Saratoga National Historical Park to reopen Battlefield Tour Road
STILLWATER, N.Y. » Saratoga National Historical Park is increasing recreational access to the battlefield with the reopening of the Battlefield Tour Road.
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, the Saratoga National Park Service recently announced its plans to reopen the tour road, which offers visitors the opportunity to take a scenic and historic drive throughout the park.
Beginning July 1, 2020, vehicles may drive the road from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Driving on the Battlefield Tour Road gives visitors the chance to view the entire battlefield to understand the scope of battle. This tour experience, estimated to take at least 45 minutes, includes eight stops with 26 interpretive panels.
“We are excited to be able to finally welcome visitors back onto the tour road to experience both the natural and cultural treasures at the park,” Superintendent Amy Bracewell said in a press release. “I appreciate everyone’s patience as we slowly increase access to ensure the highest safety of our visitors and employees.”
The National Park Service is working servicewide 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.
In addition to the tour road, which is open for pedestrians and bicyclists as well, all grounds are open sunrise to sunset for walking.
Currently, no water is available in the park. Guests are reminded to bring enough for their visit.
With public health in mind, several facilities remain closed at this time. There are the General Philip Schuyler House, the Saratoga Monument and the Neilson House.
Due to Visitor Center rehabilitation projects that were interrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Visitor Center will also remain closed until these projects are completed.
“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount.” the release said. “At Saratoga NHP our operational approach will be to examine 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 and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.” While certain park areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited.
When recreating, the public is asked to follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
The Saratoga National Park Service will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
Details and updates on park operations are posted online at www.nps.gov/sara and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/saratoganhp. Updates about National Park Service operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.