Devils Den, Gettysburg Self-Guided Walking Tour

Exploring Gettysburg’s Devils Den: A Self-Guided Walking Tour Review

Our review of the Devils Den, Gettysburg Self-Guided Walking Tour offers a detailed look at one of the most intense spots from the Civil War’s Battle of Gettysburg. This tour, priced at just $9.99 per person, provides a flexible way to explore the battlefield at your own pace. It’s run by Action Day Trips and relies on a mobile app that guides you through the rocky landscape, recounting the stories of soldiers who fought here.

What stands out about this experience is its self-guided nature, allowing you to enjoy the site without the pressure of a traditional tour group. The offline maps and audio storytelling are especially useful for travelers who want to immerse themselves without worrying about signal issues. One thing to note is that this isn’t an entrance ticket—so, check Gettysburg’s open hours beforehand.

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of tech and independence. However, it’s worth mentioning that some users have faced technical hiccups, and it’s not suited for those expecting a guided tour with a live guide or a structured bus experience. Still, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, flexible way to explore Devil’s Den, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: At under $10, this self-guided tour offers great value, especially since you can reuse it for up to a year.
• Offline accessibility: Once downloaded, it works without Wi-Fi, making it perfect for remote battlefield exploring.
• Engaging storytelling: The narrative style brings the site’s history to life, with praise for the narrator’s voice and storytelling quality.
• Self-paced exploration: Pause, start, or skip stops as you wish—ideal for a leisurely visit or multiple trips.
• Technical considerations: Some users experienced difficulties with setup and instructions, emphasizing the importance of good Wi-Fi during download.
• Not an entry ticket: Remember, this tour doesn’t include battlefield admission, so plan your timing accordingly.

Diving Into the Experience: What to Expect at Devils Den

Arrival and Starting Point

Your adventure begins at Sickles Avenue in Gettysburg, where you’ll need to download the App by Action, enter your provided password, and set up the tour. It’s all straightforward, but reviewers suggest that instructions could be clearer. Once set, you’re ready to explore a 0.11+ mile route, focusing on Devils Den—a site notorious for some of the fiercest fighting during the Civil War.

The Landscape and Atmosphere

As you start walking, you’ll be met with the strange, rocky terrain of Devils Den. Large boulders, uneven ground, and a landscape that looks more alien than battlefield make this a compelling setting. One reviewer noted, “Getting a great overview of the site, and what soldiers went through,” highlighting how the terrain itself tells a story of rugged combat.

The Audio Tour Content

The narration is delivered by a voice that many find engaging and clear. It recounts stories from both Union and Confederate perspectives, helping to build a vivid picture of the chaos here. Several reviews praise the crisp audio quality and how well the narration makes history feel alive. For example, one said, “It felt like history was happening all around me,” emphasizing the immersive quality.

Historical Details and Personalities

While the tour focuses more on the battlefield’s geography and the battles fought here, it also shares insights about soldiers’ experiences and the strategic importance of Devil’s Den. Reviewers appreciated hearing multiple stories and learning new details that deepen their understanding of this fierce struggle.

Potential Drawbacks

A few users mentioned the installation instructions could be clearer, especially for first-time users. Technical issues like app crashes or difficulty syncing the audio have been reported, though these are generally resolved with patience or support. Also, one reviewer pointed out that this is a walking tour, not a driving tour, which could confuse those expecting a vehicle-based experience.

Duration and Pacing

The entire tour is designed to be completed in about 30 minutes, covering the main points of Devil’s Den. It’s perfect for a quick, insightful visit, or as part of a longer battlefield exploration. The flexibility to pause and resume at will means you can take breaks for photos or snacks without rushing.

Practical Tips

• Bringing headphones or earbuds improves immersion and allows sharing with a partner.
• Download the tour in a strong Wi-Fi zone to avoid interruptions.
• Check the battlefield’s open hours—this tour is only available when the park is open.
• Remember, this isn’t a ticket; you need to buy entry separately if required.

Why This Tour Works (and When It Might Not)

The Value for Money

At under $10, the tour offers exceptional value, especially considering it’s reusable for a whole year. The storytelling and offline maps elevate the experience beyond simple audio clips. It’s ideal for travelers who want a cost-effective way to learn and explore at their own pace.

The Authenticity and Engagement

Multiple reviews highlight how the narrator’s voice and storytelling style make the history feel alive. The ability to pause and skip allows you to tailor the experience—perfect if you’re short on time or want to focus on specific parts of the battlefield.

Technical Reliability

While many users praise the app’s smooth operation and offline functionality, others have faced hiccups, particularly during setup. Having a good internet connection during initial download is crucial. Support is available if issues arise, but it’s worth being prepared.

The Limitations

This isn’t a guided tour with a live guide or a bus tour, which means you won’t get real-time answers to questions. The experience is more about self-paced storytelling, which might not suit visitors looking for a highly interactive or guided experience. Also, if you’re not comfortable with technology or prefer structured tours, this might feel a bit isolating.

The Experience in Practice: From Setup to Finish

Once you arrive at Sickles Avenue, the setup process involves downloading the Action Tour Guide app, entering your unique password, and ensuring your device is fully charged. After that, the experience is entirely hands-free: as you walk the terrain, the audio plays automatically based on your location, guiding you seamlessly from one story to the next.

Reviewers note that the route covers all the key spots of Devils Den, giving a rundown without feeling rushed. The terrain itself makes for an engaging walk—rock formations and uneven ground mean you’ll get a feel for what soldiers experienced here. Several reviewers found the narration vivid and appreciated the extra stories available for deeper insight.

Support and Troubleshooting

If you encounter any audio issues, support is available through the app. One reviewer explained, “If facing audio issues, contact support,” indicating that the company is responsive. Still, it’s wise to be prepared—download the tour beforehand and ensure your device is functioning well.

End of Tour and Reflection

The tour concludes back at the starting point, leaving you with a better understanding of why Devil’s Den was such a critical part of the Battle of Gettysburg. Visitors often find themselves wanting to return, having gained fresh insights on subsequent visits.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This self-guided tour is ideal if you value flexibility, authentic storytelling, and a budget-friendly way to explore Gettysburg. It’s perfect for history buffs, solo travelers, or couples who are comfortable using a smartphone during their walk. The reusability ensures you can revisit and deepen your understanding on future trips.

However, if you prefer a guided experience or need more structured insights, you might consider other options. Also, be aware that this tour requires some setup and patience with technology—and it’s not suitable if you plan to visit outside park hours or need an included entrance ticket.

In sum, for those who enjoy a self-directed, immersive, and affordable battlefield tour, Devils Den offers a compelling package, especially given its detailed narration and offline capabilities. Just come prepared for a walk over rocky terrain and a bit of initial setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include entry to the battlefield?
No, it only provides the audio-guided exploration of Devils Den. Entry to the battlefield or specific sites requires separate tickets.

How long does the tour take?
The route is designed for about 30 minutes, but you can take longer if you pause or explore side areas.

Can I do this tour multiple times?
Yes, you can buy it once and use it for a full year, making it great for repeat visits.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally accessible, the content is historical and may be best suited for older children or history enthusiasts.

Do I need Wi-Fi during the tour?
No, after downloading the tour in a Wi-Fi zone, it works offline throughout your exploration.

What device do I need?
A smartphone with the Action Tour Guide app installed and headphones or earbuds for best experience.

Is this a guided tour with a person?
No, it’s completely self-guided with audio narration; you won’t meet a guide in person.

Can I share the tour with a partner?
Yes, couples can share one device and split headphones for an economical experience.

What if I encounter technical problems?
Support is available via the app, and many users find that troubleshooting is straightforward with the provided instructions.

Is this a good value for the price?
Absolutely—considering the rich storytelling, offline maps, and reusability, it offers excellent value for history lovers on a budget.

Exploring Devils Den with this self-guided tour combines flexibility, affordability, and depth. While it’s not without minor technical bumps, the engaging narration and offline usability make it a solid choice for those wanting a meaningful battlefield experience on their own terms.