National Parks Offer Free Admission This Weekend

Every national park across the country will offer free admission this weekend on April 22 and 23 as part of the celebration of National Park Week. With spring in full swing and summer approaching, the weather is warming up in many parts of the county, and this may be the perfect time to get the family out to experience some of the country's most valuable natural treasures

There are 14 sites and parks located in North Carolina managed by the National Park Service.

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North Carolina National Park Service Locations:

• Appalachian Trail National Scenic Trail
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore
• Cape Lookout National Seashore
• Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
• Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
• Moores Creek National Battlefield
• Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
• Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
• Wright Brothers National Memorial

If you're not able to get out this weekend, though, don't worry. The National Park Service is holding three other free entry events this year, including Aug, 25 for the National Park Service Birthday, Sept. 30 for National Public Lands Day and Nov. 11 and 12 for Veterans Day.

"The fee waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees," the service says. "Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise."

The service also points out that even at typical rates, admission to the national parks is affordable, ranging from $3 to $30. Veterans, people with disabilities and fourth graders can all get free passes, and seniors can pay $10 for lifetime passes.

Want to find a national park near you? There are more than 400 nationwide, and you can use this tool to find one near you.

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Photo credit: Eric Vaughn