<< Back 8/7/02 National park visitation increases SMN Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials reported that yearly visitation through June is ahead of 2001 travel by three percent. From January through June, the total number of visitors numbered almost 3.8 million, up from less than 3.7 million in 2001, a year when the park recorded fewer visits every month. A combination of monthly increases and decreases were reported in 2002 when compared to last year. The new year started out with a four percent decline in January, followed by a three percent decline in February. March visitation, however, rose 12 percent compared to 2001. April declined five percent, but May and June both reflected increases of four percent and seven percent respectively. Year-to-date entries at Gatlinburg and Townsend, Tenn., rose, but Cherokee recorded no change. The outlying areas combined tally of 809,440 visitors showed a one percent increase. A breakdown showed Gatlinburg visits at 1.6 million for a six percent increase, Townsend at 688,852 for a four percent gain, and Cherokee at 990,635. In addition to the counts taken at the park’s main entrances, more than 5 million vehicles were recorded travelling the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Spur during the first six months. The roadway not only serves park visitors, but is also a major commuter road for local traffic. Camping in the park also was up through June, posting a four percent increase at front country campgrounds.Camper nights numbered 93,256 at the 10 developed campgrounds, up from 89,360 in 2001. Backcountry campgrounds registered 42,814 users, which was no change from last year.