Park Hours (Today)
Sunrise to Sunset
Fort Necessity/National Road Interpretive and Education Center: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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About the Park
The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal of French power from North America. The stage was set for the American Revolution.
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What to See & Do
Hike the Fort Necessity Trails
Fort Necessity National Battlefield has five miles of hiking trails to explore. You can walk to the battlefield and back in 15 minutes, or hike for hours through forests and meadows.
Fort Necessity Junior Ranger
Come to the park, watch the movie, visit Fort Necessity, and complete the Junior Ranger Activity Book to earn a Fort Necessity Junior Ranger badge.
Take a Self-guided Battlefield Tour
Self-guided tours of Fort Necessity National Battlefield can be accessed using your mobile device.
Watch Road of Necessity in the Visitor Center
The twenty-minute orientation film Road of Necessity takes viewer along the path from Washington's first trip over the Alleghenies to the creation of the National Road.
Historic Weapons Demonstrations
Black powder weapons demonstrations are given daily throughout the summer at Fort Necessity as staffing permits.
Self-Guided Tours
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Introduction to visiting Fort Necessity NB
Becoming George Washington
Stops 101 to 107 are more specifically focused on George Washington's involvement in the battle at Fort Necessity.
Visitor Centers
Fort Necessity/National Road Interpretive and Education Center
The exhibits an programs at The Fort Necessity/National Road Interpretive and Education Center immerse visitors and students in the diverse cultures and customs of mid-eighteenth century Pennsylvania. The bookstore gift-shop provides a selection of theme related souvenirs and in-depth material for those who want to learn more after visiting the park. Exhibits also cover the National Road, the first federally funded highway, that linked the east and west of the young United States.
Mount Washington Tavern
The Mount Washington Tavern is a museum that focuses on travel and life along the National Road in the early 1800s, when it was a stagecoach stop along the nation's first federally funded highway.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
The main unit of the park is located 11 miles east of Uniontown, Pennsylvania on U.S. Highway 40. The visitor center, reconstructed Fort Necessity, Mount Washington Tavern and picnic area are located in the main unit of the park.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Braddock Grave Parking
Open in MapsJumonville Glen Parking
Open in MapsMount Washington Tavern Parking
Open in MapsPicnic Area Parking
Gravel lot at Fort Necessity Picnic Area, 1.25 mile from Visitor Center. Vault toilet available. Must travel on one mile of gravel road to enter and exit. Exit road is not suitable for oversize vehicles.
Open in MapsVisitor Center Parking
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
The main unit of the park is located 11 miles east of Uniontown, Pennsylvania on U.S. Highway 40. The visitor center, reconstructed Fort Necessity, Mount Washington Tavern and picnic area are located in the main unit of the park.
Park Amenities
Operating Hours
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Entrance to Fort Necessity National Battlefield is allowed from sunrise until sunset. The park visitor center and Mount Washington Tavern museum have specific hours. Please see the listing for each facility.
- MondaySunrise to Sunset
- TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
- WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
- ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
- FridaySunrise to Sunset
- SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
- SundaySunrise to Sunset
Photos
cabin and stockade casting shadows on the snow
Fort Necessity and the Great Meadow with trail and tree in the foreground
Man in 18th century flintlock musket stands in front of a round stockade fort with a British flag
Image of a Caucasian male with a red coat gazing into the distance
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
1 day
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Planning Fort Necessity National Battlefield
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