GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK – The new parking tag system at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is bringing in a lot of cash! $10 million was generated from parking tag sales and camping fees in the first year since the “Park it Forward” program launched. “One hundred percent of the funds generated by park fees stays in the Smokies,” according to National Park Service officials.
The money is going toward four key initiatives:
1. Starting the park’s first Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) team, made up of seven rangers.
2. Hiring eight roving park rangers to help visitors and perform key roles throughout the park.
3. Hiring more maintenance employees for road, bridge and tunnel work.
4. Constructing 50 new parking stalls at Laurel Falls Trailhead, replacing bear-proof dumpsters across the park and conducting multiple other rehabilitation projects.
“There’s so much more to come—our team continues to plan fee-funded projects for future years to address needed maintenance and to improve your experience in the park,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “We look forward to continuing to demonstrate the value of this historic investment in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.”
Park it Forward launched in March of 2023. Park users can purchase a $5 daily, $15 weekly, or $40 annual parking tag. Camping fees also increased one year ago.
