Parking permits in the GSMNP
The NPS is toying with the idea of implementing a parking permit system in the GSMNP. The is a public input period so that people can express their thoughts on the NPS website. They are also thinking ...
Forum Discussion
The park has a mandate of no fees. From its very beginning FDR promised there should be no fees for this national park. I honestly don't think this will be implemented but still, go to the NPS website and voice your opinions.
I can't speak to the FDR promise. But I've always understood that there are no entry fees to the GSMNP because the owners that donated much of the property that comprises the park stipulated that the donation was on the condition that an no fee would ever be fee charged to people to see park. I think the parking fee charge is breaking the sprit of the agreement. I wish there was another way for the park to collect the much needed fees. My understanding also is that your annual or lifetime NPS pass from the USGS does not help with the GSMNP parking fee.
