Great Smoky Mountains National Park Statistics

Great Smoky Mountains National Park logged 11.53 million recreation visits in 2025. It is still the most visited U.S. national park, though visits are 8% below 2019.

Published Sep 20, 2024 · Updated Oct 1, 2026

Great Smoky Mountains at a glance

  • 11.53 million recreation visits in 20251, the most of any U.S. national park.2
  • 7.79 million visits from January to August 2026, up 5.3% on the same months of 2025.3
  • 448,800 overnight stays in campgrounds, the backcountry and park lodging in 2025.4
  • October is the busiest month, with 1.56 million visits in 2025.3
  • More than 22,744 species documented across over 500,000 acres.5

How many people visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park recorded 11.53 million recreation visits in 2025.1

  • 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.1
  • By 2021, visitor numbers reached 14.16 million, exceeding the pre-pandemic year figure.1
  • Visitor numbers eased to 12.94 million in 2022 and rose to 13.30 million in 2023, then fell to 12.19 million in 2024 and 11.53 million in 2025.1
  • In 2026 so far (January to August), the park has recorded 7.79 million recreation visits, 5% more than the 7.40 million in the same months of 2025.3 NPS 2026 figures are preliminary.
How many people visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park every year?Recreation visits, 2011–2025National Park Service (IRMA Visitor Use Statistics)5M10M15M9.01M14.16M201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025YearRecreation visits

How many people have visited the Smokies in 2026 so far?

From January to August 2026, Great Smoky Mountains National Park recorded 7.79 million recreation visits, 5.3% more than the 7.40 million in the same eight months of 2025.3

  • January saw the biggest jump, with 435,207 visits, up 57% from 276,999 in January 2025.3
  • August was up 12%, at 1.12 million visits compared with 998,056.3
  • February (down 4%) and July (down 3%) were the only months below 2025.3
  • The 2026 total is still 1% below the same months of 2024 (7.88 million) and 6% below 2019 (8.29 million).3

NPS 2026 figures are preliminary, and September 2026 onward is not yet published.3

Great Smoky Mountains recreation visits by month, 2026 vs 2025
Month2026 visits2025 visitsChange vs 2025
Jan435,207276,999+57.1%
Feb393,250409,449−4.0%
Mar889,280845,724+5.2%
Apr1,042,765986,442+5.7%
May1,158,5231,114,160+4.0%
Jun1,355,8671,336,144+1.5%
Jul1,398,4841,435,337−2.6%
Aug1,119,221998,056+12.1%
Jan–Aug total7,792,5977,402,311+5.3%

Source · NPS Visitor Use Statistics, Recreation Visitors by Month, Great Smoky Mountains NP. 2026 figures are preliminary; September 2026 onward not yet published.

Recreation visits vs. overnight stays

  • In 2025, Great Smoky Mountains National Park recorded 11.53 million recreation visits1 and 448,800 recreation overnight stays in campgrounds, the backcountry and park lodging.4 Visits were 8% lower than in 2019.1
Recreation visits vs. overnight stays, 2015–2025
YearRecreation visitsRecreation overnight stays
201510,712,674425,894
201611,312,786447,873
201711,338,893408,358
201811,421,200394,677
201912,547,743393,301
202012,095,720358,153
202114,161,548480,477
202212,937,633517,702
202313,297,647498,482
202412,191,834501,802
202511,527,939448,800

Source · NPS Visitor Use Statistics, Annual Park Recreation Visitation and Overnight Stays, Great Smoky Mountains NP. Overnight stays are person-nights in campgrounds, the backcountry and park lodging.

Why are fewer people visiting the Smokies?

Recreation visits peaked at 14.16 million in 2021 and have now fallen for two years in a row, from 13.30 million in 2023 to 11.53 million in 2025.1 NPS has not given a single reason, but two changes affected access to the park:

  • Parking tags: Since March 1, 2023, every vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes has needed a parking tag.6 Tags cost $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year.7 Visits still rose in 2023, the first year of tags.1
  • Hurricane Helene: In late September 2024, the storm left several park roads closed, including Newfound Gap Road/US 441, and NPS encouraged visitors to reschedule their trips.8 October 2024 had 1.51 million visits, 11% fewer than October 2023.3

How did COVID-19 change visits in 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.1 In 2021, there was a 17% 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 almost 3%.9 However, in 2021, visitor spending reached $1.29 billion, exceeding the 2019 tourist expenditure by 23%.10

How much do visitors spend at Great Smoky Mountains National Park every year?

In 2024, visitor spending at Great Smoky Mountains National Park amounted to $2.04 billion.11

  • In 2019, visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park generated $1.05 billion in expenditure.12 However, in 2020, visitor spending dropped by 3% to $1.02 billion.9
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park recovered in 2021, with $1.29 billion spent by tourists.10
  • Tourist spending amounted to $2.11 billion in 202213 and $2.20 billion in 202314, then eased by 7% to $2.04 billion in 2024.11 Much of the jump after 2021 comes from new NPS visitor spending profiles introduced in 2022, which raised the park's estimate by 76%, so these totals are not directly comparable with earlier years.13
Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor spendingVisitor spending in local gateway regions, 2016–2024 (US$); new NPS spending profiles from 2022National Park Service (Visitor Spending Effects reports)500M1B1.5B2B2.5B922.95M2.2B201620172018201920202021202220232024YearVisitor spending (US$)

What is the park's economic impact?

Visitor spending of $2.04 billion in 2024 supported 20,349 jobs in communities near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, according to NPS estimates.11

  • Labor income: $1.02 billion11
  • Value added: $1.78 billion11
  • Economic output: $2.86 billion11
  • Spending from non-local visitors: 95.2% of the total11
  • Visits by state: NPS assigns 76.3% of the park's visits to Tennessee and 23.7% to North Carolina.11

Is Great Smoky Mountains the most visited national park?

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranked 1st in Kuru Footwear’s 2026 list of the best national parks for hiking, with 348 trails listed on AllTrails.15
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranked 1st as the most visited national park in the U.S.A. in 2025, with 11.53 million recreation visits.2

Most visited U.S. national parks in 2025

RankParkRecreation VisitsShare of national park visits
1Great Smoky Mountains NP11,527,93912.28%
2Zion NP4,984,5255.31%
3Yellowstone NP4,762,9885.07%
4Grand Canyon NP4,430,6534.72%
5Yosemite NP4,278,4134.56%
6Rocky Mountain NP4,171,4314.44%
7Acadia NP4,079,3184.34%
8Grand Teton NP3,800,6484.05%
9Olympic NP3,584,1873.82%
10Glacier NP3,136,5573.34%

Source · NPS 2025 visitation news release (March 13, 2026). Share is of the 93.89 million recreation visits to all 63 national parks in 2025, the sum of NPS park figures.

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 colors.
  • 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 the peak months in 2025?

Here are the top 5 most visited months in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 2025, 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 2025 with 1.56 million visits.3
  • July welcomed 1.44 million visits, as summer vacations and warm weather led to increased outdoor activities.3
  • June, with 1.34 million visits, was an ideal month for hiking and camping.3 Its mild weather attracts nature enthusiasts.
  • Late-spring weather and longer days brought May to 1.11 million visits, a busy month for hikers.3
  • Late-summer vacations in August (998,056 visits) kept visitor numbers high as families enjoyed outdoor activities.3
Great Smoky Mountains National Park visits by month in 2025Recreation visits per month, 2025National Park Service (IRMA Visitor Use Statistics)500K1M1.5M2M276,9991.56MJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecMonthRecreation visits

When is the park least crowded?

January was the quietest month at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2025, with 276,999 recreation visits, followed by February (409,449) and December (714,902). October was the busiest, with 1,561,683 visits, more than five times January's total.3

Great Smoky Mountains recreation visits by month, 2025
MonthRecreation visits
Jan276,999
Feb409,449
Mar845,724
Apr986,442
May1,114,160
Jun1,336,144
Jul1,435,337
Aug998,056
Sep981,366
Oct1,561,683
Nov867,677
Dec714,902

Source · NPS Visitor Use Statistics, Recreation Visitors by Month, Great Smoky Mountains NP

How many people camp in the Smokies? 2025 overnight stays

  • Tent Campers: 188,422 overnight stays4, representing the largest group enjoying traditional camping.
  • Backcountry Campers: 68,095 overnight stays4, indicating a strong interest in more rugged, remote camping experiences.
  • RV Campers: 141,354 overnight stays4, reflecting those seeking a comfortable, mobile way to camp.
  • Concessioner Lodging: 10,162 overnight stays4, showing those who prefer pre-arranged, park-provided accommodations.
  • Miscellaneous Overnight Stays: 40,767 overnight stays recorded outside the main camping categories.4 NPS recorded no concessioner camping stays at the park.
Overnight stays in Great Smoky Mountains National Park by type in 2025Recreation overnight stays by type, 2025National Park Service (IRMA Visitor Use Statistics)Tent campers · 42%RV campers · 31.5%Backcountry campers · 15.2%Miscellaneous overnight stays · 9.1%Concessioner lodging · 2.3%448.8KOvernight stays

Can you camp in an RV in the park?

RV campers logged 141,354 overnight stays4 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2025. The park runs developed campgrounds in 10 locations: Cades Cove and Smokemont are open year-round, and the rest are seasonal.16

  • Hookups: Only some sites at Look Rock Campground have electric and water hookups. Cades Cove, Elkmont and Smokemont have 5-amp outlets for medical equipment only.16
  • Showers: There are no showers in the park, but nearby towns have them.16
  • Dump stations: Cades Cove, Cosby, Deep Creek, Look Rock and Smokemont campgrounds have dump stations with drinking water, and there is another across the road from Sugarlands Visitor Center.16
  • Booking: Advance reservations are required. Each site allows one RV or trailer and up to two vehicles.16
  • Parking: RVs need a parking tag too. Tags cover all vehicle sizes and types.7

Planning a Smokies road trip? Compare RV rentals in Nashville and Atlanta.

RV rental in the USA

Species documented in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, by group
GroupSpecies documented
Invertebrates12,394
Fungi3,510
Plants2,463
Birds254
Fish76
Mammals70
Amphibians45
Reptiles40
All species documented22,744+

Source · NPS Park Statistics, Great Smoky Mountains NP. The groups shown do not add up to the total, which also counts other forms of life.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park FAQ

Is it free to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

There is no entrance fee. But since March 1, 2023, every vehicle parked in the park for more than 15 minutes needs a parking tag6: $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year.7

How many people visit Great Smoky Mountains per day?

About 31,600 on average: 11.53 million recreation visits in 20251, divided by 365 days.

What is the busiest month in Great Smoky Mountains?

October, with 1.56 million visits in 2025, when fall colors draw the biggest crowds. July was second with 1.44 million.3

What is the quietest month in Great Smoky Mountains?

January, with 276,999 visits in 2025, followed by February with 409,449.3

Is Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee or North Carolina?

Both. The park straddles Tennessee and North Carolina, and NPS assigns 76.3% of its visits to Tennessee and 23.7% to North Carolina when it estimates visitor spending.11

Can you take an RV into Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Yes. The park's campgrounds have RV sites, but only some sites at Look Rock Campground have electric and water hookups, and there are no showers in the park. Dump stations are at Cades Cove, Cosby, Deep Creek, Look Rock and Smokemont campgrounds.16

More national park statistics

What are the most common causes of death in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

There were 160 recorded deaths in Great Smoky Mountains National Park between 2007 and 2025.17 Here are the main causes of death in the park:

  • Motor Vehicle Crash (60 deaths)18
  • Suicide (15 deaths)18
  • Medical Emergency - During Physical Activity (14 deaths)18
  • Drowning (13 deaths)18
  • Medical Emergency - Not During Physical Activity (9 deaths)18
  • Falls (8 deaths)18

Another 23 deaths, nine of them in 2025, are recorded as undetermined.17 NPS notes that records from 2020 onward are provisional.

Causes of death in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (2007–2025)Recorded deaths by cause, 2007–2025Top 10 of 13 shownNational Park Service (NPS Mortality Data)Motor Vehicle Crash60Undetermined23Suicide15Medical - During physical activity14Drowning13Medical - Not during physical activity9Fall8Other Transportation6Environmental5Medical - Unknown3Deaths

Safety tips for visiting the Smokies

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.19
  • 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.

References

  1. NPS Visitor Use Statistics — Annual Park Recreation Visitation (1904 - Last Calendar Year), Great Smoky Mountains NP · irma.nps.gov ↑ b c d e f g h i j k
  2. National Park Service Records More Than 323 Million Recreation Visits in 2025 (NPS news release, 13 March 2026) · nps.gov ↑ b
  3. NPS Visitor Use Statistics — Recreation Visitors By Month (1979 - Last Calendar Year), Great Smoky Mountains NP · irma.nps.gov ↑ b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r
  4. NPS Visitor Use Statistics — Overnight Stays (1979 - Last Calendar Year), Great Smoky Mountains NP · irma.nps.gov ↑ b c d e f g h
  5. Park Statistics — Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) · nps.gov ↑
  6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Announces Early Sale of Park It Forward Annual Parking Tags (news release) · nps.gov ↑ b
  7. Fees & Passes: Parking Tags, Great Smoky Mountains National Park · nps.gov ↑ b c
  8. Hurricane Helene Recovery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (news release) · nps.gov ↑
  9. 2020 National Park Visitor Spending Effects: Economic Contributions to Local Communities, States, and the Nation · nps.gov ↑ b
  10. 2021 National Park Visitor Spending Effects: Economic Contributions to Local Communities, States, and the Nation · nps.gov ↑ b
  11. 2024 National Park Visitor Spending Effects: Economic Contributions to Local Communities, States, and the Nation (NPS Visitor Spending Effects report series) · nps.gov ↑ b c d e f g h i
  12. 2019 National Park Visitor Spending Effects: Economic Contributions to Local Communities, States, and the Nation · nps.gov ↑
  13. 2022 National Park Visitor Spending Effects: Economic Contributions to Local Communities, States, and the Nation · nps.gov ↑ b
  14. 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects: Economic Contributions to Local Communities, States, and the Nation (NPS Science Report NPS/SR—2024/174) · nps.gov ↑
  15. Best National Parks for Hiking (2026 ranking) · kurufootwear.com ↑
  16. Frontcountry Camping, Great Smoky Mountains National Park · nps.gov ↑ b c d e f
  17. NPS Mortality Data, CY2007 to present (National Park Service) · nps.gov ↑ b
  18. NPS Mortality Data, CY2007 onward (Prevention and Response Branch FOIA release) · nps.gov ↑ b c d e f
  19. How to Safely View Wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains National Park · nps.gov ↑
  20. NPS: Facts and Figures – Visitations, Spending, Ranking, and Park Reports · nps.gov
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