Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sees Record Visitation in 2015

The National Park Service certified park visitation numbers yesterday, showing that Great Smoky Mountains National Park experienced the largest number of visitors in its history last year.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park had 10,712,674 recreational visitors in 2015, breaking a visitation record set in 1999 and earning the title of #1 Most Visited National Park.

The Top Ten Most Visited National Parks in 2015

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 10,712,674 Visitors
2. Grand Canyon National Park – 5,520,736 Visitors
3. Rocky Mountain National Park – 4,155,916 Visitors
4. Yosemite National Park – 4,150,217 Visitors
5. Yellowstone National Park – 4,097,710 Visitors
6. Zion National Park – 3,648,846 Visitors
7. Olympic National Park – 3,263,761 Visitors
8. Grand Teton National Park – 3,149,921 Visitors
9. Acadia National Park – 2,811,184 Visitors
10. Glacier National Park – 2,366,056 Visitors

“Across the nation, the National Park Service is celebrating 100 years of service in 2016 by encouraging the next generation of park visitors to enjoy their parks. We are glad that so many people continue to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and we hope to further inspire them to become that next generation of park users, supporters, and advocates,” said Park Spokesperson Dana Soehn.

More than 307 million people visited national parks across the country in 2015, a 4.9 percent increase over 2014. Great Smoky Mountains National Park saw visitation increase 6 percent.

“The popularity of national parks is well known, but last year’s numbers really are extraordinary,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “As the National Park Service celebrates its 100th year, we’re preparing to welcome more visitors than ever including a new generation of park supporters and advocates who are discovering their own national park adventures.”