Parking at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Planning your visit to the Smokies? Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced the adoption of the Park It Forward program. Beginning March 1, 2023, a parking tag is required for all vehicles that stop inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you’re hiking, picnicking, or exploring scenic overlooks, you’ll need to display a valid tag on your vehicle.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Parking Fees & Passes
Parking tags are available in daily, weekly, and annual options, making it easy to choose the one that fits your trip.
Daily Pass
$5 – valid until 11:59 PM ET on the purchase date
Weekly Pass
$15 – valid until 11:59 PM ET, seven days after start date
Annual Pass
$40 – valid for the calendar year
Important Parking Tag Details
- Tags must match your license plate number
- Annual tags: display on the front, lower passenger side windshield.
- Daily & weekly tags: place face-up on the passenger side dashboard.
- Each parking tag is valid for one vehicle only.
- Tags are not replaceable, refundable, or transferable.
- No tag is needed if:
- Stopping for 15 minutes or less
- Driving through without parking
- Tags are valid for all vehicle sizes and types.
Why Do I Need a Parking Tag?
The Smokies are America’s most-visited national park, with record-breaking visits in recent years. Parking tag revenue goes directly back into the park, helping with:
- Trail maintenance and improvements
- Restroom and custodial services
- Trash removal and clean-up
- Visitor safety and staffing
Your small contribution helps protect the park for future generations.
How & Where to Buy Your Parking Tag
Get your Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking tag before arriving at your trailhead. There are several options for purchasing a tag: buy online, in person, or at convenient self-service kiosks.
Online - Purchase & Print (Daily & Weekly Tags)
Buying online saves you time once you arrive!
- Recreation.gov – Daily and weekly parking tags are available here. You’ll need to print your tag at home and display it inside your vehicle before arrival (park staff cannot print tags for you).
- During checkout, you’ll be asked to enter your license plate number and the date of your visit.
- Tags can be purchased up to 6 months in advance for added convenience.
- Daily and weekly parking tags expire at 11:59 pm ET on the date printed on the tag.
Online - Purchase & Ship (Annual Tags)
Save time and get your annual tags mailed directly to you!
- Smokies Life – Annual tags can be ordered online and shipped directly to your home.
Buy In-Person:
You’ll find parking tags available at several visitor centers, welcome centers, and even select retail stores across the Smokies region.
- Pigeon Forge, TN
REI (2655 Teaster Lane, Suite 310) - Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg Welcome Center (1011 Banner Rd)
Sugarlands Visitor Center (1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd)
Greenbrier Grocery (2406 E. Parkway) - Townsend, TN
Cades Cove Visitor Center (686 Cades Cove Loop Rd)
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store (9275 Tremont Rd)
Great Smokies Welcome Center (7929 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy) - Knoxville, TN
Oconaluftee Visitor Center (1194 Newfound Gap Hwy, Cherokee)
Kuwohi Visitor Center (7078 Clingmans Dome Rd, Cherokee)
Swain County Visitor Center (2 Everett St, Bryson City)
Graham County Travel & Tourism Center (474 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville)
Visit Haywood Welcome Center (91 North Lakeshore Dr, Lake Junaluska)
REI (6700 Papermill Dr NW) - Other REI Locations
Chattanooga, TN (31 Schenck Pkwy)
Asheville, NC (31 Schenck Pkwy)
Greenville, SC (1140 Woodruff Rd, Ste 400)
Self-Service Kiosks:
If you prefer convenience, you can also purchase daily or weekly tags at kiosks located at popular park spots, including:
Plan for Your Smoky Mountain Adventure
Having your tag ready means less stress and more time enjoying the Smokies. Buying online in advance is the easiest way to ensure you’re set for your trip.
For more details, visit the National Park Service website.
2025 Free Entrance Days in the Smokies
Mark your calendar to experience the Smokies on these entrance fee-free dates:
- Thursday, January 9 — National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter Jr.
- Monday, January 20 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Saturday, April 19 — First Day of National Park Week
- Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
- Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
- Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
Quick FAQ
Does having a parking tag guarantee a parking spot will be available?
No—having a parking tag doesn’t mean a parking spot will be waiting for you. Popular areas in the Smokies can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
Can I share my tag with another car?
No, each tag is tied to your license plate and valid for one vehicle only.
Do motorcycles, RVs, and oversized vehicles need tags?
Yes, tags are valid for all vehicle sizes.
I drive a motorcycle; how do I display my parking tag?
Annual tags are clings and can be placed right on your motorcycle windshield or another visible spot. Daily and weekly tags are paper, so you’ll need to make sure they’re secured where rangers can easily see them.
Tip: Many riders tape the tag to the inside of their windshield or instrument panel to keep it from blowing away. Just be sure it’s easy to read and firmly attached before you head out on your ride.
Are there any parking tag fee exemptions?
Yes, the following are exempt:
- School groups
- Permitted researchers
- Certain special-use permit types
- Disabled parking placard or license plate holders
What if I have a rental vehicle and don’t know my license plate number in advance?
Parking tags must match your vehicle’s license plate, so you’ll need to wait until you have your rental car to buy one. Once you know your plate number, you can purchase your tag in person at a self-service kiosk (Automated Fee Machine) or at one of the many retail and visitor center locations near the park.