According to National Park Service (NPS) statistics, the Great Smoky Mountains, America’s most visited national park, received nearly 13 million visitors last year.
From 2011 to 2021, the park’s visitation increased by approximately 60%. That vehicle and foot traffic volume leads to wear and tear on the park’s infrastructure.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. Sounds great. Right? Not so fast. Effective March 1, 2023, the park has implemented a new parking fee program.