Robbinsville – Graham County commissioners are opposing parking fees in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and are asking for help from the county’s congressional delegation to intervene.
The Graham County Board of Commissioners “formally opposes the imposition of the proposed parking fees,” according to the resolution approved by the board on June 10. The board “further opposes imposition of any fee for the use of the park that is not directly associated with the use of amenities or a commercial purpose.”
The board voted 5-0 to pass the resolution.
Graham County commissioners are worried that this fee may lay the groundwork for other fees that could reduce visitation and reduce tourism in Graham and Swain counties, harming small businesses and local government.
Over the past decade, park visitation has skyrocketed by 57 percent, according to the National Park Service.
“Because the park’s operational budget hasn’t seen similar growth, the increase in visitors is starting to take its toll with wear and tear on aging facilities and undue strain on limited staff,” it said on its website.
The Smokies Parking Tag would be available for purchase both online and onsite. The park assessed parking fees in gateway communities and found that the average daily rate is $15, and the average monthly rate is $67.50. In National Park sites where parking fees are charged, the average rate is $9 per day and $50 per year.
The park is proposing a daily parking tag for $5, a parking tag for up to seven days for $15 and an annual parking tag for $40.
More information about the proposal can be found at nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/2023-fee-proposal.htm.
Claiming that parking fees are unjustified, Graham County commissioners joined their counterparts in Swain County, which accounts for 42 percent of total park acreage and which borders Graham County.
The history and culture of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an integral and important part of the history and culture of the two counties, according to the resolution.
Many residents of both counties are descendants of the original inhabitants of areas now within the national park’s boundaries. Many have ancestors buried there, according to the resolution.
“It has been understood in both counties from the creation of the park onward that there would be no charge to enter the park,” according to the resolution.
Graham County commissioners have a “genuine concern” that the imposition of the parking fees may hinder the use of the park access by Swain and Graham County families joining together at the park, strengthening familial bonds, reflecting on history and culture of their ancestors, as well as fishing and enjoying nature.