Texans will not have to pay to enter National Forests on Jan. 16. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas will waive all day-use fees, according to a news release.

“Martin Luther King Jr. was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, and his leadership inspired men and women, young and old, in this nation and around the world,” NFGT Forest Supervisor Kimpton Cooper said in the release. “[On] Monday, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his message of equality, love and service.”

MLK Day celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s work toward racial equity, equality and civil rights. According to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, King is the only nonpresident to have a national holiday in his honor. MLK Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year.

Day-use fees will be waived at the following forests and recreation areas:
  • Angelina National Forest (Boykin Springs, Caney Creek and Townsend recreation areas);
  • Sabine National Forest (Haley’s Ferry, East Hamilton, Indian Mounds, Lakeview and Willow Oak recreation areas);
  • Davy Crockett National Forest (Ratcliff Lake and Piney Creek Horse Trail recreation areas);
  • Sam Houston National Forest (Cagle Boat Ramp, Scotts Ridge Boat Ramp and Double Lake recreation areas); and
  • Caddo and Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands (Coffee Mill Lake, Black Creek Lake and East Lake Crockett recreation areas).
The NFGT also waives day-use fees on Presidents Day, National Get Outdoors Day, Juneteenth, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day, according to the release.