The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year. While the park itself does not charge an entrance fee, visitors are required to purchase a parking tag to park their vehicles for longer than 15 minutes. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to understand the Visitor Centers Pass in Smoky Mountains and make the most of your visit to this stunning national park.
Understanding the Parking Tag Options
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers three types of parking tags:
- Daily Parking Tag: $5 per day
- Weekly Parking Tag: $15 per week
- Annual Parking Tag: $40 per year
These tags can be purchased at various locations throughout the park, including visitor centers and automated kiosks.
Where to Purchase Parking Tags
Visitors can purchase their parking tags from the following locations:
- Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Cades Cove Visitor Center
- Clingmans Dome Visitor Center
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center
- Kiosks Throughout the Park (near Metcalf Bottoms, Newfound Gap Overlook, and Deep Creek Campground)
- Online (through recreation.gov or the Great Smoky Mountains Association)
Visitor Center Operating Hours
The operating hours for the main visitor centers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are as follows:
| Visitor Center | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Sugarlands Visitor Center | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ET) |
| Cades Cove Visitor Center | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ET) |
| Clingmans Dome Visitor Center | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (ET) |
| Oconaluftee Visitor Center | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ET) |
Parking Tag Guidelines
When using your Visitor Centers Pass in Smoky Mountains, it’s important to follow these guidelines:
- Display Requirements: Annual tags must be displayed in the front, lower passenger side windshield. Daily and weekly tags must be placed face-up on the front, lower passenger side dashboard.
- Vehicle Specific: Each tag is valid for a single vehicle and must include the license plate number of the vehicle in which it is displayed.
- Non-Transferable: Parking tags are not replaceable, refundable, transferable, or upgradable.
- Enforcement: Failure to comply with the parking tag requirements may result in a warning, citation, or your vehicle being towed at your expense.
Additional Considerations
- Interagency Passes: America the Beautiful passes are not accepted in lieu of a parking tag.
- NPS Fee-Free Days: The park participates in NPS fee-free days, and visitors do not need a parking tag on those days.
- Vehicles with Disabled Placards: Vehicles with valid, state-issued disabled tags are exempt from purchasing a parking tag.
By understanding the Visitor Centers Pass in Smoky Mountains and following the guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Remember to plan ahead, purchase your parking tag in advance, and explore the park’s stunning natural beauty to the fullest.
References
- https://www.gatlinburg.com/great-smoky-mountains/parkingtags/
- https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm
- https://www.visitmysmokies.com/blog/travel-information/places-to-buy-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-parking-pass/
- https://smokymountainnationalpark.com/parking-tags/
- https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm