We know you’ll want to experience all of the exciting attractions in downtown Gatlinburg during your vacation, so it’s helpful to know about the parking situation! While you can enjoy the one-mile stroll into the downtown area from our Gatlinburg hotel or take advantage of the trolley service, many folks prefer the convenience of parking their vehicle near their favorite attraction! Therefore, here are the top 3 things to know about parking in Gatlinburg TN:
1. City of Gatlinburg Parking Garages
The City of Gatlinburg’s Parking Department operates two parking garages in the downtown area with over 300 spaces for passenger vehicles. One garage is located at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies with 364 spaces for passenger vehicles. The other garage is the McMahan Parkway Garage, located at Traffic Light #3, which has 366 spaces for vehicles. There are digital signs outside each garage entrance that indicate the number of parking spaces that are currently available. Note that both garages charge a flat rate of $10 per day, which is paid upon exit. You can pay by credit card at the exit gate to the garage or at self-serve kiosks stationed near the stairwells of the bottom floor in both garages. Those paying with cash must do so at the kiosks, as cash is not accepted at the parking garage exit gates.
2. Private Parking Options in Downtown Gatlinburg
Another one of the top things to know about parking in Gatlinburg TN is that there are a number of private parking options in the downtown area! There are over 20 private lots available, which come in handy if the municipal garages are full. Keep in mind that the prices of each private lot vary, so you may want to compare rates as you are driving through town. As an alternative, you’ll be excited to know that we offer a FREE downtown parking pass just for staying with us! This pass is valid at the Bearskin parking garage at 955 Parkway, which is situated right in the center of the action!
3. Free Parking Options
If you’ve already checked out of our hotel or are spending some time in downtown Gatlinburg before checking in, you might be interested in knowing where to find free parking! When heading south on the Parkway from our hotel, turn right at traffic light #5 onto River Road. Keep your eyes open on the right side of River Road for open parallel parking spots, as there is no fee to park there! If you’re having difficulty finding an open spot, drive down the road a few times, as people are constantly coming and going! River Road runs parallel to the Parkway, so once parked, it’s simply a matter of walking a block to access all of the shops, restaurants, and attractions!
Check out all of the rooms at our Gatlinburg hotel today to plan your vacation and enjoy perks such as a complimentary continental breakfast and a free pass for downtown parking in Gatlinburg TN! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smoky Mountains!
