How to Get to National Parks for Free This Fall
The National Park Service is offering free admission for ten days this year , and the last four days this fall. The next of those free days is this Friday, August 25th, so here’s how to get the most out of your free fall.
Apart from this Friday, National Park Service birthday, September 30 (National Public Lands Day) and November 11-12 (Veterans Day weekend) are other free days remaining this year. Free days are always popular, which can mean crowded, so be prepared for more traffic than usual, both on the road and on the trails. If you decide to take advantage of the dates later in the fall, you should plan ahead now to find a campsite or other place to stay.
To enjoy the colors of autumn, visit the park with many seasonal trees and many hiking trails that traverse these types of trees, which will have more vibrant orange, yellow and red autumn colors. If you want to find other scenic spots, check out the recommendations of the former National Geographic photographer. You can also use Instagram to see where everyone else is taking photos from , whether it draws you to those places or tells you where to stay away.
As much as we think about outdoor hiking during summer holidays, remember that these free days are in the fall, so temperatures may have started to drop and weather conditions may be wetter or colder than if you were visiting this park. summer. Dress appropriately, wear good hiking shoes, and bring plenty of snacks, water, and sunscreen (yes, you can get burned, even in cloudy weather) for your hike.
If you can’t take advantage of these upcoming free days and don’t want to use the annual pass, National Park Service offers similar free dates every year. Plan ahead for next year, save some money on admission tickets, and enjoy the nearby parks.