In March 2023, the NPS enacted the requirement for parking tags in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the Smokies continues to be one of the only national parks in the country that doesn’t have an entrance fee, this small parking fee is required for vehicles parked for longer than 15 minutes. Whether you’re planning your first hiking trip ever or your first since the parking tag requirement, here’s everything you need to know about the Smoky Mountain parking pass:
Parking Tags: Who Needs Them & Who Doesn’t
All vehicles in the national park must have a tag if they are parked longer than 15 minutes. Parking passes aren’t location-specific, and the purchase of a tag does not guarantee a parking spot, so it is wise to come early and beat some of the traffic, especially at popular trailheads such as Rainbow Falls, Abrams Falls, and Alum Cave.
Vehicles with state-issued disabled parking placards or license plates are exempt from the parking tag requirement. You also do not need to purchase a parking pass for Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you simply plan to take a scenic drive, such as on Cades Cove Loop Road. Additionally, if you’re staying at Cades Cove Campground, you don’t have to buy a tag when you park your vehicle at your campsite.
How to Purchase a Smoky Mountain Parking Pass
How much do they cost?
A Great Smoky Mountain parking pass is very affordable. The daily tag is $5, the weekly tag is $15, and the annual tag is $40. Daily and weekly tags can be purchased 24 hours a day using the convenient automated kiosks throughout the park, at one of the visitor centers, or online at recreation.gov. The annual parking pass is only available online through Smokies Life. What happens if you don’t purchase a parking tag? Consequences can include a warning, citation, or even your vehicle being towed at your expense.
Where do the funds go?
You’ll be happy to know that the funds from Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking tags go back into improving the visitor experience. For example, the funds are being used to build new parking spots at Laurel Falls. This will give more people the opportunity to enjoy the stunning trail and waterfall. The parking tag proceeds also go into increased ranger presence and safety personnel.
Smoky Mountain Parking Tips
- If you want to avoid parking at popular trails, consider utilizing a Smoky Mountain hiking shuttle!
- If you’re renting a car, you must wait to purchase your parking pass until you arrive at the park. You’ll have to enter your vehicle’s license plate number, and tags are not transferable.
- Parking tags must be placed on the front lower passenger side dashboard. Digital proof of purchase will not be accepted.
- Utilize pull-off zones. There are plenty of pull-offs on scenic drives, such as Cades Cove Loop Road and Newfound Gap, where you can stop to take photos and admire the scenery. Avoiding no-park zones will help keep the flow of traffic moving so everyone can have an enjoyable experience.
Now that you know about the Smoky Mountain parking pass, it’s time to plan your hiking trip! Need help choosing a route for your next hike? Read about the best hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains!
