Number of visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the U.S. 2008-2023

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park reached its highest number of recreational visitors in 2021, reporting 14.161 million visitors, an increase from the previous value of around 12.4 million in 2020.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Established in 1926, the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks is located in the United States, spanning across Tennessee and North Carolina. This park, which topped the ranking of the most-visited U.S. national parks in 2021, owes its name to the ever-present morning fog on site. With miles of hardwoods, a wide variety of wildlife, and around 700 miles of fish-filled streams, visitors to the Great Mountains National Park can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and observing the local wildlife.

Hiking in the United States

According to the ‘’Outdoor Participation Report’’ annually produced by the Physical Activity Council (PAC), hiking is among the most popular outdoor activities in the United States. This pastime has experienced a rise in popularity in recent years. In 2021, the number of people participating in hiking in the United States reached an all-time high, with approximately 57.8 million participants that year.