Reasons to Visit Gettysburg this October

So, weather-wise, September didn’t exactly make us feel like fall was on our doorstep. But we’re hopeful that October will bring us those cool temperatures that we’ve waited all summer for, and bring on those shades of oranges, yellows and reds. If you’ve never taken an autumn getaway to Gettysburg, this is the year!

The centerpiece of October is undoubtedly the National Apple Harvest Festival, held the first two weekends of the month. Tucked away in the South Mountain Fairgrounds about 20 minutes north of the historic battlefields of Gettysburg, the festival draws tens of thousands of visitors from around the Mid-Atlantic and showcases everything apple – from entertainment, to food, crafts and more food.

Those same weekends, farms and markets across the area join in the festivities with events of their own, including Hollabaugh Bros. Fruit Farm & Market, who invite festival-goers to enjoy special fall treats and activities for kids.

For many visitors, October in Gettysburg means one thing – the paranormal. From ghost tours and paranormal investigations, Gettysburg’s night life is drawing thousands of visitors each autumn, but especially October. Check out our list of ghost tours and get immersed into the Halloween season with a fall Gettysburg getaway.

Our leaves are so beautiful, we need to include it again. Take a drive around Adams County, get lost, and enjoy the amazing spectrum of colors – all while enjoying covered bridges, rolling hills and apple farms as far as the eye can see.

Enjoy Fall Family Day at Spangler Farm – one of the most preserved Civil War farms and field hospitals in Gettysburg. This daylong event on Saturday, October 12, features special programming, activities and living history demonstrations. Best part – the event is free for the whole family.

Venture down to Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve. This private park sits adjacent to Michaux State Forest and offers visitors miles of hiking trails, a nature center and plenty of fall sights, sounds and smells. Strawberry Hill and Michaux offer trails of all levels, from easy strolls to steep terrain.

Next door to Strawberry Hill is Camp Eder, and on October 19, they invite you to celebrate the autumn season with their Camp Eder Fall Fest, a family friendly day to enjoy the camp, delicious food and lots of activities to keep kids busy.

We can’t have a list of fall highlights without mentioning food. From restaurants to coffee shops and farm markets, the Gettysburg area has all your fall favorites – from sweet autumn treats (say apple cider donuts!) to hot and cold drinks and new menu items that take the chill off and get you immersed into the season.

But in Adams County, our favorite food is the apple. Tis the season for the fall harvest and markets around the Gettysburg countryside are brimming with dozens of apple varieties. Pick your own or take home some apples for snacking or baking this fall season. Sign up for the Adams County Crop Hop for a full harvest experience in the Gettysburg region!