Safety

Cowpens National Battlefield has many activities for you to enjoy. We want you to be prepared for your activity before you go. Please review the safety tips below to reduce the risk of injury on your visit. In addition, please review the Leave No Trace Seven Principals. If you have questions about what activities are allowed at the park, please call 864 461-2828.

  • Weather conditions can change quickly, especially during the Spring. Keep an eye on the sky and check weather reports.
  • Summer is hot and humid, so drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks out of the sun.
  • Climbing is unsafe and can damage something that cannot be replaced, including you. Stay on the designated pathways and trails.
  • Watch your step. Many surfaces on the walking paths or around the historic structures may be uneven or slippery, especially in the rain.
  • Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear and weather appropriate clothing.
  • As part of the National Park Service, everything here is protected. Don't remove or disturb any part of this historic structures or any living thing.
  • Many kinds of wildlife call the park home. Be sure to give any wildlife you encounter plenty of space. Turn around, if necessary. Don't kill any wildlife.
  • Use insect repellent in the warmer months. Mosquitoes and biting flies and gnats are prevalent.
  • Be cautious of fire ant mounds (dome-shaped mounds of loose soil).
  • Check for ticks on your clothing and body after being outdoors.
  • Be cautious of others while driving or walking on shared roadways.
  • Stay on the trails and keep pets on a leash. Be vigilant for snakes such as the copperhead.
  • Be cautious of poisonous plants such as poison ivy and poison oak.

Park regulations exist for your safety and for the protections of natural and cultural resources. Please obey all park rules and regulations.

  • All plants and animals in the park are fully protected. Regulations prohibit picking and digging of plants, hunting, and metal detecting.
  • Feeding, touching, teasing, frightening, or intentional disturbing of wildlife is prohibited.
  • Use caution driving the loop road. Please remember that you share the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, delivery trucks, tour buses, motor homes, and motorcycles.
  • Park only in designated areas.
  • Bicycles are only allowed on the loop road and parking areas. Bicyclists must wear helmets and must travel in the bicycle lane in the same direction as traffic. A bicycle rack is provided in the Visitor Center parking lot.
  • Pets are not allowed in the buildings and must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and attended at all times. Failing to crate, cage, or restrain a pet on a leash is a violation of federal law.
  • Picnics are only permitted in the picnic area.
  • It is a violation of federal law to climb on monuments.

Last updated: May 13, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Cowpens National Battlefield
338 New Pleasant Road

Gaffney, SC 29341

Phone:

864 461-2828

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