Cemetery Ridge (The Angle) Gettysburg
The heart of the Union defense during Pickett's Charge, Cemetery Ridge offers profound history and breathtaking battlefield vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Cemetery Ridge (The Angle) Gettysburg
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The heart of the Union defense during Pickett's Charge, Cemetery Ridge offers profound history and breathtaking battlefield vistas.
"Best views of the battlefield from the union side."
Sunrise Spectacle
Catch the sunrise from a monument's top for unforgettable views. :sunriseovermountains:
Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Prioritize comfy shoes for exploring the battlefield. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Angle
Cemetery Ridge
The focal point of Pickett's Charge, where the Confederate assault met its fiercest resistance. A pivotal and poignant spot.
Union Line Monuments
Cemetery Ridge
Numerous monuments mark the Union positions, offering insights into the defense and sacrifices made here. Many offer elevated views.
Sunrise Views
Various Monuments
Witness the battlefield bathed in golden light. Some monuments offer spiral staircases for panoramic sunrise vistas.
North Carolina Monument
Cemetery Ridge
A significant monument commemorating the bravery of North Carolina soldiers during Pickett's Charge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Auto Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sunrise Spectacle
Catch the sunrise from a monument's top for unforgettable views. :sunriseovermountains:
Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Prioritize comfy shoes for exploring the battlefield. :athletic_shoe:
Auto Tour Essential
Utilize the auto tour to cover the vast battlefield efficiently. Download the NPS app! :iphone:
North Carolina Pride
If you're from NC, the monument is a must-see. Show your pride! :flag_us:
Tips
from all over the internet
Sunrise Spectacle
Catch the sunrise from a monument's top for unforgettable views. :sunriseovermountains:
Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Prioritize comfy shoes for exploring the battlefield. :athletic_shoe:
Auto Tour Essential
Utilize the auto tour to cover the vast battlefield efficiently. Download the NPS app! :iphone:
North Carolina Pride
If you're from NC, the monument is a must-see. Show your pride! :flag_us:
Ghostly Encounters?
Some visitors report paranormal activity. Keep an open mind! :ghost:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cemetery Ridge for its profound historical significance and stunning battlefield views, especially during sunrise. The well-maintained monuments and the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history are major highlights. Some find the sheer scale overwhelming, and occasional crowds can detract from the solemn atmosphere.
"Great place. We got here at sunrise and there is a spiral staircase to the top of one of the monuments you can go up in and see everything. Best place to watch the sun rise"
CT Sufficool
"A beautiful place with a terrific auto tour. You can drive through or walk and learn a lot about our history."
Amber Rando
"So nice. They have like a 2.5 mile trail with monuments and there's plenty of good spots to eat close by"
Rasha Shaffa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cemetery Ridge is a central part of Gettysburg National Military Park. The best way to access it is by following the park's auto tour route. You can drive your own vehicle or take a guided tour. Parking is available at various points along the ridge, allowing you to explore on foot.
While there isn't direct public transportation to the battlefield itself, Gettysburg Borough has local bus services. However, most visitors find it easiest to drive or use ride-sharing services to reach the park entrance and then utilize the auto tour or shuttle services if available.
It's a significant distance to walk from downtown Gettysburg to Cemetery Ridge, likely over 2 miles. While possible for dedicated walkers, it's more practical to drive or take a taxi/rideshare to the battlefield entrance and then explore the ridge.
The National Park Service offers an excellent auto tour that guides you through the key areas, including Cemetery Ridge. Downloading the official NPS app or using a dedicated battlefield tour app on your phone is highly recommended for historical context and navigation.
Entry to Gettysburg National Military Park is generally free. However, there are fees for certain activities like guided bus tours or visiting specific historic buildings. The auto tour and access to Cemetery Ridge are typically free of charge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need specific tickets to visit Cemetery Ridge. It is part of the Gettysburg National Military Park, which is generally free to enter. You can access it via the auto tour or by parking at designated spots.
The park grounds are typically open from dawn to dusk. The Visitor Center has specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's always best to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information.
Some monuments on Cemetery Ridge offer access to observation decks or spiral staircases, allowing visitors to climb for panoramic views. However, not all monuments are accessible, and it's important to follow any posted signs and safety guidelines.
Since entry to the battlefield is free, there are no tickets to buy for Cemetery Ridge itself. If you opt for a guided bus tour or a specific historical experience, booking in advance, especially during peak season, is advisable to secure your spot.
While major reenactments are less common directly on Cemetery Ridge, Gettysburg National Military Park hosts various living history events, ranger programs, and special ceremonies throughout the year. Check the NPS website for schedules.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cemetery Ridge was a crucial defensive position for the Union Army during the Battle of Gettysburg. It was the target of Pickett's Charge, the climactic Confederate assault on the third day of the battle, making it a site of immense historical importance.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be exploring the battlefield on foot. Dress in layers, as weather can change. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are also recommended, especially during warmer months.
Restroom facilities are available at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center and at various designated stops along the auto tour route, including some near Cemetery Ridge.
Pets are generally allowed in Gettysburg National Military Park as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after. However, they are not permitted inside park buildings. Always check the latest NPS regulations.
Many of the monuments along Cemetery Ridge offer excellent vantage points. Climbing to the top of accessible monuments, like the Pennsylvania State Monument, provides sweeping views of the battlefield. The Angle is also a key area to observe the terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers stunning golden hour light, creating dramatic shadows and illuminating the landscape beautifully. Early mornings and late afternoons also provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the atmosphere.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the battlefield, detailed images of the numerous monuments, historical markers, and the rolling terrain. The changing light throughout the day offers diverse photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited within Gettysburg National Military Park to protect the historical integrity and visitor experience. Always adhere to park regulations regarding aerial photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the battlefield. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details on distant monuments. A tripod can be beneficial for sunrise shots or low-light conditions.
The area around The Angle offers a dramatic perspective of Pickett's Charge. The Pennsylvania State Monument provides excellent panoramic views. Don't miss the North Carolina Monument for its historical significance and photographic appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many monuments have accessible viewing platforms, which can be exciting for children to climb. The open fields offer space to run (under supervision, of course) and burn off energy between historical stops. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and make it a point to visit the Visitor Center for exhibits that can help contextualize the battlefield for younger minds.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take advantage of the auto tour with detailed narration or consider hiring a licensed battlefield guide for an in-depth understanding of the tactical maneuvers and personal stories. Visiting the nearby Gettysburg National Cemetery and the Soldiers' National Monument also provides crucial context to the sacrifices made on Cemetery Ridge.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
While the National Park Service doesn't officially endorse ghost tours of the battlefield itself, many local companies offer evening ghost walks in Gettysburg town that may include areas near the battlefield. If you're visiting Cemetery Ridge at dusk or dawn, some report heightened activity. Approach these experiences with an open mind and respect for the historical site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Cemetery Ridge
The Union soldiers, entrenched along Cemetery Ridge, repelled the charge, marking a turning point in the Civil War. The landscape is now dotted with hundreds of monuments, each telling a story of the regiments and soldiers who fought there. Walking along Cemetery Ridge offers a profound connection to this history, allowing visitors to visualize the scale of the battle and the bravery displayed by both sides.
Many of these monuments are not just markers but also offer elevated platforms or spiral staircases, providing visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire battlefield. These vantage points allow for a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of the terrain and the flow of the battle. The sheer number and variety of monuments make Cemetery Ridge a living museum, preserving the memory of those who fought and fell.
Experiencing Pickett's Charge
Visitors can walk the path of the charge, starting from the Confederate lines and moving towards The Angle on Cemetery Ridge. This visceral experience helps to comprehend the immense bravery and the tragic futility of the assault. The sheer scale of the open field, now peaceful and green, belies the chaos and carnage that unfolded here on that fateful day.
Standing at The Angle, the point where the Confederate forces made their deepest penetration, offers a powerful perspective. The numerous monuments in this area, including the North Carolina Monument, serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of this pivotal moment in American history. It’s a place for reflection on the sacrifices made and the enduring legacy of the Civil War.
Sunrise and Photography at Cemetery Ridge
Several monuments, such as the Pennsylvania State Monument, feature spiral staircases that allow visitors to ascend for breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Gettysburg landscape. These elevated viewpoints are especially magical during the golden hour, offering unique perspectives for photography. Remember to check accessibility as not all monuments may be open for climbing.
Beyond the sunrise, the battlefield offers excellent photographic opportunities throughout the day. The interplay of light and shadow on the monuments and terrain changes constantly, providing diverse compositions. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the vastness of the battlefield, while telephoto lenses can isolate details on distant markers. Always be mindful of park regulations and respect the historical significance of the site.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit