Scott Page/Splash Magazine Ranger-led tours of Fort Pickens are free and open to the public. There are also a variety of other exciting ranger-led programs at Gulf Island National Seashore. Fort Pickens, Opal Beach and other entities in the National Park Service are fee-free on August 15 and 16, making it a perfect time to visit some of America's treasures.

Fort Pickens is accessible by road for the first time since Hurricane Ivan roared ashore on September 16, 2004. The road was being replaced the following year, just to be washed out before opening by Hurricane Dennis.

Also, the road between Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach reopened this summer, allowing access to Opal Beach with its pavilions and facilities.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore offers many rangerled programs as well in August, including:

August 1: Cross Island Walk, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Meet at Battery Worth Picnic Area.

Night Walk 8 to 9 p.m.Meet at Battery Worth Picnic Area. Bring a small flashlight, wear bug spray, closed-toed shoes and long pants.

Aug. 2: Spot, Plot and Fire. 3:30 p.m. Meet at Battery 234 Observation Tower.

Aug. 7: Civil War in Pensacola, 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center Auditorium.

Presidential History of Gulf Islands National Seashore, 2 to 3 p.m., Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center.

August 8: Cross Island Walk, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Meet at Battery Worth Picnic Area.

Candlelight Walking Tour of Historic Fort Pickens, 8 to 9 p.m. Meet at the entrance to the fort.

Aug. 9: Spot, Plot and Fire. 3:30 p.m. Meet at Battery 234 Observation Tower.

Aug. 14: Snorkeling, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Battery Worth Picnic Area. Look for the dive flag. Equipment is provided on a first come, first served basis or you can bring your own mask and snorkel. Wear water shoes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Stargazing with the Escambia Amateur Astronomer's Association, weather permitting. Sunset to 10 p .m. at the Battery Worth Picnic Area

Civil War in Pensacola, 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Live Oaks Visitor Center Auditorium

Presidential History of Gulf Islands National Seashore, 2 to 3 p.m., Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center.

Aug. 15:

Campfire Program, 8 to 9 p.m. Meet at the entrance to the fort. Wear bug spray.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/guis.