This was a topic discussed earlier this year, and it has been announced that indeed there will be parking fees in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park next year.
I understand the charge (sad about it because it was literally the only free thing left in the area and this will deter some good ppl from coming) but hopefully they can use the money to better the park. More park rangers would be a good thing too.
My hope and expectations are that they will be able to use the money for projects that will make things safer and better for visitors all around. Thanks for reading!
I don’t have a problem with paying for the parking pass. Like you said if it helps with the upkeep it is a good thing. We definitely donate more than the weekly charge each time we visit in the donation boxes. We will continue to do that also. A day in the park is worth much more to my family than seeing a movie for instance. 🙂
My husband and I vacation on motorcycles and would visit GSMNP about 4 times a year. I am a Senior Park Pass holder. The new parking pass fees have not indicated any type of reduced rate for seniors, or for pass holders. It means that if I want to spend anytime in GSMNP it is going to cost me $10 per day for he and I, plus $10 on our return trip back. I can visit Yellowstone, Glacier, Yosemite for $0 because I have the Senior Access Pass. (Note: motorcycles are light weight and therefore causes less wear and tear on the roads. Two bikes also easily fit into one space, sometimes three can.)
I don't have a problem with it except that if you pay for a parking pass, and then you go somewhere and parking is full and you can't get a spot--you've paid for nothing. I know we don't want to spoil the beauty of the park, but there is not enough parking at trail heads, Clingmans, Newfound Gap, Cades Cove, Townsend Wye--but especially at the trailheads.
I see your point. My suggestion is to go early in the morning. We eat breakfast at 7 and head into the Park after. It has always worked no matter what day of the week, month, or season.
I'm just curious on how they will enforce it, and how easy will it be go get the passes. Sure, locals will have easy access, but most the guests are from out of town, many that will not know about this change. Are they going to put up signs?
There are many senior citizens who purchased a lifetime pass to ALL the National Parks; as most are on fixed incomes. Paying a parking fee certainly will circumvent that. Why not charge a fee per car for entering the park like every other National Park does?
Probably because parking is a way for them to say they never want to charge an admission fee. Pay to park, but still free to drive through and visit. I think 15 minutes max to park will be nearly impossible to enforce.
We visit the Smokys every year, and don’t see a problem with the $15 weekly pass. Our local beaches charge almost that much to park for one day.
Good point. Thanks for reading!
I totally support this. We need to get money to the park. Since entrance fees aren’t allowed this seems like a good idea
Yes, they definitely need the money to keep it beautiful. I'm sure it wasn't easy, but this seems like a necessary option.
I understand the charge (sad about it because it was literally the only free thing left in the area and this will deter some good ppl from coming) but hopefully they can use the money to better the park. More park rangers would be a good thing too.
My hope and expectations are that they will be able to use the money for projects that will make things safer and better for visitors all around. Thanks for reading!
I don’t have a problem with paying for the parking pass. Like you said if it helps with the upkeep it is a good thing. We definitely donate more than the weekly charge each time we visit in the donation boxes. We will continue to do that also. A day in the park is worth much more to my family than seeing a movie for instance. 🙂
Yes we always throw some money in the boxes ourselves. Thanks for reading and subscribing!
I’m ok with the 15$
Many others feel the same. I'm supporting it and will pay knowing it will go towards keeping the Park beautiful.
We are part time residence of the immediate area and support this. Small price to pay to help keep our roads, trails and parking areas maintained.
I've warmed to the idea of paying. I'm happy to support these projects.
Love the idea and $15 would not break my budget knowing it’s helping the Great Smokies and resources necessary to keep it Great.
The best way to look at it. Thanks for the comment!
I like the annual payment option for those of us that visit often. I think this is a good way to help upkeep the parks for years to come.
It is a donation that will certainly go a long way toward improving the overall experience for happy visitors. I appreciate the comment!
the $5 parking fee does not apply to those vehicles that display a handicapped decal, tag, or placard.
Thanks for clarifying. I wasn't sure I saw it during the initial rollout of the plan.
What about handicap parking is it the same price?
Yes, I believe so.
My husband and I vacation on motorcycles and would visit GSMNP about 4 times a year. I am a Senior Park Pass holder. The new parking pass fees have not indicated any type of reduced rate for seniors, or for pass holders. It means that if I want to spend anytime in GSMNP it is going to cost me $10 per day for he and I, plus $10 on our return trip back. I can visit Yellowstone, Glacier, Yosemite for $0 because I have the Senior Access Pass. (Note: motorcycles are light weight and therefore causes less wear and tear on the roads. Two bikes also easily fit into one space, sometimes three can.)
I understand. It'll definitely take time to see how this will be handled. I'm sure it won't be easy.
Will the national park pass work?
I don't think it applies to this.
I don't have a problem with it except that if you pay for a parking pass, and then you go somewhere and parking is full and you can't get a spot--you've paid for nothing. I know we don't want to spoil the beauty of the park, but there is not enough parking at trail heads, Clingmans, Newfound Gap, Cades Cove, Townsend Wye--but especially at the trailheads.
I see your point. My suggestion is to go early in the morning. We eat breakfast at 7 and head into the Park after. It has always worked no matter what day of the week, month, or season.
I'm just curious on how they will enforce it, and how easy will it be go get the passes. Sure, locals will have easy access, but most the guests are from out of town, many that will not know about this change. Are they going to put up signs?
I would imagine they'll post signs. Enforcing it definitely feels like a challenge for the Park. I have the same concerns.
15 weekly is a great price, since florida charges 20 a day for beach parking
Someone else also brought that up. If you look at it that way, it's not bad at all for a nature visit.
There are many senior citizens who purchased a lifetime pass to ALL the National Parks; as most are on fixed incomes. Paying a parking fee certainly will circumvent that. Why not charge a fee per car for entering the park like every other National Park does?
Probably because parking is a way for them to say they never want to charge an admission fee. Pay to park, but still free to drive through and visit. I think 15 minutes max to park will be nearly impossible to enforce.