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How to Obtain a Parking Tag for Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Katelyn Long04 mins

Parking Tag Requirements at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park now mandates visitors to purchase a parking tag if they intend to stop for more than 15 minutes. This change, initiated by the Park It Forward Program launched on March 1, 2023, aims to manage the increasing number of visitors while supporting the park’s maintenance and staffing needs.

Overview of Parking Tag Fees

  • Daily parking tags: $5
  • Weekly parking tags: $15
  • Monthly parking tags: $40

Tags can be purchased at all park visitor centers and at automated fee machines located at larger parking lots, including Newfound Gap. They are also available for purchase online, with a physical tag being mailed to the buyer.

Why Parking Fees Are Implemented

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the Tennessee and North Carolina state line, was the most visited national park in the US in 2022, welcoming nearly 13 million visitors. Consequently, it has seen a significant increase in visitation, which has strained the park’s budget.

Despite never having charged an admission fee, the park’s original deed restricts any toll on key roads, such as Newfound Gap Road and Little River Road. Therefore, this parking tag program serves as a new revenue stream essential for maintenance and the park’s sustainable future.

A hiker explores the Roaring Fork River and Grotto Falls on the Trillium Gap Trail through the old-growth hemlock forest.
A hiker explores the Roaring Fork River and Grotto Falls on the Trillium Gap Trail through the old-growth hemlock forest and lush foliage on the steep hillsides of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. © Getty Images

Revenue Utilization

Importantly, 100 percent of the revenue generated from the parking tag program will be allocated directly back into the park. This means visitors will notice improved services, including increased recreation technicians, education rangers, emergency responders, and law enforcement staff.

Displaying Your Parking Tag

It is crucial to display the parking tag clearly within the vehicle. The license plate number listed on the tag must match the vehicle it is affixed to, making the tags non-transferable. These tags are valid throughout the park, and their display is required whenever and wherever you park.

However, if you are merely passing through the park or stopping for a brief moment, a tag is unnecessary. Additionally, vehicles that possess state-issued disabled placards or license plates are exempt from this requirement.

For further details, consult the park’s official resources.

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