Great Smoky Mountains National Park received 989,885 visits in September travel, recording an estimated 2 percent decrease when compared to the same month in 2000. With continued monthly decreases throughout the year, park visitation is off by 9 percent through September.

All three main entrances recorded declines in September, while the outlying areas combined tally saw a 9-percent increase at the 10-plus lesser use areas located throughout North Carolina decline; Townsend was down by 5 percent; and Cherokee reflected a 4-percent drop.

In addition to the counts taken at the Park’s main entrances, 913,947 vehicles were recorded in September travelling the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Spur.

The total number of visits tallied January through September was 7,162,702, with decreases recorded at all the entrances. The largest decrease was recorded at the outlying areas at 13 percent. Townsend reflected a 10-percent decline for the year, followed by Gatlinburg with a 9-percent decrease, and Cherokee for a 5-percent drop.

The park’s two major visitor centers saw a drop in people entering the information areas in September as well. But, while camping was still down at the developed campgrounds, backcountry camping picked up in September and showed a 14-percent increase over September 2000.

 

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The Smoky Mountain News