Calendar of Free Entrance Days to National Parks

Author:: Staff
Publish date:: Nov 29, 2018

Enjoy your "free" time in the national parks. Although Great Smoky Mountains National Park is always free, 120 national parks and monuments that normally charge an entrance fee will be free on several days during the year. This includes two parks in Tennessee and North Carolina.

Plan your visit and enjoy our country’s history and nature.

January 21, 2019: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

April 20, 2019: First day of National Park Week

August 25, 2019: National Park Service Birthday

September 28, 2019: National Public Lands Day

November 11, 2019: Veterans Day

For more information: www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm

An elk eating apples off the tree in Cataloochee Valley. Photo by Greg Gilbert via Flickr

Park Itineraries

It’s our nation’s busiest park, so here are tips on how to see the best of Great Smoky in just two days. Make the most of your time by visiting some of our favorite spots in both the Tenn. and N.C. sides of the park.

A young elk buck peeks out from the forest on the edge of Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Wildlife

There are many types of animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, but dense forests can make them difficult to spot. Here’s a guide to better your chances.

Appalachian Trail Sign inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Outdoor Recreation

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Wildlife

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Tamron photographer Andre Costantini helping a workshop participant at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Featured

National Park Trips Media and Tamron have teamed up to offer Photo Workshops inside your favorite national parks.

A monarch butterfly on a milkweed flower.

Wildlife

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Natural Wonders

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Travel Guides

Whether you are planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains or simply want to stay connected to the national park, our newsletters are a great source of information and are filled with inspiring stories.