The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Record Breaking Month
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been welcoming more and more visitors each season since its opening in 1934. In fact, the park saw numbers topping one million people in October 2014. Those kinds of numbers have not been seen in the park during the month of October since 1999. According to the National Park Service, the number of Great Smoky Mountains National Park's visitors reaches around 9 million annually, making it the most popular national park in the entire country. The park welcomes guests from all over the world. A major reason why it is so popular is because there's no entrance fee, unlike many other national parks in the country. Another reason why people love coming to the Smokies is because it's within a day's drive of more than two thirds of the United States.
What Caused the Increase of Visitors for October 2014?
In 2013, those who planned to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the peak of the fall foliage season were very disappointed when the government shutdown caused the closure of the park. Rangers speculate that those visitors made the trip this year instead, spiking the October 2014 numbers.
October 2014 Attendance Statistics
Attendance in October was particularly high at some of the more remote entrances to the park. The number of visitors entering the park from points such as the Foothills Parkway, Greenbrier, or Big Creek picnic areas was up a whopping 73 percent over the most recent 20-year average. The picturesque overlooks, waterfalls, and creeks in these areas are becoming increasingly more popular with park guests as more and more families are drawn to the Smoky Mountain region and all it has to offer. Cities such as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge also benefit from all the increased traffic through the park. Likewise, the number of park visitors is enhanced by the greater number of tourists visiting these cities.Why Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
It is no surprise that park attendance has been steadily increasing. Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitors are surrounded by over 500,000 acres of stunning beauty. Here are a few reasons to visit this national treasure:- Hiking trails-over 800 magnificent miles, most with year round access
- Plant life-breathtakingly beautiful wildflowers and vegetation
- Wildlife-home to over 200 species of birds, 30 different types of salamanders, and 65 varieties of fish
- History-abandoned buildings representative of past farming communities and logging industry
- Ranger led tours-information from the park's experts
- Tranquility-quiet, peaceful, and spectacular landscape