Laws & Policies

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
11288 Horseshoe Bend Road
Daviston, AL 36256
[phone]

Superintendent’s Compendium

Of designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority.

Approved:
/s/ Andrew R. Miller, Superintendent
Date: 08/21/2025

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations ("36 CFR"), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions for the proper management, protection, government, and public use of the portions of Horseshoe Bend National Military Park ("the park") under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service ("NPS"). Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

Written justifications, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent's use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print.

36 CFR §1.5 - VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES

(a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:

Visiting Hours:

• The Visitor Center is open 7 days a week, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, March 1 through November 30.
• Winter Hours: The Visitor Center is open 5 days a week Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, January 2 through February 28 and December 1 - 31.
• The Tour Road is open 7 days a week, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• The Comfort Station is open 7 days a week, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Park administration is open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, year-round. Offices are closed during all Federal Holidays.
• The Park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
• Necessary closures, including partial closures, or delayed openings (due to inclement weather for example), will be posted at: https://www.nps.gov/hobe

Public Use Limits:

• Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is closed to all public access from sunset until 8:00 a.m. unless otherwise permitted in writing by the Superintendent.
• During emergency conditions, such as fire, ice and snow, park roads may be closed to the public without advance notice.
• Recreational activities such as picnicking are allowed only in the two (2) established picnic areas and the grass field located immediately south of the Visitor Center.

Closures:

• Maintenance Area: The maintenance area located across State Road 49 is closed to public use.

• Employee Residence Area: The employee residence area, located north of the Visitor Center is closed to the general public.

• Roads: Unimproved roads and service roads are open for contractual services and park administrative, protection and law enforcement purposes only. Visitors are advised to keep their motorized vehicles, bicycles, and electric assisted bicycles on the improved park access roads. Roads restricted for maintenance and park vehicles only are so designated with “Do Not Enter” or Service Road signs.

Justification: Those areas of the park which will be closed do not contain any facilities which are normally used at night and have vandalism and/or visitor safety concerns (e.g. falling hazards) that require limited access and use after dark. The restrictions on the Commemorative Area arise from the legislative mandate to preserve the battlefield, and out of respect for American Indian sentiment regarding the site of the battle.

Use of Unmanned Aircraft:

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.

Definition: The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quad-copters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Justification: The compendium closures required to implement this interim policy are necessary to maintain public health and safety in units of the National Park System and to protect park resources and values until the NPS can determine whether specific uses of manned aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS are appropriate and will not cause unacceptable impacts on park resources and values. This closure by the Superintendent implements Section 1.5 of the NPS Management Policies of 2006, which provides that a new form of park use may be allowed within a park only after a determination has been made in the professional judgment of the Superintendent that it will not result in unacceptable impacts on park resources and values. When proposed park uses and the protection of park resources and values come into conflict, the protection of resources and values must be predominant.

Designate areas for specific use or activity:

(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:

• The established picnic areas, located east of the Visitor Center adjacent to the front parking lot and at the Boat Ramp located south of the Tallapoosa River on State Road 49 in the park boundaries are designated for visitor picnicking. Picnic tables shall be used on a "first- come first-served basis". Pavilions are available for reservation through a special use permit with ten days’ notice. The picnic areas are only open during park hours.

• Passenger-carrying buses must shut down their engines when parked in any of the park's parking lots.

Justification: The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by park visitors and park neighbors of the park's peace and tranquility. Due to the nature of the service provided by shuttle buses, these vehicles are excluded from this requirement.

• The park's First Amendment Areas are located adjacent to the flagpole in front of the Visitor Center and behind the Visitor Center for public assemblies, gatherings, meetings, demonstrations, and other public expressions of views. (See demonstrations section below for map) (See 36 CFR §2.51 - DEMONSTRATIONS)

Justification: For the purposes of maintaining the values for which the park was established by its authorizing legislation, it hereby designates only these specific areas for the purpose of First Amendment Rights. Under a Special Use Permit, the request will be reviewed and deemed as appropriate and reasonably consistent with protection and use of the park area for the purposes for which it was established.

COMMERCIAL, FILMING, and/or STILL PHOTOGRAPHY

Filming, still photography, and audio recording may require a permit consistent with 54 U.S.C. § 100905.

Filming, still photography, and audio recording involving more than eight individuals requires a permit unless the NPS has specifically notified the individual or group that a permit is not required, or the activity is affiliated with an authorized event under a written authorization (such as a special use permit).

Engaging in filming, still photography, or audio recording activities without a required permit is prohibited.

Violating terms or conditions of a permit issued for these activities is prohibited and may result in permit suspension or revocation.

Contact the park to determine whether a permit is required prior to conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording activities.

The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner. Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed activity. If the organizer provides the required 30-day advance notice to the NPS and has not received a written response from the NPS that a permit is required prior to the first day of production, the proposed filming activities may occur without a permit.

Justification: All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under Section 125 of the EXPLORE Act. It does not matter whether the activity is commercial, noncommercial, or conducted by media or for news gathering. There is no distinction between commercial filming and non-commercial filming. Compensation received by the person or group conducting filming or still photography activity no longer has any effect on the permissibility of the activity. The permit and fee exemptions for groups of eight or fewer individuals are not guaranteed. They are available only if the proposed activity meets a list of requirements that address the protection of park resources and visitors, the proposed activity does not impede or intrude on the experience of other visitors, and the agency doesn’t incur additional costs due to the activity.

36 CFR §1.6 - ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

Activities requiring a permit are listed above under Public Use Limits and throughout this document under the specific 36 CFR Section that authorizes or requires the issuance of a permit. Application for permits may be obtained from the Superintendent's office and shall be submitted for approval at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date of the event.

36 CFR §2.1 - PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

(a)(4) There are no designated firewood gathering areas within Horseshoe Bend National Military Park.

(a)(5) Walking, climbing, entering, ascending, descending, or traversing an archeological or cultural resource, monument or statue is prohibited.

(4) Under §2.1(a), collecting natural materials from the park is generally prohibited. However, pursuant to §2.1(c), the following fruits, nuts, berries, or unoccupied seashells may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or possession and consumption restrictions:

• Blackberries
• Mulberries
• Persimmons
• Pecan Nuts
• Walnuts
• Pinecones
• Acorns
• Hickory Nuts

36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

(d) Wildlife, lawfully taken in lands outside of Federal property in accord with Alabama State Hunting Regulations, may be transported through the park on State Highway 49 and County Road 79, provided that, except in emergency situations, the transporting vehicle does not stop or deviate from its route through the park. Legally taken wildlife may also be transported through the park on Old Sheppard Road, when a Special Use Permit has been issued in advance.

Justification: Because of the configuration of the park and the fact that access to private lands is by trail or road through portions of the park, it is sometimes necessary that game legally taken outside the park be transported through the park. The prohibition on stopping or diverting from the route, combined with a required permit on Old Sheppard Road, facilitates the adequate management of poaching activities.

(e) The use of artificial lights, handheld or mounted on a vehicle, for the purpose of viewing wildlife within the park is prohibited.

Justification: The prohibition of the use of artificial lights to view wildlife is for the protection of wildlife and public, and facilitates the adequate management of poaching activities.

36 CFR §2.3 - FISHING

(a) Unless otherwise posted, Alabama Fishing Regulations are assimilated within Horseshoe Bend National Military Park.

36 CFR §2.4 - WEAPONS, TRAPS, AND NETS

(a)(2)(i) Firearms are permitted in accordance with Alabama State Law. The possession of a concealed handgun, or the possession of a handgun inside a motor vehicle, requires a state-issued permit. Firearms are not permitted in any park buildings. Park employees (other than commissioned law enforcement rangers) are not permitted to possess firearms on park property.

36 CFR §2.5 - RESEARCH SPECIMENS

(a) Taking plants, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals is prohibited except in accordance with other regulations Chapter 1 of 36 CFR or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a specimen collection permit.

36 CFR §2.10 - CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE

Camping anywhere within Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.

Noted exceptions include:

• Living History participants during sponsored special events.

• NPS sanctioned Groups: SCA and Fire Crews may be allowed to camp during work projects. Camping will be done outside of the public use areas (maintenance area, housing area or actual back country work site) and will be suspended at the completion of the project.

36 CFR §2.11 - PICNICKING

Picnicking is prohibited within Horseshoe Bend National Military Park except:

• the established Visitor Center picnic area;
• the established boat ramp picnic area;
• the grassy area behind the Visitor Center (between Highway 49 and the Tour Road)

Please see section “36 CFR §2.13 – Fires” below for regulations on fires and use of grills in the established picnic areas.

36 CFR §2.12 - AUDIO DISTURBANCES

(a)(1) Operating motorized equipment or machinery such as an electric generating plant, motor vehicle, motorized toy, or an audio device, such as a radio, television set, tape deck or musical instrument, in a manner:

(a)(1)(i) That exceeds a noise level of 60 decibels measured on the A-weighted scale at 50 feet; or, if below that level, nevertheless;

(a)(1)(ii) makes noise which is unreasonable, considering the nature and purpose of the actor's conduct, location, time of day or night, purpose for which the area was established, impact on park users, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances.

(a)(2) Operating a power saw in developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

(a)(3) Operating any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

(a)(4) Operating a public address system is prohibited, except in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51.

36 CFR §2.13 - FIRES

(a)(1) Fires are allowed in the established park picnic areas, as long as they are contained in a park provided grill. No ground fires or use of personal grills are permitted in the picnic areas. All fires in other areas of the park are not allowed except:

• through the use of a Special Use permit issued by the superintendent’s office. The permit request must be made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date of use;
• as part of a park-sponsored living history event and will be contained in an established fire pit. All fires shall be completely extinguished prior toleaving the area.

All open fires may be prohibited without prior public notice, during periods of high fire danger.

Justification: It is necessary to restrict fires to government provided grills or designated areas to prevent uncontrolled fires and an excessive number of fire pits.

36 CFR §2.14 – SANITATION AND REFUSE

The use of government refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from private or municipal property is prohibited. Recycling containers are made available at the visitor center, restroom, and picnic areas.

36 CFR §2.15 - PETS

(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:

• With the exception of guide or service animals, pets are not allowed in any buildings or structures within the Park. Pets must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet and under physical control of their handler at all times while at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park.

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:

• Pet excrement must be collected and disposed of in a trash receptacle or removed into the woodline at least 15 feet from any public use area.

Justification: Since there are many wooded areas where the visitor is allowed to take leashed pets (e.g. along the nature trail) the owner is responsible for ensuring that pet excrement does not pose as a sanitation problem or inconvenience for other visitors or the management at the area.

36 CFR §2.16- HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS

(g) Pack animals are defined as horses, mules, burros and llamas. The use of horses and pack animals within the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is prohibited, except on the park's back country fire access roads. In accordance with Alabama law, a Coggins Certificate is required for each horse that is ridden outside its home pasture.

Justification: The establishment of this section is to prevent damage to Park cultural resources.

36 CFR §2.20 - SKATING, SKATEBOARDS, AND SIMILAR DEVICES

The use of roller skates, skateboards and roller blades, and similar devices will only be allowed on the paved section of the Employee Residence Area by employees living in the Residence Area. Use of a Segway or similar device is limited to paved surfaces.

36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

(a) All park buildings, structures and facilities are closed to smoking, including any shed, barn, building or out-building.

• Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any public building entrance, and all smoking receptacles (ashtrays, etc.) must be placed at least 25 feet away from any public building entrances.

Justification: Smoking is prohibited in all government buildings and vehicles to comply with government-wide health and safety policies. Smoking is prohibited where posted and during high fire danger in order to protect park resources and reduce the risk of fire. Buffer of 25 feet around entrances mirrors those requirements set forth for all General Services Administration (GSA) buildings.

36 CFR §2.22 - PROPERTY

(a)(2) Leaving property unattended for longer than 24 hours is prohibited.

• Property, particularly vehicles, left within the park after closing hours and after a National Park Service official has reasonably attempted to locate the owner, will be determined to be unattended.
• Following this determination, a vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense and the owner will be held responsible for reclaiming their property.
• If prior arrangements are made, temporary and emergency repairs must be completed within twenty-four (24) hours.
• Other property will be recorded under lost and found procedures and disposed in accordance with title 41 CFR.
• Park employees are allowed to leave vehicles in the park while they are in a travel status for official government travel.
• An exception is made for visitors boating on the Tallapoosa River under a Boat Ramp Special Use Permit.

36 CFR §2.35 - ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

(a)(1) All areas in the boundaries of Horseshoe Bend National Military Park are closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages with the exception of park employee residences and functions or events at the discretion of the superintendent.

(b)(2) Possession of controlled substances is prohibited, unless the possessor obtained such substance directly, or pursuant toa valid prescription or order.

Justification: Behavior induced by the consumption of alcoholic beverages may impede the enjoyment of the park by others, detract from the historic fabric and intended purpose of the park, and lead to criminal activity.

36 CFR §2.37 - NON-COMMERCIAL SOLICITING

Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit that has been issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52.

36 CFR §2.38 - EXPLOSIVES

(a) Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

(b) Using or possessing fireworks and firecrackers is prohibited

(c) Violation of the conditions established by the superintendent or of the terms and conditions of a permit issued in accordance with this section is prohibited and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit.

Conditions for Explosives

The possession and use of small quantities of black powder necessary to support park sponsored historic weapons demonstrations is permitted, subject to limitations described in a permit issued by the Superintendent. Use of the black powder will be in a manner consistent with all National Park Service policies related to historic black powder firing demonstrations.

Justification: Fireworks can intrude upon the park’s contemplative visitor experience, create a safety concern, and possibly start unwanted wildfires. Black powder and other explosives are similarly dangerous, unless used under carefully controlled and supervised settings such as a historic weapons demonstration.

36 CFR §2.50 - SPECIAL EVENTS

(a) Sporting events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed provided there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefore has been issued by the Superintendent.

36 CFR §2.51 - DEMONSTRATIONS

(a) Definitions -The term "demonstrations" includes demonstrations, picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services, and all other forms of conduct that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers. This term does not include casual park use by visitors or tourists that is not reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers.

(b)(1) Demonstrations of 25 or fewer people are allowed within Park areas designated as available under paragraph (c)(2). Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within Park areas designated as available under paragraph (c) when the Superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.

(c) The following locations are designated as available for demonstrations:

• The lawn area in front of the visitor center west of the flagpole and north of the restrooms.
• The lawn area directly behind the visitor center west of the administrative parking area.

Justification: Freedom of speech, press, religion and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonable regulated to protect legitimate government interest such as park resources. Therefore, to protect these resources, the NPS may regulate certain aspects of First Amendment activities, such as the time, the place and the way they are conducted. It is the conduct associated with the exercise of these rights that is regulated and not the content of the message.

 

Diagram of First Amendment Area at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

NPS

36 CFR §2.52 - SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER

(a) Sale or distribution of printed matter by 25 persons or fewer may be conducted without a permit in designated park areas, provided that the requirements in §2.52 are met.

(b)The sale or distribution of printed matter by more than 25 persons is allowed within park areas designated as available under §2.51 when the Superintendent has issued a permit.

36 CFR §2.62 - MEMORIALIZATION

(a) The installation of a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area without the authorization of the Director is prohibited.

(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued by the Superintendent.

36 CFR §3.3 - BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES - PERMITS

A Boat Ramp Special Use Permit is required for use of the boat ramp after dark. Overnight parking at the boat ramp is prohibited, except under a Boat Ramp Special Use Permit.

36 CFR §3.9 - PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

(a) Use of personal watercraft (PWC or jet ski) is prohibited within the boundaries of Horseshoe Bend National Military Park.

36 CFR §4.2 - MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATIONS - STATE LAW APPLICABLE

(a) Unless specifically addressed by regulations in this chapter, traffic and the use of vehicles within a park area are governed by Alabama law. Alabama law that is now or may later be in effect is adopted and made a part of the regulations in this part.

36 CFR §4.21 - SPEED LIMITS

(a) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

• Alabama Highway 49: Forty-five (45) miles per hour
• County Road 79: Forty-five (45) miles per hour
• Park Tour Road: Fifteen (15) miles per hour

36 CFR §4.30 - BICYCLES

(a)(1) Bicycle and electric assisted bicycle use is permitted only on the Park Tour Road within the entrance gates of the park. Bicycles on State Road 49 or County Road 79 are subject to state law and due care.

(a)(2) "Electric assisted bicycle" means a device with two or three wheels which has a saddle and fully operative pedals for human propulsion and also has an electric motor. For such a device to be considered an electric assisted bicycle, it shall meet the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as set forth in 49 C.F.R. Section 571, et seq., and shall operate in such a manner that the electric motor disengages or ceases to function when the brakes are applied. The electric motor in an electric assisted bicycle shall:

• Have a power output of not more than 1,000 watts;
• Be incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on level ground; and
• Be incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power alone is used to propel the device at or more than 20 miles per hour.

Justification: In the interests of visitor safety, bicycles and electric bicycles are not allowed on the nature trail or on the fire roads.