Although Gettysburg's crime rate is relatively low, theft does occasionally occur, so lock your car when it's not in use and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. When visiting Gettysburg National Military Park, rangers recommend dressing accordingly for the season (including wearing sunscreen on sunny days), keeping a safe distance from wild animals and packing plenty of water for hikes and bike rides.

Those who venture off of walking trails should also be mindful of ticks, which are often spotted in areas with tall grass and brush during the warmer months. These tiny critters can transmit Lyme disease if they're attached to you for at least 24 hours. To protect yourself from ticks, apply insect repellent with DEET regularly and wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Don't forget to check your clothes and skin frequently and to shower shortly after being outside. If you are bitten by a tick, immediately remove it with tweezers. To learn more about how to avoid ticks at Gettysburg National Military Park, check out the park's Tick Safety page.

The best way to get around Gettysburg is to walk or drive. Though you'll need to use other modes of transportation to get to town, Gettysburg's small size makes it easy to walk to and from any point downtown. Parking is also readily available should you choose to drive. To visit nearby wineries, ski slopes, the Eisenhower National Historic Site or Sachs Covered Bridge, plan on bringing or renting a car. Other options include riding bikes or Freedom Transit trolleys, but their fees make them more expensive than walking or relying on your own set of wheels.

Several airports – including those servicing Baltimore and Washington, D.C. – sit within 100 miles of Gettysburg, but the closest is Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), which is located about 45 miles northeast in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Visitors can also get to town by taking an Amtrak train from New York City, Baltimore, Philadelphia or Washington, D.C., to Harrisburg. Once in Harrisburg, travelers will need to rent a car or hop on a rabbittransit bus to reach Gettysburg. Keep in mind, the latter only operates at select times on weekdays.