Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Welcome! Bring your hiking boots, your camera–and an official parking pass, called a “tag.” You don’t want your day in the Smokies spoiled by a parking ticket or a tow truck! Here are parking tag tips, and the top spots for buying a parking tag.
How much do parking tags cost?
You can buy a daily tag for $5, a weekly tag for $15, or an annual one for $40.
Where can I buy a parking tag in person?
Near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, these are the most convenient places to buy a parking tag in person:
- Gatlinburg Welcome Center, 1011 Banner Rd., Gatlinburg
- Sugarlands Visitor Center, 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd., Gatlinburg
- Cades Cove Visitor Center, 686 Cades Cove Loop Rd., Townsend
- REI store, 2655 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge
- Greenbrier Grocery, 2406 E. Parkway, Gatlinburg
- Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, 9275 Tremont Rd., Townsend
- Great Smokies Welcome Center, 7929 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend
Can I buy a tag on the North Carolina side of the park?
Five locations in North Carolina sell parking tags:
- Kuwohi Visitor Center, 7078 Clingmans Dome Rd., Cherokee
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 1194 Newfound Gap Highway, Cherokee
- Graham County Welcome Center, 474 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville
- Swain County Visitor Center, 2 Everett St., Bryson City
- Visit Haywood Welcome Center, 91 North Lakeshore Dr., Lake Junaluska
Can I buy a parking tag online?
Yes! Buy and print out a daily or weekly tag by using this link. A printed version is essential. An image on your phone won’t be honored.
Where can I park with a tag?
Parking tags are good everywhere in the national park, but they don’t guarantee you a space. Arrive early if you plan to visit a popular spot.
Do I need a tag if I’m just driving through the park?
No. You can drive in the park, and even park for up to 15 minutes, without a tag.
Spend less time driving, and more time enjoying this American treasure, by staying close to the national park. Book a Smoky Mountain cabin today.
