Three national parks announces holiday closures

Kings Mountain National Military Park will be closed Thursday, Dec, 25, for the Christmas holidays. The park will also be closed New Year's Day, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009.

The park is usually closed on Christmas and New Year's Day, but on Dec. 12, 2008, President Bush issued an Executive Order also declaring Friday, Dec. 26, 2008, as a federal holiday. Cowpens National Battlefield and Ninety Six National Historic Site will also be closed during this period. All three parks will reopen Saturday, Dec. 27.

The parks encourage local residents to take a break from the holiday rush by spending a day walking the trails, visiting the museums, or browsing the bookstores. Whether visiting for the first time or returning with out-of-town family and guests, Kings Mountain National Military Park, Ninety Six National Park and Cowpens National Battlefield welcome you to spend the holiday season in your national parks.

Ninety Six National Historic Site is open daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and is located two miles south of Ninety Six on SC Hwy. 248. Visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/nisi for coming events and pictures of past events.

Cowpens National Battlefield is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Auto Loop Road and Picnic Area close at 4:30 p.m. The Trailhead Parking lot is open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. The park is located two miles east of Chesnee on Hwy 11. Visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/cowp for information about the Anniversary Celebration of the battle on Jan. 17-18, 2009.

Kings Mountain National Military Park is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and is located on SC Hwy. 216; take NC Exit No. 2 off 185. Visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/kimo for additional information.