest battle ever fought in North America, turning the tide of the Civil War in 1863.

Conservation

Efforts at Gettysburg prioritize preserving both the historic battlefield and its natural environment, minimizing erosion and protecting native plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Early morning
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • Little Round Top summit
  • Cemetery Ridge
  • Devil's Den

What to Photograph

Battlefield landscapes
Historic earthworks
Seasonal flora

Recommended Gear

Sturdy hiking shoes

Essential

Supportive footwear is crucial for walking uneven battlefield trails comfortably.

Water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during your outdoor walking tour, especially during warm months.

summer|spring|fall specific

Weather-appropriate layers

Essential

Layering lets you adjust to temperature changes common throughout the day on open terrain.

all specific

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

Essential

Protection against sun exposure is important given the open nature of the battlefield.

summer|spring|fall specific