You are planning your adventure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). As the most visited national park in the U.S., it boasts stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and countless trails. While entrance to the park is free, the “Park It Forward” program requires parking tags for vehicles parked longer than 15 minutes. This is one of the few ways we have to fund park improvements like trail upkeep, trash collection, and additional staffing. Here’s (almost) everything you need to know about parking tags in GSMNP to help you prepare for a seamless visit.

Parking Tag Basics

• Parking tags are required for all vehicles parked for more than 15 minutes anywhere in the park boundaries.
• The tag is not an entrance fee; the park entrance remains free.
• Parking tags are not needed if you’re just driving through or stopping for less than 15 minutes.
• Tags are available in three durations for all vehicle types and sizes:
  – Daily: $5
  – Weekly: $15
  – Annual: $40
• Tags are non-replaceable, non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-upgradable.
• Each tag is vehicle-specific and must match the license plate number of the displayed vehicle.
• Physical display is mandatory; digital versions are not accepted.
• Tags are not location-specific and cover parking anywhere in the park.
• Interagency passes (e.g., America the Beautiful Senior or Access) do not substitute for a parking tag and offer no discount on it, though they provide 50% off camping fees.
• Parking tags are not required on NPS fee-free entrance days (check nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm for current dates).

Purchase Options

Purchase your tag in advance to avoid hassle, especially at popular trailheads. Options include online, in-person, and kiosks.

Online Purchases

• Daily and Weekly Tags: Buy through recreation.gov up to six months ahead. Enter your visit date and license plate number. Print the tag yourself, park staff won’t assist. Expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on the printed date.
• Annual Tags: Available via Smokies Life for shipping to your home. Valid for 12 months from the purchase month (e.g., bought in March expires March 31 the following year).

For rentals, wait until you know the license plate number.

In-Person Purchases

Daily, weekly, and annual tags are sold at these locations (hours vary seasonally; tags activate on purchase date):

• Gatlinburg Welcome Center – 1011 Banner Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
• Sugarlands Visitor Center – 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
• Greenbrier Grocery – 2406 E. Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
• The Great Smokies Welcome Center – 7929 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882
• Cades Cove Visitor Center – 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882
• Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store – 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN 37882
• Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Visitor Center – 7078 Clingmans Dome Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
• Oconaluftee Visitor Center – 1194 Newfound Gap Highway, Cherokee, NC 28719
• Graham County Travel and Tourism & Welcome Center – 474 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28711
• Swain County Visitor Center – 2 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC 28713
• Visit Haywood Welcome Center – 91 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745

Kiosk Purchases

Daily and weekly tags available 24/7 by credit card (activate on purchase date):

• Sugarlands Visitor Center
• Greenbrier Ranger Station
• Cosby Picnic Area
• Big Creek
• Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
• Townsend Wye (just inside the park before the “Y” intersection)
• Cades Cove Orientation Shelter
• Look Rock Campground
• Newfound Gap Overlook
• Kuwohi Visitor Center (parking area)
• Oconaluftee Visitor Center
• Deep Creek Picnic Area
• Cataloochee Valley Overlook

How to Display Your Parking Tag

• Daily and weekly tags: Place face-up on the front lower passenger-side dashboard.
• Annual tags: Adhere to the front lower passenger-side windshield.
• For motorcycles: Display prominently (e.g., tape to windshield or instrument panel) to prevent loss; visitor responsibility.

Improper display may result in warnings, citations, or towing at your expense.

Parking Tag Exemptions

Certain groups and situations are exempt:

• Vehicles with valid state-issued disabled placards or license plates (including disabled veterans).
• School groups and permitted researchers.
• Specific special use permits: burials, cemetery visits (including Decoration Days), and First Amendment activities. Other permits (e.g., weddings) are not exempt.
• Tribal citizens for traditional activities (tags provided free via tribal leaders).
• Frontcountry campers at their designated campsite (tags required for extra vehicles or other parking; check recreation.gov for site limits).
• Decoration Day permit holders for the permit duration.

Note: Back country campers need tags for trailhead parking. Picnic pavilion reservations, commercial use authorizations, and commercial service parking lots are not exempt.

Good to Know

• Tags do not guarantee a parking spot; plan for off-peak times to avoid crowds in busy areas.
• Sales are uncapped, so the program focuses on funding improvements rather than reducing congestion directly.
• All revenue stays in the park for operational costs like maintenance, services, and staffing.
• If your license plate changes, buy a new tag, non-transferable.
• Oversized vehicles (e.g., RVs): Limited parking; consider alternatives.
• Staff patrol to educate and enforce; non-compliance risks fines or towing.
• The annual option supports local residents’ frequent access.
• For cemetery visits or family reunions, special use permits may provide exemptions and access coordination.

By getting your parking tag, you’re helping preserve the Smokies for future generations. Enjoy your time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!