The National Park Service is offering free entrance on Saturday, April 19, in honor of the first day of National Park Week.

There are six national parks within an hour and a half radius of the heart of Washington, D.C., that can be visited on Saturday at no cost. Here is everything you need to know:

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Virginia

Great Falls Park

Located about 15 miles from the city, Great Falls Park covers about 800 acres and is best known for the Great Falls of the Potomac, where the river drops over a series of steep, jagged rocks and strong rapids through the Mather Gorge.

The park offers hiking and biking trails. Visitors can also rock climb and kayak.

Prince William Forest Park

Prince William Forest Park is located in northern Virginia, in Triangle and near Quantico, about 35 miles south of Washington.

Spanning over 15,000 acres, it’s the largest protected natural area in the Washington metro region.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, about 75 miles west of Washington. The park stretches over 200,000 acres and is best known for its wildlife, waterfalls, and especially the Skyline Drive — a 105-mile road that runs the length of the park with mountain views.

Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail, and offers camping, backpacking, birdwatching, and wildflower viewing. The park is home to black bears and wild turkeys.

Maryland

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is a famous site located in Baltimore best known for its role in the War of 1812. During the Battle of Baltimore in September 1814, the fort successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from a British naval attack. This victory inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” which later became the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States.

Designated as both a National Monument and Historic Shrine, Fort McHenry is unique in holding both titles. The site preserves the star-shaped fort and offers exhibits, reenactments, and educational programs. Visitors can learn about the fort’s military history, its role in American patriotism, and see a replica of the enormous flag that flew over the fort during the battle.

Washington and beyond

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park runs 184.5 miles along the Potomac River from Georgetown in Washington to Cumberland, Maryland. The park preserves the historic sites.

The park is a popular spot for biking, hiking, running, horseback riding, kayaking, and wildlife watching. The C&O Canal Towpath is especially popular for long-distance biking and connects with the Great Allegheny Passage, forming a nearly 335-mile route from Washington to Pittsburgh.

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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a historically rich site located where West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland meet — at the convergence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The park preserves the historic town of Harpers Ferry and surrounding natural areas. Visitors can explore museums, restored 19th-century buildings, and walking tours of the historic town, as well as enjoy hiking, particularly the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the park.