As parks make more areas available to the public, the NPS encourages you to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and follow Leave No Trace principles when you visit.
•Know before you go. Visit NPS.gov/findapark for current park conditions and availability of restrooms and other facilities. Make a plan, follow the 10 Essentials, and if you are sick, stay home.
•Keep it close. Follow the state and county orders governing the open status of the area you’re considering visiting. The National Park Service is working closely with governors and state and local health departments as we increase access and services across the National Park System.
•Keep your distance. Recreate with the people in your household. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail, at a boat launch, or in a parking lot. Follow the CDC social distancing guidelines for staying six feet away from others. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth if you’re near others.
•Know your limits. Postpone challenging hikes or trying new activities while first responders, parks, and communities continue to concentrate on responding to the pandemic.
•Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas. Follow Leave No Trace principles.
•Keep it inclusive. Be an active part of making our nation’s parks and public lands safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
General Questions on Current NPS Operations/Reopening
The National Park Service (NPS) is following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, as we begin to increase recreational access and services. The NPS is working service wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.
Our operational approach continues to be centered on examining each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public areas and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.
The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park facilities are currently accessible to the public in accordance with public health guidance, but some services may be limited.
For additional details about Harriet Tubman National Historical Park operations, visit nps.gov/hatu/index.htm. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
Questions on enforcement of social distancing practices.
The health and wellbeing of visitors and employees at national parks is our top priority. America’s public lands belong to the American people, and throughout this pandemic the National Park Service (NPS) and [insert specific park] have followed guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities to adapt to changing conditions.
We ask the public to be our partner in adopting social distancing practices and to wear a cloth face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.
While we strongly encourage social distancing and the use of face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained, the NPS will not take actions against individuals who do not wear cloth face coverings or adhere to the guidance. We have posted signs and continue to emphasize the need for individuals to follow the guidance. Notably, a majority of visitors have been responsive and responsible in following the guidance.
Park rangers are on duty to uphold normal rules and regulations and assist visitors as needed. Modifications to operations will be flexible, continually evaluated and adjusted as necessary to ensure public health and safety. Some park concessionaires, such as lodging, food, and tour services, may require face coverings in their facilities.
A safe and enjoyable park visit starts at home. Plan your visit by checking a park’s website and social media platforms for updates as operations are changing regularly and on a park-by-park basis. We encourage visitors to recreate responsibly and pack essential items like water, face coverings and hand sanitizer.