Superintendent's Compendium

(a) (1) Hours of Operation

Stones River National Battlefield will be open to the public by foot or bike from sunrise to sunset. All park areas are closed to the public at sunset.

The visitor center parking area will be open daily to vehicles from 6:00 AM to approximately 30-60 minutes before sunset, from March 1st through the first Saturday in November. 

The visitor center will remain open for public use from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday. The visitor center will be closed to public use on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The following gates will be open from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, from March 1st through the first Saturday in November. 
•    Thompson Lane
•    Van Cleve Lane at Old Nashville Highway
•    Stones River National Cemetery
•    McFadden Farm Unit
•    Redoubt Brannan

Winter Hours (Gates) - All park gates, including the visitor center parking lot gate, will be open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, from the first Sunday in November through the last day of February.

Justification: Park enabling legislation calls for battlefield preservation and the marking and studying of the battlefield, all of which is reasonably accommodated during daylight hours. Closures at posted hours prevent resource damage and enhance public safety.

(a) (1) Old Lodge Lane, park housing, and the maintenance compound are closed to the public.

Justification: This administrative-use area is meant for use by park staff and housing residents. Closure enhances security and public safety.

(a) (1) Non-emergency repair, waxing, and washing of motor vehicles is not allowed in areas open to the public.

Justification: Parking areas are not safe for performing maintenance and repairs and such activities interfere with experience of other visitors.

(a) (1) During emergency situations, such as flooding, ice, snow, etc., park roads may be temporarily closed, without advance public notice.

Justification: Closures enhance public safety when hazardous conditions are present.

(a) (1) All cedar glades within the park are closed to the public.

Justification: Cedar glades are designated a Tennessee State Natural Area and habitat for more than a dozen endemic species, including the federally listed Pyne’s ground plum. Cedar glade plants are easily damaged or destroyed when stepped upon.

(a) (1) All tallgrass fields are closed to the public.

Justification: Fields managed in warm season native grasses and forbs provide habitat and food sources for a wide variety of wildlife. Human intrusion in these areas can have an adverse effect on wildlife behaviors and damage natural resources.

(a) (2) Unmanned Aircraft

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 or system 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 or commerce.

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Stones River National Battlefield is prohibited, except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.

Justification: Unmanned aircraft present a variety of safety risks to employees and visitors. Unmanned aircraft introduce noise and visual features that will negatively impact the experience of other visitors. A probability exists for unmanned aircraft to negatively affect natural and cultural resources.
  
(a) (2) Recreational activities including, but not limited to, football, baseball, frisbee, sun­ bathing or any like activity are not permitted on any portion of the park, except an area set aside for incidental picnicking near the visitor center parking lot. Kite flying is not permitted within park boundaries.

Justification: Recreational activities other than walking, jogging or biking compromise the experience of visitors attempting to experience park resources according to its legislative mission.

(a) (2) Parking at tour stops will be limited to 15 minutes. Visitors may park in the Hazen Brigade Monument lot to access the main battlefield by foot or bike after 5:00 PM.  Visitors may park in the lot at Fortress Rosecrans, until sunset, to access the earthwork's trail or the Stones River Greenway.
Justification: Long-term parking at tour stops hinders the ability of visitors to participate in the self-guided tour experience that contributes to the park’s legislative mission.

(a) (2) Parking is not permitted in front of any closed gate.

Justification: Parking in front of closed gates may impede access by NPS staff and emergency services personnel. 

(a) (3) Individuals with mobility impairments may use any device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines, for the purpose of locomotion on all paved trails and roadways.  These devices may be used, whether or not designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility impairments.  Devices permitted include golf carts, electronic personal assistance mobility devices (EPAMDs), such as the Segway® PT, or any device designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes.

Individuals may not use the above-described devices on the Boundary Trail and must yield the right of way to vehicles on the park tour road.

Justification: This provision complies with Section 35.175 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Title II).  The Act provides for the use of other power-driven devices by individuals with mobility disabilities in areas where such use will not present undue safety hazards, for the individual and/or other members of the public.
 

(c) In accordance with Title 36 CFR 1.7, the following special park uses require a permit:
 

• Collecting research specimens, in accordance with 36 CFR 2.5
• Gathering and removal of plants or plant parts by enrolled members of federally recognized Native American tribes for traditional purposes, in accordance with 36 CFR 2.6
• Special events that meet the requirements of 36 CFR 2.50
• Public assemblies, religious services, and other exercises of First Amendment Rights, in accordance with the provisions of 36 CFR 2.51 (see below)
• Sale or distribution of printed matter, in accordance with the provisions of 36 CFR 2.52 (see below)
• Display of commercial notices or ads, in accordance with 36 CFR 5.1
• Business operations, in accordance with 36 CFR 5.3
• Any construction on federal property, in accordance with 36 CFR 5.7
• Memorialization or scattering of human ashes, in accordance with 36 CFR 2.62
• Filming, still photography, and audio recording activities that involve more than 8 people or do not meet the requirements in Section 125, Paragraph 5 of the EXPLORE Act (Public Law 118-234)
• Commercial Activities (i.e. Bus Tours & Guide Services)-P.L. 105-391

Applications for permits can be obtained from the Superintendent upon request. Applications must be submitted in time to reach the Superintendent within five business days of the event, but at least two-week’s notice will allow a more thorough consideration of the application. Permit applications  not accompanied by the proper, non-refundable application fee will not be processed. Applications for public gatherings and other protected rights will not require a fee.

Permittees will be required to compensate the National Park Service for all administrative, monitoring, and restoration costs associated with the permit; except for permits issued for the exercise of protected rights. Fees for the use of NPS lands and facilities may also be charged when appropriate according to Director's Order-53 Special Park Uses.

Justification: Permits are those specifically authorized by 36 CFR, Parts 1 through 7. Added provisions comply with NPS DO-53. Permits allow park management to ensure activities do not damage park resources, interfere with the experiences of other visitors and/or create a public safety hazard.
 

(a)(5) Walking upon, climbing, ascending, descending, traversing all earthworks, cannons, cannon carriages, wagons, or monuments is prohibited.

Justification: The activities described above are unsafe, can interfere with the enjoyment of other visitors, and may cause damage to park resources.

(b) Short-cutting on trails and use of unauthorized trails is prohibited. A map of authorized trails is on the park brochure.

Justification: Short-cutting on trails and use of unauthorized trails is unsafe and damages park resources.

(c)(1)    The following may be gathered by hand for personal (non-commercial) use or consumption:

•    Blackberries
•    Muscadine
•    Wild plums
•    Rose hips 
•    Passionflower fruit
•    Staghorn sumac berries
•    Walnuts
•    Hickory nuts
•    Acorns
•    Pinecones
•    Magnolia seed pods
•    Mustard greens

(c) (2) Gathering of the items listed above is restricted to areas along authorized trails (see Section 2.1 (b)).

Justification: Gathering of the listed plants will not adversely affect park resources, if the gathering is restricted to areas immediately adjacent to authorized trails.
 

(b) (2) Hunting and trapping is not permitted.

Justification: Hunting and trapping is not authorized as a discretionary activity in the park’s enabling legislation.

(e) The viewing of wildlife with an artificial light source is prohibited in all park areas.

Justification: Viewing of wildlife with an artificial light source may negatively impact wildlife behavior and requires that the visitor be in violation of the park’s sunset closure regulation.
 

Fishing is permitted in Stones River and shall be in accordance with Tennessee State Fishing Regulations and restricted to areas that can be reached using authorized trails.

Justification: Restricting fishing activities to sites reachable using authorized trails minimizes the impact on park resources.

Carrying or possessing weapons, traps, or nets is prohibited, except for employees, agents, or cooperating officials, in the performance of their official duties.

In areas administered by the National Park Service, an individual can possess a firearm if that individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm and if the possession of the firearm complies with the laws of the state where the park area is located. (54 U.S.C. 104906).

Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in NPS facilities. These buildings include, but are not limited to, government offices, visitor centers, ranger stations, fee collection buildings, and maintenance facilities (18 U.S.C. 930).

Unless authorized, the use or discharge of a firearm within a park area is prohibited (36 CFR 2.4(b) and 13.30(c)).

The Superintendent may permit NPS personnel and Volunteers-in-the-Parks to carry approved, reproduction Civil War period firearms, swords, bayonets, and knives, while participating in living history programs.

Justification: Use of legally possessed firearms present a grave threat to public safety and park resources. Unauthorized use of traps or nets creates a public safety hazard and will negatively affect park resources. Use of reproduction historic weapons during interpretive programs strictly adhere to NPS policies.

Federally recognized tribal governments are required to make a written request to a specific park to enter into an agreement for tribal members to gather plants from the park. That written request must explain how the tribe is traditionally associated with the park and how that association predates the establishment of the park. The tribe's request must also provide a brief explanation of the traditional purposes to which the gathering activity relates, and a description of the gathering and removal activity that the tribe wants to conduct.

Once such a written request is received, a park superintendent has 90 days to respond to the request from a tribe. If it is determined that the Native American tribe has a traditional association with the park area, and that the proposed gathering is a traditional use of the park area by the tribe, then the park may begin consultation with the tribe on the creation of a plant gathering agreement that will outline the management of the activity and administer the Special Use Permits that will be used to identify designated tribal members for plant gathering. The NPS will not regulate out-of-park activities in gathering agreements or permits issued in conjunction with a gathering agreement.

The plant gathering agreements are between one specific Native American tribe and a specific park. The regulation does not allow multiple-tribe or multiple-park agreements. Each specific gathering agreement also requires an Environmental Assessment (EA) that leads to a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) before the agreement can be finalized. Regional Directors are required to provide written concurrence for each plant gathering agreement.

The agreements themselves are minimally required to contain information on twelve different criteria:

• The name of the Native American tribe authorized to collect plants and plant parts.
• The basis of the tribe's eligibility to enter into the agreement.
• A description of the system to be used to administer the gathering, including a clear means of identifying tribal members who, under the permit, are designated by the Native American tribe to gather and remove plants or plant parts.
• A means for the tribal government to regularly inform the NPS on which tribal members are the current gathering designees of the tribe.
• A description of the specific plants or plant parts that may be gathered.
• Specification of the size and quantity of the plants or plant parts that may be gathered.
• Identification of the times [seasons] and locations at which the plants or plant parts may be gathered.
• Identification of the methods that may be used for gathering.
• The sale or commercial use of natural products within the park, including plants or plant parts gathered under an agreement and pe1mit, is prohibited.
• Protocols for monitoring gathering activities, and thresholds above which NPS and tribal management intervention will occur.
• Operating protocols and additional remedies for noncompliance with the terms of the agreement; and
•  A list of key officials.

The agreements may have additional information added as a result of consultation between the tribe and the park, or to address specific ecological conditions found at a park, such as specific locations to gather specific species: Specific park areas may be closed to gathering for specific reasons as outlined in the regulation at 36 CFR 2.6(h).

Justification: The National Park Service has provided a process for allowing federally recognized Native American tribes to request permission to gather plants for traditional uses, providing such gathering can be documented as traditional to the site and will not adversely impact park resources.

(a) Recreational camping is not permitted. Living history encampments are permitted at designated sites in conjunction with an approved volunteer agreement. Scouting and other youth organizations may be permitted to camp as part of a planned interpretive program with a written agreement.

Justification: There are no facilities or staffing to accommodate public camping while ensuring that activity will not adversely affect public safety, visitor experience and park resources.
 

Picnicking is permitted only in the designated area adjacent to the parking lot near the visitor center. Picnic tables are available. Picnicking is prohibited at all other locations.

Justification: Picnicking in areas other than the designated picnic area will negatively affect the experience of visitors using the park according to its legislative mission. Trash may create a safety hazard and negatively affect natural resources.

(a) (1) Charcoal fires in self-contained grilling devices are not permitted.  Ground fires (fire pits) are permitted only for interpretive living history encampments at a location approved by the Superintendent or the designee.

Justification: The use of grills or open fires by the public is prohibited to mitigate fire hazards.

(b) All permitted fires shall be completely extinguished prior to the user leaving the area.

(c) (1) Upon receiving notice from the Tennessee Forestry Division and without prior public notice, all fires are prohibited during times of high fire danger.
 

(a) (1) No pets are permitted in the park visitor center, except service animals.

Justification: The presence of pets in the visitor center may disrupt the experience of other visitors and may present safety and sanitation hazards.

(a) (2) Pets must be crated, caged, or restrained on a leash, not exceeding 6 feet, at all times in the park.

Justification: Restraint of pets reduces risks to pets and protects other visitors and wildlife from unwanted contact.

(a) (3) Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object is prohibited.

Justification: Pets must be supervised for their safety and the safety of the public.

(a)(5) Pet owners must properly dispose of all pet excrement. Excrement must be bagged and disposed of in a trash receptacle.

Justification: Undisposed pet excrement presents a public safety hazard and may have negative effects on wildlife behavior.

(d) Animals found running loose or wild in the park will be turned over to the Rutherford County Rabies Control/Humane Society.

Justification: The park does not have staffing or facilities to provide for animal boarding.

(g) Horseback riding is prohibited in the park. Horses, horseback riding, and pack animals may be used by volunteers engaged in approved living history demonstrations, when this activity is determined to be an essential part of the program.

Justification: Park trails are not designed to safely accommodate horseback riding and other recreational uses. Horse waste may introduce invasive species and have a negative impact on the experience of other visitors.

The use of skateboards, roller skates, and other coasting devices is prohibited on all park roads, trails, sidewalks, and parking areas.

Justification: Paved roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and trails are not designed to safely support skating, skateboarding, or similar activities.
 

(a) Smoking is prohibited in all park buildings and within 50 feet of the powder magazine or gas pumps. Smoking is not permitted in park quarters.

Justification: Smoking prohibitions comply with Department of the Interior regulations (310.DM 11.1).

(a) (3) Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted, unless approved through a special park use permit.

Justification: Consumption of alcoholic beverages is inconsistent with acceptable recreational uses and present potential public safety and resource damage hazards.
 

(a) Groups of 25 people or less will not be required to obtain a permit for a public gathering. Individuals or small groups may exercise their First Amendment rights, provided that all other requirements of this section are met, including use of the designated area(s) for public gatherings and distribution of printed matter.

Justification: This provision meets National Park Service policy directives based on the U.S. Circuit Court decision in Boardley v. United States Department of the Interior.

(b) The designated areas for public gatherings are the mown areas adjacent to the picnic area. Gatherings are not permitted to obstruct sidewalks, trails, or roads and may not interfere with public access to interpretive displays and exhibits.

Justification: The designated areas for public gatherings are located near the visitor center which is the focal point of public activity in the park. The areas are designated to ensure public gatherings do not unduly interfere with the experience of other visitors and minimize the potential for resource damage. 

*See Appendix A at bottom of webpage for map image of designated public gathering and print distribution areas.
 

(b) The maximum speed limits on all public roads in the park are posted.

Justification: Speed limits enhance public safety and protect wildlife.
 

(d) Bicycles may be ridden in accordance with Tennessee state law on all, paved park roads and trails. Bicycles are prohibited on walkways around the visitor center and all unpaved trails.

Justification: Bicycles are restricted to roads and paved trails to enhance public safety and protect park resources from damage.

(i)(1) Electric Bicycles

Definition: The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor.

All classes of e-bikes are allowed in Stones River National Battlefield where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are 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) (3)-(5).

Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Stones River National Battlefield 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.

Justification: Electric bicycles are restricted to roads and paved trails to enhance public safety and protect park resources from damage.
 

Conducting a special event or demonstration, whether spontaneous or organized, is prohibited in Stones River National Cemetery except for official commemorative events conducted for:

•    Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
•    Veterans Day (November 11)

and other dates designated by the Superintendent as having special historic and commemorative significance to Stones River National Cemetery. Committal services are excluded from this restriction.

The Superintendent has designated the following dates to permit co-sponsored events to commemorate those interred at the National Cemetery:

•    Decoration Day (First or Second Saturday of May)
•    Wreaths Across America Day (a Saturday in December, set by Congress)
•    Battle of Stones River Anniversary Commemoration (December 31 – January 2)


Decoration Day is an annual celebration held in Stones River National Cemetery since the late 1800’s.  This observance was held by members of the Cemetery Community, a population largely comprised of emancipated slaves and members of the 111th United States Colored Troops, who provided the workforce to reinter soldiers in the National Cemetery.  During the event, flowers are placed on veterans’ graves.  The event honors the service of veterans and the emancipated slaves, turned soldiers, who are interred in there. The event falls on the first or second Saturday of May, depending on the availability of the event partner.

Wreaths Across America Day is a Congressionally-designated day in December to place wreaths on soldiers’ headstones across the nation as a sign of remembrance. It also honors those who serve and seeks to teach younger generations about service and sacrifices made by veterans and their families. An event with these attributes, especially remembering soldiers buried in a National Cemetery, and teaching younger generations about veterans’ sacrifices, is appropriate and connected directly to Stones River National Cemetery.  

Battle of Stones River Anniversary Commemoration is a collection of annual events around the December 31 – January 2 anniversary of the battle.  These events include interpretive programs in the National Cemetery, which highlight the battle’s importance to the Emancipation Proclamation and commemorate the role of Black soldiers fighting for their freedom in Middle Tennessee.  Formerly enslaved men serving in the United States Colored Troops provided the labor to establish the Stones River National Cemetery.  Some of those same men are interred there.  
 

These specific regulations regarding flowers and commemorative tributes apply in Stones River National Cemetery.

• Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time during the year when the Cemetery is open to the public. Flowers must be placed using a metal or other non-breakable rod or container.
• Artificial flowers and wreaths are permitted from October 10 to April 15.
• Potted plants and holiday themed wreaths are permitted from ten (10) days before to ten (10) days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.
• Small American flags are permitted only during the weekend prior to and on Memorial Day. A permit is required for any other type of flag.
• Winter holiday themed wreaths or floral blankets, no larger than two by three feet (2’ x 3’), are permitted from December 1 through January 31.
• Permanent below ground floral containers may not be used.
• Attaching decorations or other objects to headstones or monuments is prohibited.
• Cemetery staff will remove floral items when they become faded or unsightly. All other permitted items will be removed at the discretion of park staff.
• All other objects and decorations are prohibited and will be removed. These items will be held and may be retrieved by owners for up to thirty (30) days before being discarded.