Park It Forward: Parking Tags at Great Smoky Mountains National Park Explained
Updated to reflect current parking requirements and visitor information at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
March 1, 2023 - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park started implementing the 'Park it Forward' program, which requires motorcycle riders, sports car drivers, and other visitors to purchase and display a valid parking tag for any vehicle that wants to park inside the premises for more than 15 minutes.
Travelers can buy $40 annual parking tags online through the Great Smoky Mountains Association, $5 daily and $15 weekly tags at recreation.gov, and credit cards at Automated Fee Machines, available year-round, 24 hours a day, at many places around the park.
The proceeds from the Park it Forward program help to maintain and improve park services and personnel throughout the park, among other projects.
IMPORTANT:
Parking tags are not transferable and must include the vehicle's license plate number on which they are posted.
Getting a parking permit does not guarantee parking at a particular location. Parking will remain available throughout the park on a first-come, first-served basis.
Riders visiting the park often include it alongside other scenic routes, especially for those staying near Tail of the Dragon while exploring the region.
