Beginning March 1, 2023, a “Park it Forward” parking pass will be required in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here’s what you need to know.
You can purchase your pass in-person or online and there are three pass lengths available; daily ($5), weekly ($15) and annual ($40). Each pass is valid for use in a single vehicle and must include a license plate number matching the vehicle in which it is displayed. Tags must be displayed physically in vehicles; digital representations will not be accepted.
Cars that only pass through or park for less than 15 minutes do not require a pass and cars displaying a valid handicap plate or placard are exempt.
Buying your Pass
Annual passes can be purchased online at Smokies Information or at one of the visitors centers listed below. Remember that each pass is good for one vehicle only. You cannot share it between vehicles. Also, if you order one online, it takes two weeks to get to you, so please plan ahead.
Daily or annual passes can be purchased online at Recreation.gov or at one of the the visitor centers or automated fee machines listed below. Remember, the pass must be printed so, if you do not have access to a printer, you should use a visitors center or automated machine. The automated machines are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and require the use of a credit card. The visitors centers are subject to the operating hours of each center.
For detailed information about this program, please visit the National Parks Services website.
Visitors Centers
- Gatlinburg Welcome Center
- Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Townsend Visitor Center
- Cades Cove Visitor Center
- Clingmans Dome Visitor Center
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Automated Fee Machines
- Deep Creek parking area
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center
- Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Newfound Gap overlook
- Cades Cove entrance parking area
- Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
