Mastering Gatlinburg parking is essential for a stress-free visit. The quaint town can get quite busy, and securing the perfect parking spot is often a challenge.
However, with our expert tips and tricks, you can navigate the parking landscape with confidence and ease, ensuring that your time in Gatlinburg is spent enjoying the beautiful scenery, exciting attractions, and vibrant atmosphere rather than searching for a parking space.
Luckily, if you are a guest at a local hotel or condo, parking is usually provided for you. Oftentimes, vacationers will leave their cars parked at their hotel and walk up and down the Gatlinburg streets.
What do you do if you aren’t staying at a hotel downtown or if you plan a day trip to Gatlinburg? Where is the best place for parking while you visit?
Public Parking Areas
The City of Gatlinburg Parking Department provides two parking garages in the downtown area. Each garage holds over 300 parking spaces each. One garage is located at Traffic Light #3 and the other is by Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. If you are worried about parking and availability, you can click here for real-time updates on these garages.
Both public parking garages are available for $10 per car, per day.
The City of Gatlinburg also offers free Park and Ride Lots. One lot is located by City Hall and can accommodate 95 vehicles. The other lot is by the Spur at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and can allow 145 vehicles. Both locations allow you to park your car and ride a trolley for free into the town of Gatlinburg.
Also consider the parking lot on 441. This can accommodate 34 vehicles and prices are $1 per hour.
Private Parking Areas
There are many other options for Gatlinburg parking. Each privately owned lot sets their own rates, or may be for patrons of a restaurant or store. Here are some of the current privately-owned parking lots in Gatlinburg.
- Gatlinburg Theme Parking Lot – 130 East Parkway
- Venus Parking Lot – 431 Parkway
- Gatlinburg Parkway Lot – 715 Parkway
- Downtown Parking Lot – 526 Parkway
- Tingler Parking Lot – 128 Cherokee Orchard Road
- Ole Smoky Parking Lot – 744 Parkway
- Tramway Parking Lot – 305 Cottage Drive
- Reagan Drive Parking Lot – 220 Reagan Drive
- Mountain Manor Parking Lot – 142 Historic Nature Trail
- St. Mary’s Church Parking Lot – 304 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg Parking Pro Tips
When visiting Gatlinburg, try to arrive as early in the day as possible. This is the perfect time of day to obtain a parking spot on River Road. This road runs parallel to the parkway and allows you to bypass some of the hustle and bustle. If you can catch a parking spot on the road here, you are set for the day.
Consider dining at a restaurant that has its own dedicated parking area. Some restaurants, such as The Peddler, allow patrons to park while visiting their establishment. This would be the perfect time to take a small stroll around town, after enjoying a delicious meal.
In conclusion, these expert tips for Gatlinburg parking will help you make the most of your visit to this charming destination. With a little knowledge and preparation, you can make your parking experience as smooth and convenient as your overall visit to this mountain town. Remember these tips, plan ahead, and get ready for an unforgettable Gatlinburg experience!
If you’re on the hunt for lodging during your Gatlinburg visit, we have you covered, our luxury cabin rentals will have you enjoying the tranquility of the Smoky Mountains from the comfort of your cabin. Click here to see the best cabin rentals in Gatlinburg.
