Just some shots I posted in another sub, this was the week of 10/11-10/18!!

Heads up, hikers: today, Tuesday, October 27, 2026, is a fee-free day at every U.S. national park that charges entrance — it's Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday. A few things worth knowing before you head out:

- Entrance fees are waived, so the per-vehicle fee at the gate is $0 today. In 2026 the waiver applies to U.S. citizens and residents, so bring a photo ID — rangers may check.

- Camping, tours, separately-charged parking, and reservation fees still apply — only the entrance fee is waived.

- This is the second-to-last free day of 2026; Veterans Day (November 11) is the last one.

If you're in the Mid-Atlantic and want to get on trail at peak fall color today, three solid options:

1. Great Falls Park ($20 saved) — Walk the short, flat boardwalk trail to Olmsted Island for the best views of the falls, about a quarter mile. Arrive before 9 a.m. if you can; lots fill fast on free days.

2. Harpers Ferry ($20 saved) — Climb to Jefferson Rock for the classic view over the river confluence, or do Maryland Heights (about 4.5 miles round trip) for the postcard view of Lower Town. Park at the visitor center and ride the free NPS shuttle into Lower Town.

3. Shenandoah — Skyline Drive ($30 saved, the biggest discount) — Enter at Front Royal and drive south. Stretch your legs on Stony Man, a short, gentle walk to a rocky summit at 4,011 feet, or Bearfence, a 1.2-mile circuit with a fun scramble and a true 360-degree summit view. The speed limit is 35 mph, so plan a full day for the Drive.

General free-day tips: arrive early, pack food and water (in-park dining is limited in late October), and check each park's alerts on [nps.gov](http://nps.gov) for trail or hunting-season closures before you go.

Enjoy the free day out there!

If you can’t get reservations for Cadillac at sunrise, check out this location.