June trip recommendations

[Creighton1930]

so I found out I am getting to go to Gettysburg and Antietam in June, and I will be spending 4 days in the area (technically 3, but the 4th day I will still have time to do stuff), and I plan on visiting both battlefields within the 2 to 3 days I have. The first day and possibly second day, I planned on going to Gettysburg, doing the self guided, driving tour, while also walking around the battlefield. I was hoping to cover at least the major parts of the battlefield, and trying to see as much as I can within the time frame I have. The Second or third day, I was planning on seeing South Mountain first, then going to Antietam, driving/walking around, taking pictures, and seeing the sites, then going to Shepherdstown, Bolivar Heights, and Harpers ferry. Then, on the last day, I was planning on visiting Monocacy battlefield, since it is less than 30 minutes away from my hotel, and possibly somewhere else, before I have to check out of the hotel officially.

This is kind of a generalized plan, I am not sure if it will change or not, but I was wondering from you guys on here: If I had time, what other places should I visit in the area? Manassas was a possible candidate for me, or Balls Bluff, or Kernstown, or Third Winchester. I am doing the self guided tours of the two main battlefields I will be going to, and there is a lot of points to cover, so I realize I might end up spending more time on both than the others, but I tend to be someone who has energy and can get through a lot of walking and driving.

 

[JerryD]

You can do Gettysburg in one day, if its a long day. If you are doing the driving tour I highly recommend you pair it with the video tour, and download the videos before you go. They can be found here https://www.nps.gov/gett/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtour.htm. Depending on how deep a dive you want to do, Gettysburg can easily be two or three days. That gives you time to attend some Ranger Walks, walk Picket's Charge, and spend time on the field reading first person accounts of participants who occupied the spot you are on (my favorite activity on any battlefield).

You can probably do Antietam and Harpers Ferry in one day.

If you have not been to it yet, I would reserve the third day for Manassas/Groveton.

If the last day is only a partial day, Monocacy sounds about right.

 

[reading48]

Not enough time to take in Gettysburg, Antietam, Harpers Ferry and Monocacy. I suggest you spend more time at the battlefield of your choice.
3 days at the Burg.
1/2 day Antietam
1/2 day Harpers Ferry/Monocacy
plus your driving time between sites. the clock is ticking for just 3 days.

 

[Creighton1930]

Not enough time to take in Gettysburg, Antietam, Harpers Ferry and Monocacy. I suggest you spend more time at the battlefield of your choice.
3 days at the Burg.
1/2 day Antietam
1/2 day Harpers Ferry/Monocacy
plus your driving time between sites. the clock is ticking for just 3 days.

I was thinking about a half day at Antietam Then 2 days at Gettysburg.

I am expecting just those two, that's what I really planned the trip around. I am gone from Monday and leave Thursday.

 

[reading48]

I was thinking about a half day at Antietam Then 2 days at Gettysburg.

I am expecting just those two, that's what I really planned the trip around. I am gone from Monday and leave Thursday.

I would visit Antietam first, take in the sites at your leisure. then about an Hr. travel time to the Burg get a motel and start fresh. My 2 cents.

 

[Jamieva]

I think covering Antietam, harpers ferry and south mountain in one day is an aggressive schedule. There is lots to see at harpers ferry and Antietam.

 

[bdtex]

I think covering Antietam, harpers ferry and south mountain in one day is an aggressive schedule. There is lots to see at harpers ferry and Antietam.

I can vouch for that from our CivilWarTalk Muster at Antietam last year. We spent a full Thursday at South Mountain, a full Friday at Harpers Ferry and a full Saturday at Antietam.

 

[Creighton1930]

I think covering Antietam, harpers ferry and south mountain in one day is an aggressive schedule. There is lots to see at harpers ferry and Antietam.

I am on running on 3 days of time (plus a fourth day, but that day I really leave, and it's a 6 hour drive back home), so my most important thing is to see both Antietam and Gettysburg battlefield. My first day will be at Antietam, and the last two days at Gettysburg.

 

[lelliott19]

I can vouch for that from our CivilWarTalk Muster at Antietam last year. We spent a full Thursday at South Mountain, a full Friday at Harpers Ferry and a full Saturday at Antietam.

And then went back Sunday to Crampton's Gap (South Mountain) and the corn field at Antietam to revisit some places we wanted to hike and see "up close and personal."

 

[Creighton1930]

So, my trip got cancelled for June, and so I won't be going to either.

Is there any virtual battlefield tour worth checking out?

 

[JerryD]

So, my trip got cancelled for June, and so I won't be going to either.

Is there any virtual battlefield tour worth checking out?

Gettysburg has a collection of Ranger Talks that mirrors the Auto Tour. https://www.nps.gov/gett/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtour.htm