Safety

IN AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 911

IN AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 911.

If you have a safety concern that does not pose an immediate threat, please alert park staff and/or call [phone]

 

Social distancing sign

NPS

PARK SAFETY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Saratoga National Historical Park is our first priority. We are closely monitoring local, state, and federal guidance, and are adjusting operations accordingly. Updates will be provided on our website and social media channels as they become available.

The NPS encourages people who choose to visit Saratoga National Historical Park to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York State, and local public health authorities.

Some safe practices when visiting the park include:

• Avoid coming within six feet of other people, and use a face covering when spending time around others

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer if you cannot wash your hands. There is currently no running water available at Saratoga NHP.

• Stay home if you feel sick or have been in close contact with a sick person

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

• Practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, in order to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy

 

Picture of a deer tick or black legged tick, common in the Northeast

TICK SAFETY / LYME DISEASE AWARENESS

Saratoga National Historical Park, like much of the northeast, has experienced increased tick activity.

You can minimize your chances of exposure by following a few simple steps:

• Stay toward the center of trails and away from brush and unmowed grass

• Tuck pant legs inside socks

• Wear lightly-colored clothing to make spotting ticks easier

• Use insect repellent

Be sure to check yourself, and your pets, for ticks. Contact your health care provider if you find any attached to you. Learn more about tick bites and tick-borne disease here.

BICYCLE SAFETY

Bicycle accidents have caused several injuries to visitors recreating at Saratoga National Historical Park.

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bike. The State of New York requires all persons 14 years of age and under to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle.

• Always ride single file to the right.

• Announce yourself when passing other trail users from behind, always pass on the left.

• Don't speed, the speed limit on the tour road is 25 MPH for all vehicles, including bikes.

• Beware of trail hazards which could include; twigs, bumps in the pavement, and low-hanging branches.

• Stay on bike trails.

• Biking anywhere but the tour road is prohibited.

• Be alert for hills, sharp turns, and other users.

• Walk bicycles over service road.

• Walk bicycles when going against the flow of traffic.

• If you riding an unfamiliar bike, check brakes, gears, and steering before riding it.

• If there is an emergency, call 911.

GENERAL PARK SAFETY

• When hiking, always bring plenty of water. On hot days, it is good to drink about 1 liter or 32 ounces of water every two hours. You may have to increase how much you drink if it is very hot or if the hike is strenuous.

• Closed toe, sturdy shoes are best for hiking and walking in the park.

• The Wilkinson Trail and the Battlefield Tour Road are both only partially shaded; remember to wear sunscreen and/or wear hats and clothing to protect yourself from sunburn.

• Always keep your distance from wildlife.

• Please do nor climb, stand, or hang on cannon carriages or monuments.

• Stay on hiking trails, and check yourself for poisonous plant rashes (such as those from poison ivy) and ticks after hiking.