Safety

Tick Safety

Whether you travel by car or on foot, keeping safe will help make the trip to Appomattox Court House NHP more enjoyable.

  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Carry valuables with you or lock them out of sight in your vehicle.
  • Dial 911 in case of an emergency.

Weather

  • Check the weather forecast and be prepared.
  • Summers can be hot and humid. Carry adequate water and sun protection precautions while exploring the Park.
  • Winters can be cold. Dress in layers and bring extra water and food while hiking.

Slips, trips, and falls

  • Watch your step and be prepared to turn around in dangerous settings such as wet and slippery conditions or ice on the trail.
  • Be sure to always stay on Park-maintained trails.
  • Use approved trails. Going off trail can damage park resources, accelerate erosion, threaten wildlife, or increase the chance of injury.

Snakes

Snakes (some of which are venomous) can be found throughout the Park. Pay attention to where you are walking, and do not disturb the snakes if you encounter one.


Ticks

Several species of ticks are common throughout the Park, and they can transmit diseases to humans through a bite. It's important to take precautions when exploring the Park, even if you're taking a short stroll through nature.

Preventing Tick Bites:

  • Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and long pants, with pant legs tucked into socks and shirts tucked into pants. Consider wearing gaiters or compression clothing. Wear bug spray with less than 30% DEET.
  • Consider pre-treat clothing with a chemical repellant like permethrin
  • Stay toward the center of trails
  • Avoid tick-infested areas (i.e., high grass, off-trail trekking, etc.)

Protect Your Park.

Help protect Appomattox Court House NHP for you and future generations by following the policies below.

  • Overnight Camping is prohibited

  • Hunting and trapping is prohibited to protect the wildlife

  • Possession or use of metal detectors is prohibited

  • No digging on park grounds is allowed

  • Drones and/or unmanned aircraft systems may never be flown in our park

  • Pets must always be on a leash and their waste packed out of the park.

  • Do not feed feral and/or wild animals

  • Picnicking is only allowed the designated picnic area.

Last updated: July 3, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
P.O. Box 218

Appomattox, VA 24522

Phone:

434 694-8904

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