Safety

Poison Ivy...if you are unsure if it is or not. Remember the saying "leaves of three, let it be!"

NPS

Your safety is our priority! Please keep the following in mind while exploring the park:

Traffic Awareness

• Be cautious in the parking lot and along park roads.
• Park roads are closed to public vehicles but are used by maintenance and delivery vehicles.

Trail and Ground Conditions

• Historic pathways and grounds may be uneven or slippery when wet. Watch your step, especially on walkways and stairs.
• Due to the park’s proximity to privately owned lands, some privately owned fences may be high voltage. Keep a safe distance from fences as a high voltage shock could result in injury.
• Our property backs up to an active farm. Please be respectful of their agricultural efforts and be mindful of the heavy
  agricultural machinery.

Natural Hazards

• Poison Ivy: Common along the forest edges. Unsure what it looks like? Ask a ranger at the visitor center for help identifying it or refer to the picture on this page.
• Bees: Yellow jackets and other bees are occasionally present. Visitors with bee sting allergies should carry appropriate medications.
• Maintain a safe distance between you and wildlife (including farm animals).

In Case of Injury

• Report accidents or injuries to a ranger immediately.
• First aid kits are available, and local emergency services can respond quickly for major medical needs.

Enjoy your visit while staying safe!

 

Deer Ticks are fairly common in the Northeast united States and are responsible for the spread of diseases like Lyme Disease.

NPS

Tick Safety

Ticks are common in the area, especially when walking on lawns or trails. To stay safe, keep these tips in mind:

Be Aware

• Ticks may climb onto your shoes or clothing while you explore.

Removing a Tick

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
2. Pull upward steadily and evenly—don’t twist or jerk, as this can leave the mouth-parts embedded in your skin.
3. If mouth-parts remain, remove them carefully with tweezers.

After Removal

• Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
• Monitor for symptoms of tick-borne illnesses and consult a healthcare provider if needed.

For detailed prevention and removal tips, visit the New York State Department of Health Tick Safety Page. Stay vigilant and enjoy the outdoors!

 

Heat Illnesses and Prevention

Exploring the park on a sunny day is a wonderful adventure, but summer heat can bring risks. Stay safe by understanding and preventing heat-related illnesses:

Sunburn

Prevention:

• Protect your skin with a hat, sunglasses, and high-protection sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen regularly to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more water than it takes in, impairing essential functions. It can affect anyone but is especially dangerous for young children and older adults.

Symptoms:

• Dry mouth and tongue
• Sunken eyes or cheeks
• Extreme thirst
• Fatigue or muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Infrequent urination or dark-colored urine
• Lack of tears when crying (in infants or young children)
• For more warning signs of heat illnesses, refer to the graphic below.

Prevention:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially during strenuous activities like hiking.
• Begin hydrating the day before any planned physical activity.
• Monitor hydration by checking that your urine is light yellow to clear—a sign of good hydration.

Stay prepared, take breaks in shaded areas, and keep fluids handy. With the right precautions, you can enjoy your park visit safely in the summer heat!

 

How to differentiate between heat stroke and heat exhaustion and what to do.

CDC.gov