Operating Hours & Seasons

 

Visitor Center Hours

The visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with the exception of certain federal holidays.

The visitor center is closed on New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Grounds and Trails

Grounds are open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., year round.

The trailhead parking lot on the eastern boundary of the park is open dawn to dusk for additional pedestrian and bicycle access to the battlefield trail before, during, and after business hours.

Auto loop road and picnic area close at 4:30 p.m.

The public restroom facilities, picnic shelter, and auto loop tour road are closed on New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Washington's Birthday, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Trailhead Parking

The trailhead parking lot on the eastern boundary of the park is open dawn to dusk for additional pedestrian and bicycle access to the battlefield before, during, and after business hours.

Annual Special Events

Each year on the weekend closest to January 17, the park celebrates the anniversary of the battle with firing demonstrations and a living history encampment. The next anniversary event will be held on January 17 and 18, 2026. Complete schedule should be available in late December. The wreath Laying ceremony will be on Friday, January 17, 2026, and will be coordinated by the Daniel Morgan Chapter, NSSAR.

The Celebration of Freedom, which includes historical and family activities, will be held on July 5, 2025.

The Night before Kings Mountain is held annually on October 6, the anniversary of the day before the Battle of Kings Mountain. The next one will be October 6, 2025.

All programs at Cowpens National Battlefield are free and open to the public.