The next time you’re marveling at the ruins at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs or standing in awe of the place known as “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon," you might want to whisper a simple “thank you" to President Jimmy Carter.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials said visitors will not need to display parking tags or pay entrance fees for the day.

Gary Ingram spent 7 years in Plains, Georgia, supervising the National Park Service site devoted to Jimmy Carter's life. He says it changed his life.