Please remember that federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.
Superintendent's Signature
NPS Photo
2024 Park Compendium
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 apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Saratoga National Historical Park. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.
Written determinations, 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.
To request a signed copy of this document as a PDF, please e-mail us. All information contained on this page is also included in the PDF file.
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:
Battlefield Grounds
Sunrise to Sunset
Park Entrance Road
24 Hours a day
Park Tour Road (Vehicle Traffic)
April 1st through June 1st
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
June 1st through Labor Day
9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Labor Day through Eastern Standard Time change
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Eastern Standard Time change through November 30th
9:00am to 4:00 pm
Thanksgiving Day
CLOSED
December 1st through March 31st
CLOSED
Park Tour Road (Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic)
Sunrise to Sunset
Visitor Center
March 1 through November 30
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
December 1st through February 28th
Friday through Sunday
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Year's Day
CLOSED
Neilson House
Memorial Day to Labor Day
As Posted
Schuyler House
Friday to Sunday –Memorial Day to mid-October
Daily 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Schuyler House Grounds
Sunrise to Sunset
Saratoga Monument
Saturdays and Sundays July 1 to October 8
As Posted
Saratoga Monument Grounds
April 1 - November 30
Sunrise to Sunset
Sword Surrender Site
April 1 - November 30
Sunrise to Sunset
Park Trails
Sunrise to Sunset
Victory Woods
Sunrise to Sunset
Since overnight use and camping is prohibited in the park there is no valid reason for a vehicle to remain in the park overnight unless the Law Enforcement & Emergency Services division has given prior approval.
Public Use Limits:
The Park Tour Road shall be closed to motor vehicles during the winter season, December 1st through March 31st; the road may close earlier and / or open later if snow and ice conditions create hazardous conditions. Park Administrative, Law Enforcement, Fire, or Search & Rescue vehicles are exempted.
Weather conditions in upstate New York are normally severe with heavy snow and cold temperatures. It is not feasible for the park to plow and maintain a ten-mile road under these conditions.
The Victory Woods accessible boardwalk is not maintained during the winter months.
The Park Tour Road is closed to motor vehicles daily when gates are closed; see Schedule of Visitor Hours. Park Administrative, Law Enforcement, Fire, or Search & Rescue vehicles are exempted.
The total number of persons (visitors plus staff) allowed on the second floor of the Schuyler House shall be limited to twelve (12) at any one time.
These conditions are necessary for the preservation of this 18th century structure and for public safety in the event of fire.
Occupancy limits for the Visitor Center auditorium is set at: 81 persons. The limit for the Slingerland meeting room is 50 persons.
Limits have been set in accordance with fire code as determined by the local fire department.
Weddings/Permits: All visitors wishing to hold a wedding ceremony in the park must obtain a Special Use Permit. Group size will be limited to 30 persons and 10 vehicles.
In order to provide for resource protection, avoid conflicts between groups wishing to use the same site, and to minimize the impact of such events on other visitors, a permit system is necessary.
Animals are not permitted in any park buildings. Working Service, Law Enforcement, Fire, or Search & Rescue animals are exempted.
Animals and pets are not allowed in buildings for public health and safety concerns.
Closures:
The park grounds are closed between sunset and sunrise, except by permit from the superintendent. The park entrance road is open 24 hours daily.
Grounds are closed overnight for the protection of the cultural and natural resources and safety of the public.
The park is designated as closed to the use of unmanned aircraft pursuant to National Park Service Policy Memorandum 14-05 except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Saratoga National Historical Park, is prohibited.
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 and or systems 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, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose including for recreation and commerce.
The park is designated as closed to swimming and bathing.
Appropriate facilities are not available to allow this activity to occur safely.
The historic road system is designated as closed to off road driving by the public. No motor vehicles are allowed upon grass or lawn areas.
Roads are closed to prevent destruction of historical resources. Surface conditions are not amenable to off road driving.
Bicycles are permitted on paved roads and the administrative cut off road only.
Bicycle use is subject to New York State motor vehicle law. Trail conditions are not suitable for off road bicycle use.
The park is closed to public snowmobile use, as per Section 2.18.
Snowmobile activity has a negative effect on park wildlife. Sufficient trail surface does not exist. Park Administrative, Law Enforcement, or Search & Rescue snow machines are exempted.
The park is designated as closed to the following activities:
Hunting and Trapping
Chainsaw use
Aircraft
Residing on Federal Lands
Advertisements
Construction of Buildings
Mining Operations
Paranormal investigations
The Park will be closed to fires at all times of the year except in the two designated picnic areas that have provided grills. Prescribed management fires are authorized pursuant to an approved Fire Management Plan, burn plan, and permit from the State of New York. (except when permitted for the use of living history demonstrated and overseen by park staff or volunteers)
(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:
Camping:
Please refer to §2.10 for detailed camping area designations.
The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:
Passenger Carrying Buses:
Companies or entities wishing to provide guided tours, hikes, or other such activities at Saratoga National Historical Park as are required to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization for those activities. They should contact the park via email at e-mail us or through the park’s Permits & Reservations page at https://www.nps.gov/sara/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm.
Buses bringing visitors to Saratoga NHP and transporting them within do not require permitting. However, they should contact the park via email at e-mail us to schedule their visits. This will allow the park to ensure that carrying capacities will not be exceeded and that visitors are aware of what will be available during their visit.
Engines must be shut down when not underway; The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park. Due to the nature of the service provided by the park sponsored shuttle buses, they are excluded from the requirement.
II. 36 CFR §1.6 - ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required. Links for the Special Use Permit applications are located below this table.
§1.5(d)
The following activities related to Public Use Limits:
Exceptions to Closures and Public Use Limits;
Wedding ceremonies;
Group visitation (organized trips or tours, events, i.e. car clubs)
§2.4(d)
Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net.
(f) The carrying or possessing of a weapon, trap or net in violation of applicable Federal and State laws is prohibited.
(h) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Chapter, a person may possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national park area in accordance with the laws of the state in which the national park
area, or that portion thereof, is located, except as otherwise prohibited by
applicable Federal law.
§2.5(a)
Specimen collection. (Taking of plants, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)
§2.10(a)
The following camping activities are allowed by permit:
Members of 18th century reenactment units serving as park volunteers, which interpret to the visiting public;
Organizations which provide volunteer work hours and receive an educational program from the Park;
Educational groups.
§2.12
Audio Disturbances:
(a)(2) Operating a chainsaw in developed areas;
(a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas;
(a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51.
§2.17
Aircraft & Air Delivery
(a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means;
(c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft .
§2.37
Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services. (Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)
§2.38
Explosives:
(a) Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents;
(b) Use or possess fireworks.
§2.50(a)
Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events.
§2.51(a)
Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views with twenty five or more participants. See attached maps for public assemblies.
§2.52(c)
Sale or distribution of printer matter that is not solely commercial advertising.
§2.60(b)
Livestock use.
§2.61(a)
Residing on federal lands.
§2.62
Memorialization:
(a) Erection of monuments (Requires approval from Regional Director);
(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation (see 2.62(c) for terms and conditions that do not require a permit)
§3.3
Use of a vessel.
§4.11(a)
Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight and size limits.
§5.1
Advertisements - Display, posting or distribution.
§5.3
Engaging in or soliciting any business.
§5.5
Commercial Photography/Filming
Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television.Most still photography will not require a permit. Still photography activities require a permit only if:
The still photography activity uses models, set or props.
The still photography activity takes place in an area where or when members of the public are not allowed.
The agency would incur costs for providing on-site management and oversight to protect agency resources and minimize visitor use conflicts.
§5.6(c)
Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads.
(The superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the park when access is otherwise not available).
§5.7
Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, path, structure, etc.
§6.9(a)
Operation of a solid waste disposal site.
A Special Use Permit may be obtained by first requesting an application from the Park’s visitor center, or by downloading from the Permits & Reservations page. All applications will be reviewed by the permit review committee and recommendations made to the park superintendent.
III. GENERAL REGULATIONS
36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
(a)(4) Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park in the following areas:
The entire Park area is closed to gathering of wood for campfires.
(a)(5) The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues:
These activities are prohibited on all archeological sites.
The Saratoga Monument is open to visitation and stair climbing pursuant to hours of operation
(b) Hiking or pedestrian traffic is restricted to the trail or walkway as listed in Section 1.5 of this document.
These would include the Wilkinson Trail, historic road traces, The horse trail and the multiple use trail along the tour road.
(c)(1), (c) (2) 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 use or consumption restrictions:
Apples
Edible mushrooms
Blueberries
Grapes
Pears
Raspberries
Strawberries
These fruits are the most common, readily available, and easily identified. These should be limited to one quart or less per person.
36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION
(d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:
Lawfully taken wildlife may be transported through the park area along US Route 4, NY Route 32 / 423, Town of Stillwater roads Lohnes and Phillips, and park entrance road between Phillips Road and Route 4. Such animals must be properly tagged according to NYS Environmental Conservation law.
(e) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:
The entire park is designated as closed to the viewing of wildlife with an artificial light. Prohibited devices include but not limited to hand and vehicle mounted lights.
36 CFR §2.3 – FISHING(a) The following State fishing laws and/or regulations, as noted, do not apply in the listed areas:
All persons fishing on park waters or in the Hudson River must possess a valid NYS fishing license and must comply with all applicable NYS regulations (1) the Hudson River and all tributaries are designated as a catch and release area (NYS-DEC)
(d)(2) Possession or use of live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibian, non-preserved fish eggs or roe is permitted in the following freshwater areas:
The taking of crayfish or bait fish within the park is prohibited.
Possession or use of live or dead minnows or other bait fish on the Hudson River and all tributaries below the first water impound (dam) is prohibited by NYS Environmental Conservation law.
(d)(4) In accordance with federal statutory law, commercial fishing is authorized in the following areas, under the conditions noted:
Commercial fishing is not authorized in any park areas.
36 CFR §2.4 – WEAPONS, TRAPS, AND NETS(a)(2)(i) Weapons, traps, or nets may only be carried, possessed or used at the following designated times and locations:
No designations for carrying, possessing or using weapons, traps or nets are established, except:
As provided for in occupancy of Government quarters.
As provided for in occupancy of Government owned in holdings / Residences.
Members of 18th century reenactment units serving as park volunteers (working at the time). These individuals participate in demonstrations using black powder weapons under direct supervision of an NPS certified Black Powder Safety Officer.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Chapter, a person may possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national park area in accordance with the laws of the state in which the national park area, or that portion thereof, is located, except as otherwise prohibited by applicable Federal law.
36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE
The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities as noted. A permit system has been established for certain campgrounds or camping activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in effect as noted:
Camping is prohibited except for participants in 18th century military encampments, which interpret to the visiting public and authorized volunteer units.
36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING
Conditions for Picnicking:
Formal picnicking is permitted at the following developed areas:
Visitor Center.
Park Tour Road entrance,
Tour Road Stop #9 and #10.
Informal picnicking is permitted in all other park areas.
Cooking or the use of fires including self-contained fuel stoves is limited to grills in the three designated formal picnic sites.
36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES
(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:
Designated Areas:
18th century encampment fire-circles with fire protection materials on hand. (by permit only)
Brush disposal by certified NPS fire crew
Management use of fire by certified NPS fire crew.
Picnic area located at the Handicapped parking lot entrance to the Visitor Center in the provided raised charcoal grills.
Picnic area located at the Park Tour Road Entrance in the provided raised charcoal grills.
Receptacles Allowed:
Raised charcoal grills are in the Picnic area located at the Handicapped parking lot entrance to the Visitor Center and at the Park Tour Road entrance.
Charcoal cooking devices installed at the Visitor Center picnic areas or self-contained cooking devices at the same location
Established Conditions for Fires:
Fires will be banned when the State, County, or Town Government does enact a burn ban on properties surrounding the Park.
(a)(2) The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stoves or lanterns:
Picnic areas in the area around the Visitor Center.
Authorized Reenactment Units by permit
Authorized volunteer units by permit.
Fires must be extinguished according to the following conditions:
Fires must be extinguished to cold to touch before leaving area.
See special use permit requirements listed under Section 1.5High fire dangers will be in effect as determined by the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) and protocol established by the State of New York.
36 CFR §2.14 – SANITATION and REFUSE
(a)(2)The use of government refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from private or municipal property is allowed under the following conditions:
No dumping of household, Commercial, or industrial waste may be disposed thru the park waste system
Conditions for the disposal, containerization, or carryout of human body waste have been established as follows:
Human bodily wastes will be disposed of in the provided restroom facilities provided throughout the park.
36 CFR §2.15 – PETS(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:
The regulation authorizes the superintendent to close other areas of the park to the possession of dogs, cats, and other pets. The Service has determined that most commemorative zones should be closed to the possession of pets. At the present time:
Areas closed to pets include all park public buildings and picnic sites.
Dogs used by people with disabilities as aids are exempted.
Working dogs used by certified Law Enforcement, Fire, or Search & Rescue organizations are exempted.
Dogs must be controlled by a leash not longer than six feet.
(a)(3) Pets may be left unattended and tied to an object in the following areas, under the conditions noted:
At the pet tie-post installed in front of the Visitor Center.
Near the front entrance to the Monument and Schuyler House, while the owner is visiting those structures.
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
All animal waste must be removed no matter the location (road, paths, trail, open field, or around buildings).
Bags / Mitts are provided at the beginning of the Park Tour Road, beginning of the Wilkinson trail, and beginning of the Horse trail
Schuyler House/Canal Trails
(e) Pets may be kept by park residents under the following conditions:
Controlled while out of doors by a leash not longer than six feet or by buried electric fences. (Once the dog is trained)
CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS(a) The following animals are designated as pack animals for purposes of transporting equipment:
Horses
Burros
Mules
Lamas
(b) The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes or areas:
The unimproved/designated horse trail which begins at the south gate. The superintendent may impose closure to the trail when weather conditions warrant.
Shoulders of the park tour road pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York. (Article 34-B section 1261. “Traffic laws apply to persons riding or leading horses” adopted under 36 CFR 4.2 state law applicable.
Free-trailing or loose-herding is allowed on the following trails/routes, subject to the conditions noted:
Free-trailing or loose-herding is not permitted in any area of the Park
(g) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:
Stock must provide certificates of immunizations and Coggins test results.
The superintendent may require users to acquire a special use permit for horse related activities. Please refer to Section 1.5 regarding permits required.
36 CFR §2.17 – AIRCRAFT and AIR DELIVERY(a)(1) Areas designated for operating or using aircraft:
The operation of aircraft is not permitted in any area of the Park. Authorized Aircraft participating in Law Enforcement, Fire, Search and Rescue, or Resource Management activities will be exempt.
(c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is subject to procedures established by the Superintendent through written authorization.36 CFR §2.18 – SNOWMOBILES(c) Snowmobile operation:
The operation or use of Snowmobiles is not permitted in any area of the Park. Authorized Snow machines participating in Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, or Resource Management activities will be exempt.
36 CFR §2.19 – WINTER ACTIVITIES
The following park roads and/or parking areas open to motor vehicle traffic may be used for skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, inner-tubing, tobogganing, and similar winter activities under the conditions noted:
Visitor Center Parking Area
The Park Tour Road is closed to vehicle access between December 1 and March 31.
The towing of persons on skis, sled or other similar device by motor vehicle or snowmobile is allowed in the following areas and/or routes:
Bemis Heights / Route 32 Parking area
The towing of persons on skis, sled or other similar device by motor vehicle is in violation of both federal and state law
36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR DEVICES The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices are allowed only in the following areas:
The operation or use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is not permitted in any area of the Park.
Segway vehicles are not permitted in the park since the devices are prohibited from roadways under New York State motor vehicle regulations
Unlike bicycles, skating devices have a limited ability to stop. Therefore, we propose to also close all roads within Saratoga National Historical Park to skating devices. The roadway has numerous narrow and winding sections with limited visibility and a high volume of passenger vehicles, recreational vehicles, and buses.
36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:
All buildings are designated as closed to smoking. The area outside of the access doors will be open to smoking.
The area around all historic buildings will be closed to smoking.
During times of high fire danger, smoking will not be permitted on the Park grounds. The Park will follow the Local / County / State determination of fire danger
It has been determined that smoking is prohibited in all park buildings, structures, and facilities to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, and prevent conflicts among visitor use activities. Also, the park will comply with the provision of the “Clean Indoor Air Act-2003” sec.1399 of the State of New York which prohibits smoking in public buildings.Pursuant to the Directors Policy Memorandum 15-03, the use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) or “vaping” will be treated the same as smoking.
36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY(a)(2) Property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions:
No property may be left unattended in any area of the Park.
Employees participating in authorized government travel may park their vehicles for extended periods of time in the Headquarters complex or in the Maintenance Facility complex.
36 CFR §2.23 – RECREATION FEES
(b) Recreation fees, and/or a permit, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events or specialized recreation uses:
There are no entry fees
36 CFR §2.35 –ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES (a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:
There are no prohibited areas. The superintendent has not determined a need to close any area to alcohol consumption provided that no violations of federal or state regulations have occurred. These prohibitions would include:
Alcohol possession/consumptions by minors.
Possession or consumption of alcohol within motor vehicles.
Public intoxication.
Possession/use of controlled substances.
36 CFR §2.38 – EXPLOSIVES(b) Fireworks may be possessed and/or used in the following areas, under the conditions noted:
Fireworks may not be possessed in any area of the Park.
36 CFR §2.51 – PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGS
Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other expressions of views are allowed providing a special use permit has been issued by the office of the superintendent.
Application for a special use permit must be made in writing to the superintendent at least 48 hours before the event.
All permits will be issued with provisions that make clear that permitees may not harass visitors or impede visitors’ mobility into, out of, or within the National Park.
Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within designated park areas (See attached maps) unless they wish to distribute and/or sell printed matter somewhere outside a designated First Amendment area or use equipment (i.e. tables, banners, platforms, etc.).
36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION
A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains, or in the following designated areas without a permit, in accordance with the following terms and conditions:
The scattering of human ashes from cremation, without a permit, is allowed under the following terms and conditions:
The remains to be scattered must have been cremated and pulverized.
The scattering of remains by persons on the ground is to be performed at least 100 yards from any trail, road, developed facility, or body of water.
The scattering of remains from the air is to be performed at a minimum altitude of 2000 feet above the ground.
No scattering of remains from the air is to be performed over developed areas, facilities, or bodies of water.
36 CFR §3.6 – BOATING OPERATIONS(d)(1) Vessels may not create a wake or exceed 5 mph in the following areas:
Any areas where the Hudson River adjoins the park boundary.
(h) The following areas/sites are designated for the launching or recovery of vessels using a trailer:
There are no areas of the Park where vessels may be launched using a trailer.
(i) The following areas/sites are designated for the launching or recovery of vessels propelled by machinery:
There are no areas of the Park available for the launching or recovery of vessels propelled by machinery.
(l) Vessels must meet the following size, length or width restrictions:
There are no restrictions on the size, length, or width of vessels operated on the Hudson River. The State may impose restrictions on the size, length, or width of vessels.
Operation of vessels on the Creeks and Streams of the Park are closed to vessel operation. Authorized watercraft participating in Law Enforcement, Fire, Search and Rescue, or Resource Management activities will be exempt.
36 CFR §3.20 – WATER SKIING
(a) The towing of persons by vessels is allowed in the following areas under the terms and conditions noted:
There are no areas in the park where the towing of persons is allowed.
36 CFR §3.21 – SWIMMING AND BATHING
(a)(1) The following areas are closed to swimming and bathing:
The park is designated as closed to swimming and bathing.
36 CFR §3.23 – SCUBA AND SNORKELING
SCUBA diving and snorkeling is permitted in the following swimming, docking, and mooring areas under the terms and conditions noted:
The park is designated as closed to SCUBA diving and snorkeling.
36 CFR §4.10 – TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND ROUTES
Park roads, open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated below, and/or as indicated in the following publication or document (attached hereto):
No routes or areas are designated as open for use of motor vehicles off established paved roads and parking areas except by permit.
Parking is prohibited on the Park Entrance Road between the Visitor Center Parking area and US Route 4; Lohnes Road between Mill Creek and Phillips Road; Phillips Road from the Park boundary to the Park Entrance Road.
The mowed grass Historic Roads System is closed to public motor vehicle use. All motor vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds, are restricted to paved roads.
(c)(1) Track-laying motor vehicles, or other motor vehicles equipped with a similar traction device may be operated on the following routes under the terms and conditions noted:
No routes or areas are designated as open for use of Track-laying motor vehicles, or other motor vehicles equipped with a similar traction device except by permit.
36 CFR §4.11 – VEHICLE LOAD, WEIGHT AND SIZE LIMITS
The following load, weight and size limits, which are more restrictive than State law, apply to the roads indicated under the terms and conditions, and/or under permit as noted:
The Park Entrance Road has a posted load limit of 20 ton.
The Park Tour Road has a posted load limit of 10 ton.
The Phillips Road has a posted load limit of 10 ton.
Commercial vehicles are permitted on the Park Entrance Road for local Park deliveries from the Route 4 entrance to Phillip’s and Lohnes Road.
Commercial vehicles are prohibited on the park tour road.
36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS
The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
The posted speed limit for the Park Entrance Road is 30 miles per hour.
The posted speed limit for the Park Tour Road is 25 miles per hour.
The posted speed limit for the Phillips Road is 45 miles per hour.
The posted speed limit for the Lohnes Road is 45 miles per hour.
The posted speed limit for the US Route 4 is 55 miles per hour.
The posted speed limit for the NY Route 32 is 55 miles per hour.
Speed limits on some park roads have been reduced to allow for safer pedestrian use. Many SARA visitors come to the park to walk, run and bike. The roadway has numerous narrow and winding sections with limited visibility and a high volume of passenger vehicles, recreational vehicles, and buses.
36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES(a)
Park roads and parking areas that are closed to bicycle use are listed in section 1.5 of this document.
Bicycle use is permitted on the park tour road and paved tour stops and administrative cut-off road. Operators are subject to New York State regulations found in the motor vehicle code.
Bicycle use is prohibited off of paved routes.
The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.). E-bikes are allowed in Saratoga National Historical Park where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited. A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h) (2)-(5). Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Saratoga National Historical Park is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.
36 CFR §4.31 – HITCHHIKING
Hitchhiking is permitted in the following areas under the conditions noted:
The park is designated as closed to hitchhiking.
Locations designated within Saratoga NHP for First Amendment activities
NPS Photo
Last updated: May 31, 2024
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
648 Route 32
Stillwater,
NY
12170
Phone:
(518) 670-2985
Saratoga National Historical Park information desk available daily from 9am - 5pm. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.
