Page last updated: 20 September 2024
How many people visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year?
Over 13.29 million tourists visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2023.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed 12.55 million visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 4% to 12.1 million.
- By 2021, visitor numbers reached 14.16 million, exceeding the pre-pandemic year figure.
- Tourist numbers dropped in 2022 and 2023, with 12.94 million and 13.29 million visits, respectively.
How much do visitors spend at Great Smoky Mountains National Park every year?
In 2023, visitor spending at Great Smoky Mountains National Park amounted to $2.2 billion.
- In 2019, visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park generated $1.05 billion in expenditure. However, in 2020, visitor spending dropped by 3% to $1.02 billion.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park recovered in 2021, with $1.29 billion spent by tourists.
- In 2022, tourist spending amounted to $2.11 billion, and in 2023, this increased by less than 4% to $2.20 billion. This growth highlighted a steady recovery, showcasing a 109% rise compared to the spending levels in 2019.
How many people visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2023?
- In 2023, Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed a total of 13.29 million visitors, with 329,150 overnight campers and 12.96 million same-day tourists. This was 5% more than the visitors recorded in 2019.
How much did tourists spend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2023?
- Visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park spent almost $42.2 billion in 2023, exceeding the pre-pandemic spending levels by 109%.
Impact of Coronavirus
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tourism Statistics 2020 and 2021
- In 2020, Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor numbers fell to 12.1 million due to the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a decrease of 4% from the 2019 figure of 12.55 million. In 2021, there was a 12% increase compared to 2020 with 14.16 million visits.
- Tourist spending followed a similar trend. After 2019’s expenditure figure of $1.05 billion, tourist spending dropped to $1.02 billion in 2020, showcasing a drop of over 2%. However, in 2021, visitor spending reached $1.29 billion, exceeding the 2019 tourist expenditure by 26%.
How popular is Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park is ranked 2nd as “Best National Parks for Hiking” with 348 trails.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranked 1st as the most visited national park in the U.S.A. in 2023.
Read more about the U.S. National Park Ranking.
When is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
- The best times to visit are June, July, and October. Summer offers warm weather and lush greenery, while October is popular for the stunning fall colours.
- Winter and spring see fewer visitors but still provide unique experiences, like snow in high elevations and waterfalls in spring. Each season offers its own beauty, so there’s something to enjoy year-round.
What were Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s peak tourist months in 2023?
Here are the top 5 most visited months in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 2023, highlighting the seasonal attractions and reasons for the high number of visitors during each month:
- The beautiful fall foliage made October the most popular month in 2023 with 1.7 million visits.
- July welcomed 1.61 million visitors, as summer vacations and warm weather led to increased outdoor activities.
- June with 1.55 million visits, was an ideal month for hiking and camping. Its mild weather attracts nature enthusiasts.
- Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make September (1.31 million visits) a favourite for hikers.
- Late-summer vacations in August (1.29 million visits) kept visitor numbers high as families enjoyed outdoor activities.
What were the most popular types of camping at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2023?
- Tent Campers: 207,070 visitors, representing the largest group enjoying traditional camping.
- Backcountry Campers: 84,532 visitors, indicating a strong interest in more rugged, remote camping experiences.
- RV Campers: 27,175 visitors, reflecting those seeking a comfortable, mobile way to camp.
- Concessionaire Lodging: 10,373 visitors, showing those who prefer pre-arranged, park-provided accommodations.
- Concessionnaire Camping (3,695 visits): A smaller group prefers managed campsites provided by park concessions for a more structured camping experience.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts
- Location: Straddles North Carolina and Tennessee.
- Size: Covers over 500,000 acres.
- Most Visited: It’s the most visited national park in the U.S.
- Biodiversity: Home to more than 19,000 species of plants and animals.
- UNESCO Site: Designated as a World Heritage Site due to its natural and cultural significance.
What are the most common causes of death in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
There were 146 recorded deaths in Great Smoky Mountains National Park between 2007 and 2023. Here are the main causes of death in the park:
- Motor Vehicle Crash (59 deaths)
- Medical Emergency – During Physical Activity (14 deaths)
- Suicide (14 deaths)
- Drowning (12 deaths)
- Medical Emergency – Not During Physical Activity (9 deaths)
- Falls – (8 deaths)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Safety Tips
When visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s essential to be mindful of safety precautions due to the park’s remote location and harsh conditions. Follow these guidelines:
- Wildlife Warnings: Stay at least 50 yards from bears and other wildlife.
- Trail Safety: Always carry a map, plenty of water, and appropriate gear.
- Weather: Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
- Water Safety: Avoid swimming in streams due to strong currents.
- Emergencies: Cell service is limited, so remember the location of the nearest ranger station.
National Park (NP) Tourism Statistics
References
- NPS: Facts and Figures – Visitation, Ranking and Mortality Data