Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park for FREE in 2025!

Find out every sneaky way to get into the Great Smoky Mountains, or any other U.S. national park, for free in 2025—no ticket required! 🌐 #News #GatlinburgTN #Tennessee #Travel

GATLINBURG, TN – If you love exploring Tennessee‘s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or any of America’s national parks, but hate paying entrance fees—you’re in luck. There are several ways to visit these incredible sites without spending a dime. Whether you take advantage of special free admission days, qualify for a no-cost pass, or earn your way in through volunteer work, 2025 offers plenty of opportunities to see these breathtaking landscapes for free.

From honoring military members to rewarding young adventurers and volunteers, here’s everything you need to know about getting into U.S. national parks without opening your wallet.

Free Entrance Days in 2025

The National Park Service has designated specific days when entrance fees are waived at all sites that normally charge admission. Mark your calendar for these upcoming dates:

April 19 – First Day of National Park Week
June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
August 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
September 27 – National Public Lands Day
November 11 – Veterans Day

While these dates eliminate entrance fees, keep in mind that some parks may still require reservations or charge fees for extra services like guided tours or special activities.

Free Entry for Military Members and Veterans

If you’re an active-duty U.S. military member, veteran, or a Gold Star Family, you don’t need to wait for a free entrance day. You qualify for year-round complimentary access to national parks. This benefit extends to dependents as well. All you need is a valid military ID to enter for free at any participating site.

Free Access for Americans With Permanent Disabilities

U.S. citizens or permanent residents living with permanent disabilities can explore the national parks for free with the America the Beautiful-The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass. The pass is completely free, but applicants must provide identification and proof of disability, which can include a physician’s statement or documentation from a federal or state agency.

The ‘Every Kid Outdoors’ Program—Fourth Graders Get In Free

Parents of fourth graders, take note: your child’s school year could come with an extra perk—free national park access! Through the Every Kid Outdoors program, fourth-grade students and their families can visit national parks for free from September through August. The catch? The pass must be printed out ahead of time from the official Every Kid Outdoors website—digital copies aren’t accepted. If you’re a fourth-grade teacher, you can print passes for your entire class!

The Volunteer Pass—Earn Your Way In

Want free national park access while giving back? The Volunteer Pass is available to anyone who donates at least 250 hours of volunteer work at a federal recreation site. These hours can be completed at locations managed not just by the National Park Service, but also the Bureau of Land Management, the USDA Forest Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Fish and Wildlife Service, or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

For those passionate about conservation and preserving natural spaces, this pass is a great way to gain unlimited entry while making a meaningful impact.

Start Planning Your Adventure Now!

With these options, visiting America’s stunning national parks for free has never been easier. Whether you plan your trips around free admission days, qualify for a special pass, or earn your way in through volunteering, you can experience nature’s beauty without breaking the bank. Start planning now and get ready for an unforgettable year of adventure! Happy travels.

RELATED TOPICS: Kids and Family | Lifestyle | Tennessee | Travel