News Release

Horseshoe Bend NMP Increasing Recreational Access to Outdoor Areas

Date: May 29, 2020
Contact: Stacy Speas, 256-675-9028

Daviston, AL – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is increasing recreational access. The National Park Service (NPS) 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.
Beginning at 8:00 a.m. May 29, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will reopen access to the tour road, trails, and boat launch. These areas will be open during regular business hours. The park gate closes at 5:00 p.m. and therefore road and trails should be clear in time for closing. The boat launch closes at sunset. For all areas of Horseshoe Bend, and in support of local and CDC guidance, social distancing and hygiene protocols are highly recommended. Face mask use is strongly encouraged.

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

• Visitor Center
• Restrooms
• Picnic Area

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Horseshoe Bend NMP 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 these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and facilities may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders from the Alabama Department of Public Health, 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. We 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 will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/hobe and on Facebook at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.