While exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park on your motorcycle this season, keep in mind that the park has instituted a new parking tag policy! If you are planning to park anywhere within the National Park boundaries for 15 minutes or more, you’ll need to purchase and display a parking tag on your bike. Here are the top 5 things to know about the new parking tag requirement at Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Parking Tag Fees
There are three parking tag durations available for purchase, which are applicable for all vehicle sizes and types, including motorcycles. You can buy a daily pass for $5, a weekly pass for $15, or an annual pass for $40. The parking tags are not location specific, so they are valid throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Note that if you’re just planning on just taking a scenic ride through the Smokies and don’t plan to stop for more than 15 minutes, a parking tag is NOT required!
2. Where to Purchase the Tags
Parking tags are available at various locations throughout the Smokies, including at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, Greenbrier Grocery, and official Visitor Centers in the National Park. Note that the daily and weekly tags purchased in person must be used starting on the date of purchase. You can also buy daily and weekly tags via credit card from Automated Fee Machines in the park, which are available 24 hours per day. As an alternative, you can purchase daily and weekly parking tags online. Note that online tags must be printed and displayed!
3. Displaying the Tags on Your Motorcycle
Another one of the top things to know about the new parking tag requirement at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is how to display the tag on your motorcycle! The annual park tag is a cling that can be adhered to your motorcycle windshield or another highly visible surface. The daily and weekly tags are paper but still must be prominently displayed. You’ll need to make sure that the tag does not blow off, so consider taping the tag to the inside of your motorcycle windshield or instrument display!
4. Purpose of the Parking Tags
All revenue generated through the parking fee program will remain in the Smokies to directly support operational costs for managing and improving services for visitors. This includes trail maintenance, custodial services, trash removal, and supporting more staffing to increase the presence of personnel across the park. Note that the parking tag program is not expected to relieve congestion or solve parking issues as the parking tag sales are not limited or capped.
5. Free Entrance Days in the National Park
If you happen to be visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park on one of the free entrance days, you’ll be happy to know that a parking tag is not required! The remaining National Park free entrance days in 2023 include April 22 (the first day of National Park Week), August 4 (Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act), September 23 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).
After visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, head on over to our biker bar in Pigeon Forge TN to enjoy some brews and chews with your fellow motorcycle enthusiasts! We look forward to seeing you soon!
