New national park access policies

(CNN)– If visiting a national park is on your to-do list for the new year, like Congaree National Park here in the Midlands,  there are some slight changes you may want to be aware of.

As of Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, America the beautiful passes will now be available in a digital format.

They also feature new, modernized graphics that honor the nation’s landscapes and heritage.

U.S. residents will continue to pay $80 for the annual pass.

However, foreign tourists will pay $250 for the pass.

There have also been some changes to the fee-free holidays, and they are only free for U.S. residents.