Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Devil's Den, Sickles Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325(Sickles Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA)
Know in advance:This is a self-guided tour; no guide will accompany you. The Action Tour Guide app functions as a guide, an audio tour, and a map all in one
After the booking, you will receive an email with a link to the Action Tour Guide app and a unique password to access the tour within the app
This tour has been developed by local guides, curated by creative writers, and narrated by professional voice artists
Most stops along the tour explore footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes, discover the iconic Liberty Bell, and relive the fight for American Independence with a self-guided audio tour
New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want
The tour requires a supported mobile device for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular service
Devil's Den was the site of fierce fighting on July 2, 1863, during the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Confederate forces, primarily Hood's Texas Brigade, engaged in a brutal struggle with Union defenders from Ward's Brigade. The rocky, uneven terrain made for chaotic close-quarters combat as both sides vied for control of this strategic position overlooking Plum Run and Little Round Top.
The name "Devil's Den" predates the Civil War, stemming from local folklore and legends. The area's peculiar jumble of massive boulders and dark crevices was believed by some to be a haunt for a supernatural being or spirits, earning it the ominous moniker. The intense and bloody fighting that occurred there during the Battle of Gettysburg only reinforced this eerie reputation.
Yes, Devil's Den is part of the Gettysburg National Military Park and is generally open to visitors for exploration during daylight hours. It is accessible for self-guided walking tours year-round, though access may occasionally be restricted for maintenance or safety reasons. It's always advisable to check the official Gettysburg National Military Park website for any specific operational updates before your visit.
For a comprehensive exploration of the Devil's Den area, including reading interpretive signs, navigating the rock formations, and taking in the historical significance, visitors should typically allocate approximately 1 to 1.5 hours for the self-guided walking tour. This allows ample time to absorb the atmosphere and understand the events that unfolded there.
Visitors are generally free to explore the grounds and climb some of the rock formations at Devil's Den during a self-guided tour. However, it is crucial to exercise caution, as the terrain is uneven and rocks can be slippery. For safety and preservation of the historical site, it is recommended to stay on marked paths and avoid venturing into restricted areas.
To reach Devil's Den without a personal car, you can consider walking from the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center, which is a considerable distance but an option for avid walkers. Alternatively, during peak seasons, the park often provides shuttle services that connect major historical sites, including Devil's Den. Local taxi or ride-sharing services are also available in the Gettysburg area for direct transportation.
Devil's Den is directly adjacent to and easily accessible by foot from Little Round Top, making it very convenient to visit both sites together. It is also in close proximity to other significant battlefield locations such as the Wheatfield, the Peach Orchard, and Plum Run, all of which played critical roles in the same day's fighting during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Devil's Den offered significant tactical advantages due to its elevation and natural rock defenses. For Confederates, it served as an excellent observation post for artillery spotting and provided cover for skirmishers. For Union forces, holding Devil's Den was crucial for protecting the flank of Little Round Top, making it a highly contested strategic objective throughout the brutal fighting on July 2, 1863.