Opportunities include recording observations on popular hiking trails, monitoring parking availability and monitoring traffic flow patterns at busy locations. Volunteers may choose the opportunities that best align with their interests and preferred locations. 

Park managers will use the data to better understand visitor use patterns and resource conditions at sites such as Clingmans Dome, Deep Creek, Big Creek, Cades Cove, Laurel Falls Trail, Alum Cave Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail and Trillium Gap Trail. Park visitation has increased by more than 30 percent over the last decade, resulting in crowding, safety issues and resource damage. The data will help managers develop recommendations for addressing these challenges. 

Volunteers will work at least one, four-hour shift per week during the April-to-November peak visitation season, and a virtual training session will be offered in March. To sign up, contact Kendra Straub at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..