Forest Service declares an extra fee-free day on June 6, 2026.
The U.S. Forest Service recently disclosed an additional 2026 fee-free day on June 6 to mark National Trails Day, granting complimentary access to all standard amenity recreation sites on national forests and grasslands.
National Trails Day, established by the American Hiking Society in 1993, is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in June. The event aims to unite federal land managers, partners, and volunteers to honor trails and execute trail stewardship projects to ensure they remain secure, well-preserved, easy to follow, and accessible.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Americans to our national forests at no cost on National Trails Day to witness the splendor of our nation firsthand,” remarked Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “We trust that families and friends can gather to commemorate this special day, reconnect with our country’s essence in this uplifting environment, and discover more about our remarkable forest landscapes.”
During National Trails Day in 2025, Forest Service trail managers, partners, and volunteers organized 80 events, including 54 stewardship projects, engaging with over 3,100 volunteers who maintained 173 miles of trail. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz stated, “We hope that those who hold a fondness for Forest Service trails will join us at the trailhead on June 6, whether by volunteering to construct new trails, cleaning up litter near a trailhead, participating in a nature walk, or taking advantage of the fee-free day benefits.”
Furthermore, the Forest Service encourages all visitors to take the #NationalTrailsDay Pledge, committing to leaving the trails in better condition than they found them.
For details on all 2026 fee-free days on National Forest System lands, visit www.fs.usda.gov/visit/passes-permits.