coming to

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great smoky mountains

national park

According to National Park Service (NPS) statistics, the Great Smoky Mountains, America’s most visited national park, received nearly 13 million visitors last year.

That is more visitors than the combined totals for Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone National Parks.

From 2011 to 2021, the park’s visitation increased by approximately 60%. That vehicle and foot traffic volume leads to wear and tear on the park’s infrastructure.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. Sounds great. Right? Not so fast. Effective March 1, 2023, the park has implemented a new parking fee program.

Parking fees apply to all vehicle types and sizes. You can choose from the following durations: – Daily: $5 – Weekly: $15 – Annual: $40

What Else Do You Need to Know?

Parking passes may be purchased at the park or online.

Each tag is valid for a single vehicle and must include a license plate number matching the car.

You cannot replace, transfer, upgrade, or obtain a refund for a parking tag.

You must display the physical parking tag in the vehicle. Digital representation is not accepted.

Parking tags are not location specific and are required to park anywhere in the Great Smoky Mountains.

A parking pass is unnecessary for travelers passing through or those who park for less than 15 minutes.

You cannot use an interagency park entrance pass instead of a parking pass.

A parking pass does not guarantee a parking spot.

If you have a rental vehicle, wait until you know the license plate number before purchasing a parking pass.

For more information about the Great Smoky Mountain National park changes, click below.

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