A COVID-19 Update

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While we understand that people love visiting Mount Agamenticus and appreciate the physical and mental benefits of being outside in nature, it is vital that we all do our part to slow the spread during this COVID-19 emergency.

We have seen an unprecedented surge in visitor use during this time with people congregating in the park, on decks and viewing platforms. To better manage this influx, PARKING will be LIMITED, and summit decks and lookouts will be closed during this time. Additional high-touch areas such as picnic tables, benches, trail boxes* and donation tubes+ are also closed. 

In order to keep the Mount A trails and park OPEN and protect the community and ourselves, it is important to follow the guidelines set forth by public health officials:

• STAY LOCAL: Take a community-centered approach to your outdoor time and check current guidelines and local restrictions before heading out. Trying to decide where to go? A good rule of thumb is – if you have to drive out of town, then it’s probably too far.
• FOLLOW THE TRAIL LESS TRAVELED: Avoid popular trails or areas that serve as a gathering point (lookouts, observation decks, etc.). If you arrive at a trailhead and see that it is crowded, find another location or come back on a different day. We are fortunate to have so many trails and conserved land in this region.
• VISIT DURING QUIET TIMES: Some areas are not large enough to safely accommodate visitors at peak times. Go during off hours such as early weekday mornings or take a walk around your neighborhood instead.
• GO ALONE OR WITH HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS ONLY: Right now is not the time to meet up with friends or anyone you do not live with. Please do not visit Mount A in a group of ten or more at this time!
• DON’T TAKE RISKS: Be extra vigilant and avoid injury to lessen the pressure on medical services or the need for Search and Rescue; right now their services are needed elsewhere. Stay on marked trails and be cautious.
• STAY 6’ OR MORE APART FROM OTHERS: Observe social distancing requirements in the parking areas, at the trailhead, on the trails, in front of the kiosk and everywhere. Give others space as you approach.
• PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE: Avoid touching your face and be aware of surfaces that are likely to be touched by many people such as railings, trail boxes, outreach signs, etc.
• PACK OUT ALL TRASH: That means taking it home with you. This is always our advice, but it will be especially important during this time when resources are tight.

Please check back for updates and closure information before you head out! If you have questions, please use our Contact Form or send us a message through Facebook; please keep in mind that there may be some delay in response!

If we want to continue to have access to Mount A and any park or trail system, it is important that crowds not gather, and we all do our part to keep everyone safe.

By respecting these guidelines, we can help slow the transmission of Covid-19 and ease the load on hospitals and their staff and help protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

By sacrificing now, we will get through this challenging time and enjoy the area park, views and trails once again together in the future.

Although we still don’t know exactly how many cases are being caused directly by contaminated surfaces, experts advise exercising caution.  Researchers have found the virus can live on some surfaces for up to two or three days. A recent study on the new coronavirus found that it can survive on hard surfaces such as plastics and metal for up to 72 hours and on cardboard for up to 24 hours in laboratory settings. Researchers are currently running experiments to investigate the effect of ultraviolet light, temperature and humidity may have on how long the virus can survive.

To prevent transmission, avoid touching surfaces such as hand railings, tree ID signs, trail boxes, kiosks, etc.

*You can download and/or print a map here.

+If you would still like to donate and support the work we do at Mount Agamenticus while our on-site donation tubes are closed, please check out this page.

Last modified: April 3, 2020

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