Entry to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is still FREE — no Smoky Mountains parking pass required just to soak in the views. But if you plan to park for more than 15 minutes, you’ll need a pass — also known as a Great Smoky Mountains parking tag, GSMNP parking pass, or Park It Forward pass.
This small pass helps maintain trails, restrooms, and the natural beauty that makes parking in the Smokies worth every penny. Keep reading for everything you need to know!
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QUICK BREAKDOWN: SMOKY MOUNTAINS PARKING PASS
Cost: $5 daily • $15 weekly • $40 annual
Required: parking over 15 minutes
Buy: online, visitor centers, or 24/7 kiosks
(park entry still FREE!) 🌲
Enjoying the Beauty of the Smokies
There’s something magical about the Great Smoky Mountains—rolling views, cool mountain air, and peaceful places to pull over and soak it all in.
- Cruise scenic roads with the windows down
- Stop at overlooks for photos or wildlife sightings
- Wander down a trail or relax with a picnic
While exploring, just remember: if you’re parked longer than 15 minutes, a Smoky Mountains parking pass is required.
Smoky Mountains Parking Pass Options: Daily, Weekly, or Annual
It’s FREE to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but if you plan to park for more than 15 minutes, you’ll need a Park It Forward parking pass.
So, not sure which pass you’ll need during your visit? Let’s take a look at your options before you purchase (where to purchase coming up next).
- Daily Pass – $5
Just spending the day? This pass lets you park anywhere in the park for one full day. - Weekly Pass – $15
Visiting for a few days? The 7-day pass is a convenient and budget-friendly choice. - Annual Pass – $40
Planning multiple trips? The Park It Forward annual pass gives you unlimited parking for the whole year—ideal for regular visitors and locals.
♿ Heads Up: Handicap Parking
A valid disabled placard or license plate from any U.S. state is exempt from the parking pass requirement in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Where to Get Your Smoky Mountains Parking Pass
Grabbing your Great Smoky Mountains parking tag is easy! Whether you’re planning ahead or already in the park, here’s how to get yours:
Buy Your Smoky Mountains Parking Tag Online
Daily and weekly tags can be purchased online — skip the lines and get your pass before you arrive.
→ Daily & Weekly GSMNP Parking Passes — Order HERE
Planning multiple trips? The annual parking tag is $40 and can also be ordered online. Allow up to three weeks for delivery and note that an $9.25 shipping fee applies.
→ Annual GSMNP Parking Pass — Order HERE
Purchase Your Smoky Mountains Parking Pass In Person
Prefer to grab your GSMNP parking pass in person? You have two easy options — stop by a visitor center during open hours or use a self-serve kiosk available 24/7 throughout the park.
VISITOR CENTERS & WELCOME CENTERS
Staff can help you grab your Great Smoky Mountains parking tag during open hours. Most popular locations include:
- Sugarlands Visitor Center, Gatlinburg TN
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Cherokee NC
- Cades Cove Visitor Center
- Townsend Visitor Center, Townsend TN
- Gatlinburg Welcome Center
→ See the full list of GSMNP visitor centers on the NPS website
Find a Self-Serve Parking Tag Kiosk Inside the Park
Need a Park It Forward pass while you’re already exploring? Self-serve kiosks accept credit cards and are available 24/7 at popular locations like:
- Newfound Gap Overlook
- Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Cades Cove Orientation Shelter
- Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
- Kuwohi parking area (seasonal)
→ See all 13 kiosk locations on the NPS website
Once Your GSMNP PARKing Pass Is In Place… Start Exploring the Smokies
→ Drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road
How to Display Your Smoky Mountains Parking Pass
Once you’ve got your GSMNP parking pass or Great Smoky Mountains parking tag, make sure it’s visible before you hit the trail! Here’s how to display it correctly:
Daily & Weekly Passes
Place the pass face-up on the lower passenger side of your dashboard so rangers can see it clearly.
Annual Parking Pass
Stick it to the inside of your windshield—front, lower passenger side.
Motorcycle Parking Pass
Attach the annual pass to the windshield or any visible surface on the bike.
🚫 When You DON’T NEED a Smoky Mountain Parking Tag
A few times during your visit you won’t need a pass — let’s break it down:
Short Stops in The Smokies Do Not Need A Pass
Parking for 15 minutes or less? You DON’T NEED a pass. Perfect for quick pull-offs, photos, or stretching your legs.
No Pass Needed for Frontcountry camping (AT your campsite)
Camping at a designated GSMNP campground? Your vehicle is covered while parked at your site — no parking tag needed! This includes camping inside the Smoky Mountains at Elkmont, Cades Cove, Smokemont, Cosby, and more.
⚠️ BUT — you WILL need a pass if:
- You park in public areas (restrooms, check-in stations, overflow lots) for more than 15 minutes
- You park anywhere else in the park outside your campsite for more than 15 minutes
- You’re backcountry camping and leaving your vehicle at a trailhead
Good to Know — Parking Tag Exemptions
These groups are exempt from the parking tag requirement:
- School Groups
- Permitted Researchers
- Certain Special Use Permit Holders
- Disabled Veterans with a valid placard or license plate
- Vehicles displaying a valid handicap placard or license plate
Why Your Parking Pass Matters
When you grab a GSMNP parking pass, you’re doing more than securing a spot — you’re giving back to the Smokies.
- Trail and picnic area maintenance
- Clean restrooms
- Ranger programs and park services
- Trash removal and resource protection
Whether it’s a daily, weekly, or annual pass, you’re helping protect the park for future visitors — and making your trip better today. That’s what Park It Forward is all about!
Smoky Mountains Parking Pass FAQs
Still have questions? Here are quick answers to the most common ones about the Park It Forward parking pass!
Nope! The Smokies are FREE to enter, but the Park It Forward parking tag is a separate fee. Daily tags start at just $5.
Yes! A valid disabled placard from any U.S. state is accepted — just keep it visible on the dashboard.
Allow up to two weeks for delivery (plus an $8.75 shipping fee). Need it sooner? Grab a daily or weekly pass instead!
Not at your campsite! But park anywhere else for over 15 minutes and you’ll need one. 🌲
You could get a parking violation. Rangers check regularly — grab your pass online or at a visitor center to be safe!
Plan Your Trip to the Smokies
Ready to taste it for yourself? Here’s where to book your Smoky Mountain getaway — cabins, hotels, flights, and rental cars all in one spot.
Happy Trekkn’, Friends – Have Fun Exploring!
With your Park It Forward pass in hand, you’re ready to experience it all — scenic drives, peaceful trails, and incredible wildlife views. Slow down, take it all in, and enjoy every moment in the Smokies.
We’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite Smoky Mountain spot? Tag us #TennesseeTrekkn on socials. 🌲
🌲 KEEP TREKKN’
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→ Soar above Gatlinburg at the SkyPark
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Disclosure: This site contains links from our trusted partners, including Amazon. If you book or purchase through these we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support!
Hi, so my Mom has a handicap parking plaque but for the state of GA where we live. Ok to use it for parking? It says state issued handicap plaque but not which state.
Great question! In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, vehicles with a valid handicap placard or license plate do not need to purchase a parking tag. So your mom’s Georgia-issued placard is perfectly fine to use—just make sure it’s displayed clearly. These state-issued placards are recognized across all U.S. states. Hope y’all have a wonderful time exploring the Smokies!
What if you have a America the Beautiful pass that lets you into any national park for free?
Great question! The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees — but since Great Smoky Mountains National Park is already free to enter, it doesn’t apply here. The Park It Forward parking tag is a separate parking fee and is not covered by the pass. The good news is daily tags start at just $5! 🌲
You should go by national park entrance fee. Guess they are more money for parking.
Visiting the Smokies is still free! 😊 The parking pass is only needed if you plan to park for more than 15 minutes inside the national park.