Elverson, PA – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is increasing recreational access. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service wide 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 5 June, Hopewell Furnace NHS will reopen access to:
- Parking lots, trails, and park grounds
- Visitor Center restrooms
Grounds and parking lots are available Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed:
- Visitor Center, Hopewell Village and all other Hopewell Furnace facilities
- The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Hopewell Furnace NHS 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 services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow Pennsylvania 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. 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 there website: www. nps.gov/hofu and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
NOTE: Image attached; please give credit to 'National Park Service'
David K. Blackburn, Site Manager
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
2 Mark Bird Lane
Elverson, PA 19520
Office: (610) 582-8773
