What Are Fee Free Days in National Parks?

There are a few days each year when visiting your favorite national park comes with an added bonus: free admission! These are known as Fee Free Days, and they’re a great opportunity to explore public lands, try a new park, or finally plan that hike, paddle, or picnic you’ve been meaning to take. And yes, that includes Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA)!

Many people don’t realize that CRNRA is part of the National Park Service — making it one of more than 400 national park sites across the country. Stretching nearly 50 miles along the Chattahoochee River through metro Atlanta, the park protects forests, wildlife habitat, cultural history, and access to outdoor recreation for millions of visitors each year.

Why Do National Parks Charge Entrance Fees?

Entrance fees help support the parks you love. Across the National Park System, fee dollars are used to maintain trails, improve visitor facilities, repair infrastructure, support accessibility projects, protect natural resources, and enhance the overall visitor experience.


At CRNRA, your daily or annual pass directly supports the park. In fact, at least 80% of entrance fees collected stay within the park where they were paid and are used for projects that improve visitor experiences. That means your $5 daily pass or $40 annual pass helps care for trails, river access points, signage, restrooms, maintenance projects, and more right here along the Chattahoochee. The remaining 20% supports parks across the country that do not collect entrance fees or need additional support.



2026 National Park Fee Free Days

On Fee Free Days, all National Park Service sites that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone eligible under the 2026 policy. Other fees, including timed-entry or reservation fees, may still apply at some parks.


Fee Free Days can change from year to year depending on federal administration priorities and National Park Service direction. While some holidays and commemorative dates appear regularly, the official list is announced annually.


Mark your calendars for these 2026 Fee Free Days:

  • February 16: Presidents Day (Washington's Birthday)
  • May 25: Memorial Day
  • June 14: Flag Day/President Trump's birthday
  • July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
  • August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
  • September 17: Constitution Day
  • October 27: Theodore Roosevelt's birthday
  • November 11: Veterans Day


Planning Your Visit to CRNRA

Fee Free Days can be some of the busiest days of the year in national parks, especially during holiday weekends and nice weather. If you’re planning to visit CRNRA, consider arriving early, carpooling when possible, and exploring some of the park’s lesser-known trailheads and river access points.


Whether you’re hiking through the forest, paddling the river, fishing, birdwatching, or simply enjoying time outdoors close to home, Fee Free Days are a reminder that national parks belong to all of us — and that every visit helps build appreciation for the places worth protecting!

Support Your Local National Park

If you enjoy CRNRA, consider supporting the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC). Your donation helps maintain and improve our beautiful trails and river, ensuring they remain a top destination and escape for metro Atlanta. Every contribution makes a difference in preserving this natural treasure for future generations.

Support CRNRA

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East Palisades: A Guide to One of Atlanta's Favorite Hikes, from the Dog Beach to the Bamboo Forest

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Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Announces Reopening of Island Ford Trails

July 2, 2026
Via NPS.gov Date: July 1, 2026 SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area today announced the reopening of the Island Ford trail system following maintenance and restoration work completed as part of the park’s Comprehensive Trails Management Plan. This effort reflects the National Park Service’s commitment to visitor safety, resource protection and high-quality outdoor experiences. Located along a scenic stretch of the Chattahoochee River, the Island Ford unit offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, photography and access to tranquil, forested landscapes. The project was implemented through a public-private partnership between the NPS and the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy, with a professional trail construction crew completing the work. Park staff and volunteers will continue to monitor and maintain the trails moving forward. CNPC, the park’s official philanthropic partner, raised more than $400,000 to support the design and construction of these improvements through the generosity of individual donors and the broader community. The project added approximately 2 miles of new trails, expanding the system from 4.8 miles to nearly 7 miles. These routes provide access to previously hard-to-reach areas and introduce clearly defined loops and out-and-back options to improve navigation, discourage informal trails and support long-term sustainability. “The Island Ford trails are a cornerstone of the visitor experience at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area,” said Superintendent K. Lynn Berry. “With these improvements, we are not only restoring trails, we are strengthening the foundation of this park for years to come. This project is a testament to what can be accomplished through strong partnerships, and we are incredibly grateful to the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy and the community whose support made this work possible.” “This project is a powerful example of what’s possible when a community comes together to support its national park,” said Brittany Jones, Executive Director of the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy. “Through the generosity of our donors and partners, CNPC was able to fully fund these improvements, enhancing the visitor experience while protecting the natural resources that make Island Ford so special.” Visitors returning to Island Ford will experience improved trail surfaces, enhanced signage and refreshed wayfinding to support safe navigation throughout the network. The park encourages all guests to practice Leave No Trace principles, remain alert to changing conditions, and help protect sensitive natural and cultural resources. For the latest updates on conditions, programs and visitor information, please visit the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area website or follow the park on official social media channels. About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov .