1999 National Park Visitors

1999: Nearly 287 million visits.

In 1999, the United States' national parks continued to draw millions, with iconic destinations like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion consistently ranking among the most visited, but the **Great Smoky Mountains National Park** typically held the top spot, attracting over ten million visitors that year. Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, this sprawling park captivated visitors with its ancient, mist-shrouded Appalachian peaks, which are among the oldest mountains on Earth. Its unparalleled biodiversity encompasses over 100 native tree species and a vast array of wildlife, most notably its healthy black bear population and countless species of salamanders, earning it the nickname "Salamander Capital of the World." Visitors in 1999, much like today, flocked to drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road, hike stretches of the Appalachian Trail, explore historic log cabins and churches in areas like Cades Cove, and witness the park's characteristic blue haze that gives the mountains their 'smoky' appearance, making it a free and accessible natural wonder.

Data Source: National Park Service Stats