
Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks closed Wednesday due to the coronavirus pandemic/NPS file
Editor's note: This updates with closure of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado and most of Acadia National Park closing to the public on Thursday.
Coronavirus continued its march across the National Park System on Wednesday, leading to the closure of Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Mesa Verde, Valley Forge, and much of Acadia, and greatly reduced operations in other parks.
"Effective at sunset on March 25, Mesa Verde will be closed to all park visitors until further notice. This closure includes the main park road and all loop roads," said Cristy Brown at the park.
Across the country in Maine, Acadia officials announced that as of Thursday the Park Loop Road, including Ocean Drive, and all restrooms, carriage roads, campgrounds, visitor centers, and visitor services would be closed.
"As have many Maine individuals, businesses, and institutions, Acadia is taking prudent action in response to the coronavirus threat," said David MacDonald, president of Friends of Acadia. "The announced closures show that the park's top priority is protecting the safety of the public, its staff, volunteers, partners, and neighbors. We stand ready to assist our partners at the park as needed in the days and weeks ahead."
Earlier Wednesday came word that Sequoia and Kings Canyon were closing.
"California Highway 180 will remain open for pass-through traffic to access Giant Sequoia National Monument and private property," the two parks said in a release. "All other roads and parking facilities are temporarily closed."
At the National Parks and Conservation Association, Southeast Regional Director David Lamfrom applauded the move Tuesday to close most of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
“Park superintendents have spent their careers working to connect the public to their national parks. As they make the difficult decision to close parks, we understand they are acting on their years of experience and fundamental responsibility to care for the safety of their dedicated staff, local communities, and visitors from around the world," he said.
"We stand with Superintendent (Cassius) Cash, and with all superintendents working around-the-clock to protect the public and our parks in this unprecedented time," Lamfrom continued. "Furthermore, we understand how important national parks and their employees are to America. We urge park visitors to make a plan to explore and enjoy parks like the Great Smokies once it is safe to do so again, and not a moment sooner."
Elsewhere in the park system:
* Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina closed all restrooms, although North Core Banks, South Core Banks, and Shacklebord Banks beaches remained open for camping and day-use for private vessels.
* Moore Creek National Battlefield in North Carolina closed all restrooms, though the visitor center lobby remained open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time.
* At Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee and Mississippi, restrooms were operating on an every-other-day schedule, but only one restroom would be open at a time.
* Padre Island National Seashore in Texas closed the Malaquite Campground.
* Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument in Texas was providing only resource protection services, and its visitor center was closed.
* Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park in Texas closed after Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño issued a mandatory countywide shelter in place order.
* El Morro National Monument in New Mexico will reduce park operations Thursday to only provide resource protection. The monument's visitor center, campground, all trails, and grounds will be closed.
* Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma closed its campgrounds and the Travertine Nature Center, and suspended on-site public or educational programs.
* Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania closed.