Celebrating 85 Years Since the National Park ’ s Dedication in 1940
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National Park Shuttle Service
Transportation from Pigeon Forge to the national park is available for purchase . Please visit www . nps . gov / grsm / planyourvisit / shuttles . htm to see a list of authorized shuttle providers and schedule your trip . ( Park staff cannot book shuttles .) Please note that most shuttle services run March through October , and reservations are required for all . Contact each shuttle service to confirm shuttle capacity .
Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Please Note Laurel Falls Trail is expected to close for construction beginning in November 2024 and lasting for 18 months . Please consider alternative hikes if you are visiting during this time . Go to www . nps . gov / grsm / planyourvisit / laurel-falls . htm for the latest information .
Begin your trip planning , learn about areas of the park , and plan your visit today at www . nps . gov / grsm / planyourvisit /
Celebrating 85 Years Since the National Park ’ s Dedication in 1940
In 2025 , Great Smoky Mountains National Park will celebrate the 85 th anniversary of the park ’ s dedication . On Sept . 2 , 1940 , President Franklin D . Roosevelt dedicated the park and addressed a crowd of thousands stating the park was , “ for the permanent enjoyment of the people .”
Great Smoky Mountains National Park joining the National Park System is thanks to the hard work of thousands of people .
Visit www . nps . gov / grsm / learn / historyculture / biographies . htm to learn more about some of those people in honor of the anniversary .
Park It Forward Parking Fees
Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires parking tags to be displayed on any motor vehicle parked within the park boundaries . Parking rates are $ 5 a day ( daily parking tag ) if parking for more than 15 minutes . To purchase a parking tag and see a list of exemptions visit www . nps . gov / grsm / planyourvisit / fees .
Revenue from the Park It Forward program provides year-round support focused on improving visitor experiences , protecting resources , and maintaining trails , roads , historic structures , and park facilities .