Bike Rules and Regulations on the Battlefield

A ranger and a pair of visitors walking on Culps Hill

Rules and Regulations on the Battlefield

• Traffic on park roads can be very busy during summer months and weekends in the spring and fall. Park avenues intersect with busy public roads and traffic can be heavy at those intersections so please observe STOP signs and use caution when passing through intersections.
• Bicycling is allowed on all roadways. Bicycles must be ridden with the flow of traffic. Riders should obey all applicable traffic regulations.
• Riders shall keep to the right side of the road. Bicycle groups should ride no more than two abreast and are not allowed to impede the flow of traffic.
• Helmets MUST be worn by riders who are age 12 and younger.
• Bicycles shall NOT be ridden through the Gettysburg National Cemetery and Annex, on sidewalks, horse trails, foot trails, and across open fields. Bicyclists are allowed to walk their bicycles through these areas.
• The one exception to the above is the paved trail from Parking Lot #3 and the Taneytown Road paved trail. 
• Motorcycles, golf carts, skateboarding, rollerblades and skates, and scooters are not allowed on any pedestrian walkways, sidewalks, or trails.
• All bicycles must be equipped with a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the rear, which must be used during times of low visibility and between the period of sunset and sunrise. 

• Riders should walk their bikes while on pedestrian walks and trails.

• Bicycle racks are located at Parking Lot 1 at the Museum and Visitor Center. Racks are also located at several stops throughout the park and riders are urged to use locks and security devices while bikes are left unattended.

• The National Park Service urges bicyclists to wear proper safety equipment and bright colored clothing so that you can be easily seen by motorists who may be distracted by the park scene.
• Accidents resulting in property damage or personal injury must be reported to the Park Information Desk as soon as possible. Call 717-334-1124 ext. 8023/8025 or call 911.

Bicycling Suggestions 

• A good central location to start from is the National Cemetery parking lot between the Taneytown and Emmitsburg Roads. Riding south on the Emmitsburg Road allows wide shoulders and traffic visibility and offers excellent sightlines of key features of parts of the Second and Third Day’s Battlefields. 
• Bicycling on the extreme southern end of the battlefield becomes steeper and generally has more vehicle traffic. The area around the Wheatfield and Devils Den has tight turns and blocked sightlines. Bicyclists in these areas need to exercise caution as drivers will not be expecting bicyclists here.
• The terrain on East Cemetery Hill and Upper and Lower Culps Hill are very steep for bicycling. However, bicycling along East Confederate Avenue has nice, rolling terrain and affords great views of a crucial part of the battlefield not available from other areas. Bicyclists can park at the Spangler’s Spring (Stop #13) or access East Confederate Avenue from East Middle Street in Gettysburg. (Vehicle traffic is one-way on East Confederate Avenue, beginning at East Middle Street.) Park on the right side of the road and keep all four wheels on the pavement. 
• For further bicycling information, see the Park Information Desk.

E-bikes

• The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).

• E-bikes are allowed in Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.

• A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).

Except as specified in the Superintendent Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of the Superintendent Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.

Bicyclists into Adams County should check on-line for advice on bike trails and paths through this area. All of the roads into Gettysburg are heavily traveled throughout the year and few have adequate shoulders to keep riders out of harm's way. Route 97 and Route 134 south of Gettysburg are the primary access roads to the Museum and Visitor Center.

Details

Activity

Road Biking

The bike route will go follow the same route as the self guided auto tour around the battlefield. The rules and regulations on this page will help guide you around the field safely. The full bike tour is roughly 24-26 total miles from start to finish. 

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are allowed on most of the battlefield, besides the National Cemetery. 

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

The driving tour is avaible year round but weather conditions are not advisable for biking in the winter.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Pets are allowed anywhere on the battlefield besides the National Cemetery. Bikes are not allowed in the National Cemetery.