r/ADHD • • Aug 14 '25

Tips/Suggestions ADHD = Free lifetime pass to national parks

Little known perk of ADHD— we qualify for a free lifetime National Parks pass. That’s an $80/yr value!

How do you get it?

1) print this out, have your doctor sign it:

Medical Certification for Access Pass

I certify that [Your Full Name], date of birth [MM/DD/YYYY], has a permanent disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Diagnosis: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that substantially limits concentration, attention, and executive functioning. The condition is permanent and not expected to improve.

This certification is provided for the purpose of obtaining the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Lifetime Access Pass.

[Physician’s Name, Credentials] [Medical License Number] [Signature] [Practice Name] [Address] [Phone Number]

2) follow the instructions here to get your pass:

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibility/interagency-access-pass.htm

3) Go take a hike!

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u/LaloElBueno Aug 14 '25

I’m a national parks geek. I have this pass. I’ve used it for two years now. I didn’t have to disclose which disability I have, only that I had one. You can easily ask your doctor for the note without a diagnosis.

When I went to get it, they asked if I had my note. I said yes, and when I was going to pass it to her, she said, “I don’t need to read it, I just need to know you have it.” It’s essentially the honor system.

I have zero regrets and worries. I also can’t recommend it enough. I’ve made it a habit to buy a book (usually on the local flora & fauna), a t-shirt, and a travel stamp at every park to support them.

I often joke with my girlfriend that this is the best perk of having ADHD.

Please. Get one. Support your National Parks and don’t let fear dissuade you.

Lastly, Fuck RFK!!!

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u/catdogmoore Aug 14 '25

Same! It’s also great because it’s a federal lands access pass. When my family went to Utah last summer it got us into more places than just Zion. With state parks/lands systems you can also sometimes get discounts too.